One daily habit I value as much as (perhaps more than) exercise in journaling. It is the first thing I do most every day (after feeding the pets and pouring the first cup of morning coffee). I rise early—before any other in my household—and let my mind go. If I neglect this valuable habit, my rhythm usually feels a bit off.
There is no set pattern for journaling. For me, it is to write a goal for each dimension of my well-centered fitness (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social), my personal mission statement, my values, and list “opportunities” for the day. On a weekly basis, I like to review my long-term goals, as well. After laying this foundation, I just write what is on my mind. I write whatever comes to mind. I end with my personal mantras: “Be your best today; be better tomorrow.”; “I am third.”; and “To God be the glory!! Grace & peace!” This can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes (sometimes longer).
Journaling allows a free expression of thoughts and feelings. It is practice of solitude and connecting with one’s self.
It is quite easy to become disconnected from one’s self. Work, family, friendships, relationships, etc. can create what Parker J. Parmer (in A Hidden Wholeness) refers to as the “divided life”. We are divided when our external façade does not match our true self and Purpose. We are divided when the deepest yearnings of our soul are silenced by the desire to fit in and to please others. Journaling seeks to reconnect us with this true self.
A journal is private. It is a space for one to express himself or herself freely and without judgement. One can always speak most openly with one’s self than even the closest of friends or one’s spouse. It is a space to speak one’s complaints and resolve frustrations.
In my most troubled times, I often find that what begins with complaining and expression of my frustration rather quickly—or sometimes slowly—progresses to resolution. My friend Andy Lausier would call this moving “from have to get” (in other words, from “I have to…” to “I get to…”). For my personal journal habits, this is the purpose for listing my “opportunities”. It directs my thinking of challenges as barriers and obstacles (curses) to thinking of these as opportunities (blessings). Of course, there is always the risk (perhaps, likelihood) that once I am face-to-face with my “challenge” I will slip back into a less positive state, but this is a better space to be than a more negative state. Over time, I find I am growing in a more positive direction.
I recently returned from a family camping trip. Camping is, perhaps, my best space for journaling. I cannot sleep late (6:00 AM is about as late as I can sleep on any given day). Camping, it is usually difficult to sleep beyond 5:00 AM—the hard ground and chirping birds make for a great alarm clock. This recent trip was especially ideal. The weather was perfect—no rain and not to hot or too cold. The birds sounded very much like the sleeping app on my iPhone. I had a good 2-3 hours of peaceful quiet time in the wilderness near Lake Cushman in Washington state. I brewed a pot of coffee and made a fire. I would sit before the fire sipping my hot, buttered coffee and be alone in my thoughts. It may have helped that I am currently reading A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life, because a found myself connecting with my soul and considering my Purpose with great clarity. It was a refreshing four mornings (and I amazed myself that I was able to set up and breakdown camp without a single curse word—a personal first, I am ashamed to admit). Now, back to the comforts of home, there is a residual effect that I hope to continue.
I am intentional in saying that I hope to continue the momentum of my journaling (rather than “I hope will continue”). The difference is subtle, but there is an important distinction. Had I said that “there is a residual effect that I hope will continue”, I am passive in my approach to pursuing well-centered fitness or “wholeness”. Rather than hoping, I am purposefully taking an active approach. I am taking responsibility for maintaining this residual effect.
Daily journaling need to be intentional. It begins with intention. (There are many mornings that I would prefer to sleep later or check Facebook.) One writes with intention. I start with the goals, mission statement, values, opportunities, etc. to set a tone—to create a positive momentum in my thought processes. Consciously and subconsciously, I am directing my discussion with myself.
It occurs to me, as I write this, that I employ a technique that I emphasize in my Exercise Motivation & Adherence course. I teach my students to approach conversations with their clients with a “motivational interviewing” approach. Specifically, I encourage them to ask questions of their clients that are open-ended and allow the client to speak. The intention is for the client to come to the conclusion that he or she wants to change the behavior. My own internal discussions are not unlike this. I might best describe my journaling process as a direct conscious thought followed by an subconscious response. When I allow myself, it is an effective process.
I find journaling to be a powerful and effective habit. I have my pattern. It is not the only or necessarily the best pattern. It works for me. Others must find their own effective path to reconnecting with their self. For some, it might not even involve writing. Some prefer drawing or meditation. Find what works and let it be an effective tool.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!