Unveiling the yoga of the soul: journaling

Taking the time to put pen to paper your thoughts can be therapeutic, meditative or insightful at times. Journaling contributes to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. Performed consistently, it can be an enriching and transformative exercise.

What is journaling all about?

Journaling helps you incorporate mindfulness to your day. It refers to the practice of regularly putting your thoughts, feelings, experiences and observations in a written form. It is a personal and introspective journey that can help you capture life's events and document your innermost emotional and mental states over time.

Why should you put pen to paper?

There are as many reasons as there are humans on this planet! Yet if you need some “hard facts”: according to a Harvard Business Review article, journaling serves as a tool for self-expression, self-discovery, and self-awareness. It helps to clarify your thoughts, process your emotions, set goals, and gain insights into your life.

How to start?

Maybe you already have a beautiful paper journal you want to use. Yet, you find yourself facing a blank page, not knowing what to write, sketch or doodle about. How about asking yourself a trigger question, and capture your response with loving kindness? Below you can find five of my favorite journaling prompts.

Incorporating journaling can be as effortless as jotting down one word or drawing. Personally, I see it as a key enabling me to access the wisdom of my heart. At times, it also helps me digest feelings and experiences, get them “out of my system”. Trust me, the more you do it, the more natural it feels. And sooner than you think, journaling will grow into a mindful routine that fills your heart with anticipation each day.

Why not give it a try?