“Dear Diary” is often a phrase that is associated with journaling but journaling can be a spiritual practice that allows you to connect internally and express yourself. It can be a supportive and helpful practice during difficult times—one that can help you understand and uncover how you’re feeling in the moment and a tool that can be beneficial to back yourself instead of working through with others.

Writing down the stream of your thoughts can help you sift through the reality from the made up, the good from the bad and allows you to express your feelings in a safe way without putting them on, blaming or taking your feelings out on others. 

Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way” incorporates morning pages as a spiritual creative practise. Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. The idea is to write anything that comes into your head whether it makes sense or not. It is a stream of consciousness and is not meant to be re read or thought too much about. 

The “Weekly Guided Journal” by Womb warriors provides a structured journaling approach with gratitude goals and affirmations. This is a great way to start your journaling practise.

Benefits of journaling

• Reduces stress
• Helps work through and deal with negative emotions
• Boosts health and well being
• Helps you recognize triggers and work through fears and concerns
• Boosts mindfulness, memory and concentration
• Encourages you to open up.