In 1995, a year after my son was born, I discovered the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and the recommended practice of writing your Morning Pages. She asks to you to write three pages in your journal every morning. This is non-negotiable. Her powerful tool is simply to write without thinking, a stream of consciousness practice, which brings out thoughts and ideas you never knew you had. I had journaled in the past, but not on a regular basis. The Morning Pages were a jump start to a now 20 year practice of journaling daily. Thank you, Julia Cameron.
Journaling clears your mind, offers creative insights, and opens doors to your subconscious. For example, while journaling 17 years ago, I realized how much I missed playing music. It spurred me to take guitar lessons and brush up on my rusty guitar skills. I joined a songwriting group and attended songwriting camp each year for the next 12 years. I’ve since made lifelong music friends, written a multitude of songs, played out, and hosted a women’s songwriting group at my home. I continue to create and enjoy music on a regular basis.
If you have not tried journaling, I would highly recommend it as a practice to add to your self-care regime. It is right up there for me with my daily practices of yoga and meditation.
Put pen to paper and after a few boring thoughts (what should I write, maybe my grocery list?!), you may find yourself hitting the creative jackpot. Or not.
Show up and write either way. The physical act of writing has proven to be beneficial, and getting those pesky brilliant thoughts out of your mind leaves space for more insight and inspiration.
I now take my journal everywhere. I don’t want to miss out on an inspired thought. Journaling might just spur you to live a life worth writing about. Lately, I started a travel journal with my partner. We record our travel dreams and destinations in writing, a powerful way to manifest what you want. It has already led us to great new adventures.
Our challenge isn’t whether we are creative, it’s how to let it flow. Journaling is one great way to do that. At the least, you’ll a have a nice grocery list for the store, at most you could be on to a grand adventure, an incredible insight or new creative endeavor.
So, why not open a blank page and see what happens. Just do it.
Casey Conerly Yoga 