spiritual journaling

Spiritual journaling.

Meditation is a powerful practice on the spiritual path. If you meditate, you will evolve intellectually and spiritually. On this lifelong journey of inner growth we learn constantly. Everyday life and events provide opportunities to apply your knowledge. And you grow in wisdom every single day.

But it’s not always easy to see your progress. Most of the time, you don’t get feedback from family, friends, or coworkers. No one says, “You’ve really improved—how did you do it?” Still, it’s helpful and encouraging to be aware of your progress on the path.

One effective way to recognize your progress is by making a written record. Journal about your insights, experiences, and questions. Copy an inspirational quote for future reference. Then you can refer to it later. Over time, you can see your progress. This can be encouraging. Or it can revitalize your practice if needed.

Keep Your Journal Positive and Inspiring

My Guru says that positive journaling is a tonic for the mind. By restricting your journaling to the good and positive events, thoughts, and actions in your life, you begin to realize that you are Divine.

Yogis believe in the power of thought. That’s why we emphasize the practice of positive thinking and meditation. Thoughts are strengthened through repetition. So we strive to allow only positive thoughts to fill our mind.

Some people use journaling as a way of venting their sorrows and frustrations. Psychologists might advise their patients to write for this purpose. However, for spiritual growth, we should use our journaling as a positive support. Think about it. Today you could write, “I just couldn’t meditate. I sat for five minutes, and I was so restless that I just gave up and went back to work.” Or you could say, “Meditation was challenging, but I managed to sit still for five minutes. Svami says that any amount or quality of meditation is beneficial. No effort is wasted, and I should meditate every day without fail. At least I did that!”

When you review your journal next month or next year—which statement is going to brighten your day? Which one is going to inspire you to continue your practice with renewed enthusiasm?

Journaling Styles

There are so many styles of journaling. No single method works for everyone. You’ll need to discover for yourself what works best for you and which format keeps you coming back to your journal. Experiment with several styles or methods and then settle on the one that gets you writing.

Following are a few recommendations. These are journals with which I’ve had some success. They are excellent starting points if you’re new to spiritual journaling.

The Five-Minute Journal: The title itself gives you the nudge you need. Everyone has at least five minutes to write. This journal includes an excellent introduction to the principles of journaling. It also explains why it’s such an effective practice. Its pages include prompts, inspirational quotes, and a few lines for daily entries.

The Daily Stoic Journal: This book is based on the Stoic principle of daily self-evaluation. These principles are similar to a yogi’s. It’s the most structured journal that I own. Each week includes a page of Stoic principles to contemplate. The pages are dated and include space for a morning and evening reflection. If you’re already a disciplined journalist—or want to be—this is a good choice.

Moleskine Notebooks: These journals come in many sizes and styles. I use a simple lined version. There are no prompts or dates, so it allows for free-form writing of whatever comes to mind. The style I prefer comes in a three-pack. I keep one in each area of my home in case I need to jot down a passing inspirational thought. The journal only has forty pages. There’s nothing formal—or scary—about these booklets.

An Unconventional Journal

Over the years, I’ve started many journals in blank books. I have a bookshelf filled with blank books containing a few entries in the first pages. The books are pretty, but the pages are empty. I’ve never filled a blank book. However, one system that’s worked for me for many years is sticky notes. I keep various sizes and colors of sticky notes around for quick action. Over the years, I’ve collected hundreds of those notes. Some of them are quotes from books, or from my Guru. Some of them contain my own thoughts. Click here to view a collection of notes from this unconventional journal.

I haven’t always dated or referenced the notes. I wish I had. Occasionally, I want to return to the source of a quote. Searching on my computer sometimes helps me find that source, but often I spend many hours trying to locate it. Although trying to find the source of a quote is always an intellectual adventure, I now include it on each sticky note.

Just Get Started

The spiritual path can be a lonely journey. By journaling, you can be your own best friend, confidant, and cheerleader. It’s a way of keeping company with your best self. You can clarify your thoughts and direct your intentions. It helps you check your progress and stay on track.

Think of journaling as an essential part of your spiritual practices. It can take as little or as much time as you desire. But, as with all spiritual practices, it’s most effective as a daily commitment. Spiritual aspirants meditate every day. Consider journaling just before or after your meditation practice. You’re already quiet and focused at that time. Take another five minutes to add something to your journal.

Are you already a seasoned journaler? What type of journaling do you practice? Do you have any motivational techniques to get us returning to or starting a journal? Please share your suggestions in the comments below.

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