Journaling: A Discipline and an Art
I read two posts on journaling this morning: Journaling: A Holy Experience and Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline: Many Creative Ways. Both posts reminded me of a habit I’ve somewhat neglected, and the second one especially showed me some of the many creative possibilities that come with journaling.
Only in recent months, I would say, have I allowed myself the freedom to break outside the traditional dated entry with personal thoughts written in neat paragraphs. I’m such a grammar and structure perfectionist that I thought my journal had to read like a book. But that’s not true at all, and allowing myself the freedom to change things up makes journaling a lot more creative and fun.
The main reason I’ve always written in a journal for the past several years has been to supplement my devotional reading and prayer life. While I think it is important to verbalize prayer and not just write it, writing my prayers helps me get over the hump of distracting thoughts. Writing along with reading Scripture is also so good for meditating – it allows you to really dwell on what you’re reading. Rewriting Scripture helps you memorize it, and writing down your thoughts helps you remember and apply it.
Sometimes the pace of journaling frustrates me. I’m a fast typist, so writing on a keyboard enables me to record my thoughts much more quickly. Slowly transcribing my thoughts by hand, though, forces me to be intentional about what I’m writing, and makes me focus on quality more than quantity.
Those are a few of my thoughts that were sparked by reading those entries. Do you journal? How often do you do it, and how do you do it? Please share in the comments section.
I love journaling. It can be the hardest and best thing. To put my thoughts on paper, to record events in my life, and spell out prayer concerns that I haven’t quite put into words yet… it is a joyous challenge. I began my journaling at age 10 in blank books, and, 10 years later, I am still writing. I do admit that I type my journal entries now — and have for the past 2 1/2 years. You give up some things when you keep your journal on the computer, and you gain others. I am divided about it. Honestly, I wish I could do both simultaneously, but I am not always faithful to the one!
How often do I do it? Well, that depends. I try to write every day, but it has been several times a week lately. Oddly, I find I write the most when things are quieter. In the busyness of life, it is easy for me to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of things I want to write. I have to do summaries occasionally where I make a list of important dates and record what happened in one or two sentences.
Thank you for your post! I love hearing about people’s journal habits.
I think it’s wonderful that you journal, and I hope you will always be able to.
Elizabeth Ellen,
I agree that there are pros and cons to keeping a typed journal instead of a paper one. I have kept a journal on the computer before, but always returned to physical pen and paper because I can take it anywhere!
I journal quite a bit, not as much as I would like though. Lately I’ve mostly been writing down prayers and notes from Bible reading in my journal. I include poems often too. I feel inspired now to expand my journaling to bigger realms! I love notebooks to death and have about ten just sitting on the shelf by my bed.
Olivia, I love notebooks too. I have to stay away from those aisles at stores! I always want to buy new ones.
haha, I sur ehave the same problem with buying journals!! I should get into journaling again…
I absolutely LOVE journaling! It is something that I use in my devotions for praying. I find that when I write out my prayers to the Lord (like a letter) it causes me to actually think through a lot of things…and not get as distracted as easily just like you said it helped you…
I also love it because now that I am getting older it is so neat to go back through and read what God has brought me through! He is so worthy and it is neat to have a reminder of what He has done in my life
Anna, I’ve enjoyed exploring your blog. Thanks for commenting on mine so I knew you existed and could come visit. And by the way, your blog design is so whimsical and fresh.
You read my post on journaling, so there’s not much more to say. Although I would like my next journal to be unlined so I can also use it as a sketchbook. As an artist, I’d just like to combine them into one: sketches/writing. But unlike the way artistic types are often portrayed (unorganized, scattered) I’m so type A I’ve kept them separate because it seemed too disorganized to put them together. But like you, I’m thinking to allow myself a bit more freedom in that area.
Thanks Anna, I’ve neglected journaling in my devotional times lately, but you encouraged me to pick up the pen again. This morning I was really blessed with some much needed truth through writing/meditating on Scripture again.
I journal quite often. Usually I record prayers, things going on in my life, things the Lord shows me, and Bible verses. A few years ago I was very much a perfectionist in the way I wrote, but I have now reached a point where I realize how little it matters.
I don’t journal and haven’t since I was very young, but I would like to try it sometime to help me grow in my devotions. Hopefully it would encourage me to be more purposeful.
By the way, I’ve missed you(or your blogging, I should say, since I don’t know you in real life) so much and am thrilled to hear of the glorious things God is doing in you life. I’m praying that you feel better soon and that the pregnancy is an easy one.
Do you think you might put any sort of a book list back up? I loved your recommendations, particularly for novels. They were so helpful.
Alison,
I’ve thought about putting my book reviews back up; I’m glad you liked them. I might do it again; I really enjoy it.
I enjoy journaling very much. I used to do it more frequently, but I fell out of the habit as my schoolwork has become more demanding.
There are so many psychological benefits to having a written record of your thoughts and the events of life at a particular time. I’ve always enjoyed going through my past writings.
I’ve done both computer and paper journals, and enjoyed them equally. They are both unique, and can be more effective/enjoyable in different seasons of life.