Journaling as a psycho-spiritual exercise – Guidelines
Quieten yourself.
Spend a few moments breathing in and out.
As you breathe out, relax the different parts of your body.
Get in touch with your thoughts and feelings at this moment.
When you are ready, begin to write your thoughts and feelings down.
If you find it difficult to begin somewhere, just begin by describing the events of the day or the past few hours.
What people have you met?
What events have you witnessed?
What touched you most during the day?
Were there insights that cropped up in your mind during the day?
How were your quiet moments, including the contemplative practice?
Generally, were you serene and centred (focussed) during the day?
(You might want to follow a particular style of journaling from among the different approaches described in Appendix B).
Consider your diary as a faithful listener and companion.
Consider your diary as a safe space where you can be yourself.
Consider your diary as the sacred space
where you can get in touch with God,
by getting in touch with yourself.
As you write, from time to time get in touch with your self:
What thoughts come to your mind?
What inner wisdom is there in those thoughts?
How do you feel?
What message does your feeling bring to you?
Would you like to write even these insights?
Conclude by rereading what you have written,
and getting in touch with your thoughts and feelings.
If there is something more that you feel like writing, just go ahead to write.
If you feel your heart is heavy, try to practice Christian mindfulness.
Surrender that feeling to a Greater Power – God!
You might want to talk to someone about it later, and seek help.
But for now, just let go.