Mindfulness
Mindfulness
My favorite definition of mindfulness is "mindfulness is paying attention to your life, here and now, with kindness and curiosity." (Amy Saltzman) Mindfulness can be accessed through journaling that is non-judgmental. A journal is a safe space to practice paying attention to your life and emotions, here and now. Journaling can be a mindfulness experience that people find more comfortable than meditation. It is an active form of mindfulness which for some is more accessible. Journaling and mindfulness both reduce stress and anxiety as well as help a person gain a sense of self reliance and confidence. Being able to support yourself through challenging emotions or issues in your journaling is really helpful in building a strong relationship with yourself and adding to your feelings or positive self esteem.
Journaling can be helpful in any amount. If you feel moved to journal daily that is wonderful. If you journal once a month that is also great. Depending on your own personal goals with the journal, you can come up with a time schedule that works well for you. Usually when starting a new habit it is helpful to start small. Try challenging yourself to journaling once per week and then increase to three times per week and so on. Starting small always helps. It can also help to set a reminder in your phone for when you have chosen to journal so there is some accountability.
There are so many styles of mindfulness journals out there. Some are completely guided and some are more free flowing. One of my favorite mindfulness journals is "The Five Minute Journal." I like this journal because it is simple and easy to fill out. There is a morning and an evening section which I really like. There is also a quote at the top of each page and I love learning new quotes and feeling inspired. Choose a journal that feels exciting to you. One that you feel you will be accountable to writing in.
Remember the kindness and curiosity from the definition of mindfulness. The purpose of journaling is not to allow your inner critic to run wild. Try practicing noticing your emotions on the page and speaking kindly to yourself to process and move through the emotions. It is important that you start working on your non-attachment with thoughts and feelings and a journal can be a great place to practice this. Try to cultivate a stronger positive self talk through journaling for mindfulness.
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