By Snehlata Singh
Journaling has provided immense clarity in my life, enhancing my connection with myself and positively impacting my work, relationships and overall well-being. There are numerous science-backed benefits to journaling. It enables us to explore unknown aspects of ourselves and grants permission to express what remains unspoken. Begin journaling to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and uncover the parts of yourself that you haven’t yet explored. Below is a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to start journaling.
1. Start becoming aware of the resistance
There could be a lot of resistance when it comes to starting journaling as an everyday practice.
Get aware of this resistance. Becoming aware of this resistance is crucial, as many people struggle to begin journaling because of it. Pay attention to the excuses and reasons that arise for not journaling. Are these reasons because journaling won’t improve your life, or could it actually make it better? Sometimes deep down we know what can improve our lives, but there are so many fears and resistance to change and evolution that hold us back.
2. Create your own WHY
When someone tells you to do something, you might be able to stick with it for a day or two, but often the habit fades and the initial enthusiasm diminishes. Finding your own strong reason of why journaling is important or how it could help you in your life will make you consistent. Create your own why. Start gathering all the reasons how it can support you or make your life beautiful. This personal motivation also help you overcome the initial resistance and stay consistent.
3. Start Micro
Start small. Start with 5-10 minutes of writing, if not more. Give yourself at least that much time to get into flow. Start writing something even if you can’t find words and gradually you will find yourself writing more. For example “I don’t know what to write, but today I will write something”
Let your hands move freely and don’t stop writing. I recommend writing about your thoughts and emotions as simply as you can, or whatever is occupying your most energy.
When you overcome the resistance of writing that first sentence, you’ll likely find that you have written more than just a few lines.
4. Don’t be afraid of Emotions
Don’t be afraid of uncomfortable emotions. I know it’s easier said than done. When you feel some heaviness while writing, sometimes the heaviness is lifted while writing and processing itself and other times these emotions can linger for 1-2 days.
Remember that emotions are energy in motion, they eventually pass if they are not suppressed or repressed. Don’t be scared of these emotions if they stay for a while.
Healing happens in layers, you can’t process all of it in one go. Sometimes, the process happens gradually, reducing the intensity of the emotion by 5-10% each time you experience it while writing or meditating.
Journaling helps us feel what we haven’t felt before. It helps us process what hasn’t been processed, allowing this energy to move on so that we can renew our lives and get unstuck from the past.
5. Always end with some Self Love Affirmation
Always try to end your journaling session with some powerful words of love for yourself, as it might feel heavy or overwhelming at times. Calm your energy with self-love affirmations; this will leave you more energized and ready for the rest of your day. Be grateful for showing up for yourself and for doing this practice. Conclude with gratitude and self-love.
6. Get a direction with Journaling Prompts in a safe space
In beginning especially, we need that direction. We need something to guide us if we don’t know what to ask, answer, or explore. Get structured guidance, start with our Journal, “You are the Fire,” for 21 days – Visit Heartful Creations – Goddesses of Fire for the same. Committing to a set period is a good way to establish a habit without getting distracted or bored. Follow a guided path. Commit to yourself and start where you are with what you know.
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