March 23, 2012
Barbette
Minneapolis

March 9, 2012
Cafe Barbette
Minneapolis

Next Thursday I will be presenting “The Art and Therapeutic Benefit of Journaling” to approximately 100 people at the Minnesota Social Services Association conference in Minneapolis.  During my presentation, I will present the research–my own and the research of others over the past two decades–on the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of writing about our thoughts and emotions.  Because I believe research can only tell us so much about a process such as journaling (or meditation, or yoga, or whatever wellness practice being studied) I take participants of my presentations through the actual experience of journaling so that they may understand for themselves the power of their words and the power of this practice.

It’s always a little intimidating to present to a room full of faces, weary from a day spent within conference rooms, pens poised, wanting information, wanting to learn and understand something they can use in their work with others.  What they may not expect is that during their experience, they will be moved and inspired within their own lives, which will in turn, move and inspire the lives of those around them.

I work with them the same way I work with teen moms, kids at risk, housewives, or administrators.  Because, as Joseph Campbell said, we are not humans having a spiritual experience.  We are spirits having a human experience.  We all share space in this same boat.  Therefore, it is through this philosophy–that what we are experiencing is a spiritual journey on Earth–that I teach what I know about the practice of journaling.

The past week, I have been enjoying a book called, “Living Buddha, Living Christ” by Thich Nhat Hanh, in which he highlights the parallels between Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of Jesus.  In the introduction, he presents a quote by Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas that, in light of this upcoming conference, highlights exactly why a journaling practice is so powerful:

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.  If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”  -Jesus

This is true for all human beings–we are on a journey, a journey of our spirits.  Yet, we live in a world screaming with to-do lists, technology, and busyness.  When do we take the time to listen to the voices of our souls?  When do we sit down and listen to our deepest selves, to our deepest desires, so that we may bring them into the light, into existence in our lives?

There is no research available or even possible that can quantify the lasting and enriching effects of practicing the art of reflection and intention.  But I am without doubt that if we all take the time to listen to ourselves and our lives, we will cultivate peace within our lives and our paths.

If you want to touch a glimpse of this experience, try this: Sit down for ten minutes with a piece of paper and a pen.  Beginning with the words, “I am,” write everything that you are.  For example: “I am a writer, I am a mother, I am a teacher, I am sitting here at Barbette writing this blog, I am 39 years old, I am preparing for the conference next week….”  Keep returning to the words, “I am…” like a mantra.  If you are taken off on a tangent, go with it.  Because what you are doing is excavating, digging, getting to the bedrock of yourself and your soul.  Your writing will take you were you need to go.  All you have to do is begin–two simple words will get you onto the page and into your life.