Journaling for the Creative Mind: Rituals, do they really work?

[Zulmara Maria]

Day 8: Rituals, do they really work?

With journaling, there are as many ways that it works as there are people who find they journal successfully. Some journalers have to start at the same time every day and they follow a routine…I get a cup of tea, go to my chair, turn on the iPod and write away… These individuals cannot even imagine being unprepared for a journaling sessin and they find that the ritual helps them get grounded, stay centered, is almost meditative.

Others, journal when the mood strikes them. They may not write everyday, but they write when they feel a need, are starting a new project or need to get out of a funk. They write what is in their heart to feed the soul and nourish the spirit, but only when the muse strikes them. Others, find that they when they are inspired, it works for them to journal, so they seek out that inspiration…a favorite coffee shop, a favorite beverage, a favorite playlist, a favorite snack…sets the tone and the mood for the journaling to begin.

So, do rituals work, yes, for some people they do, others find them too confining and too contrived. I find that I use a combination of both. As I read, I am harvesting my readings for great quotes, quips, and anything notes to jot down…when I am feeling overwhelmed, I stop, get a goal journal out…and write down my goals…to stop the swirling in my mind. When I am in a certain space, like shortly after my mom passed away, I set up a ritual and journal for healing…and take the time to get the cup of coffee, put on that special playlist, light the candles…and enjoy that inner tranquility that only comes when you take quality time for yourself.

Please share with us what type of journaler are you…do you have a special ritual you follow? Do you prefer the spur of the moment?

A lucky winner will be chosen next Saturday…

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

What I do is right
Even if the rest of the world
doesn’t agree with me

What I think is valuable
Even if the rest of the world
snickers

What I believe is honorable
Even if you
don’t agree with me

What I dream is just
Especially if it supports me in the
Pursuit of my purpose
What purpose are you pursuing?

[Zulmara Maria]

So well said, Maria...when I assigned journal writing for my students, I would let my visual students journal with pictures, drawings, colors, and markers...for them to get to the writing, they needed the visual input to get to the written output. I think it is so important to honor that in students to help them get in touch with the essence of who they are...so they can have that balance...

Thanks for sharing...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

[Maria Sanchez]

Zulmara, I've not made journaling a formal routine yet. Although I've been blogging for several years now on blogger. I think that because I am more of a visual person. I collect images. And I save them to hopefully some day use them for inspiration or in a collage. I look for colors, shapes and things that move me. I have a huge magazine collection that I go to when I want a visual escape. I think that is my form of journaling. A visual form not written. I too collect quotes and find quiet time to light a candle, listen to my favorite music and simply get away. With a family it's hard to set aside a designated time. Usually it's early morning or very very late at night when the house is still. What purpose? Visual journaling supports me, who I am as an individual. (not the mommy, wife, coworker, etc... ) just me. We all need that I think to keep ourselves balanced otherwise we get lost in the craziness of our lives.

[Zulmara Maria]

Que cool are you...a nice combination of both a ritual and flexibility...

thanks for sharing...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

[Bea]

Ritual, when I'm writing, it has to be a quiet time, usually a morning or evening when nobody is around or just occupied. I don't want any intrusions upon my thoughts. If I'm doing a drawing, collage, or other type of journal project, then I do it when the mood strikes, no real rhyme or reason, just that I feel the need and I do it at that time.
What I do depends on which journal I'm working in.