Wednesday 24 June 2015

The Purpose Of Creative Writing Journals To Write In

By Freida Michael


Many people use diaries to keep a note of daily activities. The purposes of a journal go much deeper, with entries that express emotions, responses to events as well as questions and reflections about life. Creative writing journals to write in are often used on a daily basis, offering an important way to develop creativity. Studies have even shown that keeping one even has positive effects on both physical and emotional health.

Journal-keeping has a long history. For many centuries it was used as a tool for developing self-knowledge and enlightenment. Today we have found that there are other benefits to be obtained too. It can even benefit health and help to promote emotional healing.

One of its most obvious uses is that it helps us to remember, just like a diary. We have a record we can look back on. However, it helps us to recapture the emotions we were experiencing rather than just the events. Sometimes we are unaware of what was really happening to us at the time but when looking back we start to see patterns and gain insights. We can take past experiences we have written about and understand through the lens of time the impact they have had on our lives.

When first beginning a journal, it is often quite intimidating to know where to start. At this stage one cannot think too much. It is better to just begin putting one word after another without any self editing. Just like a dirty well that has not been used for a while, it may take time to get a flow going. Just as clear water eventually appears, so one finds that thoughts and words become more fluid with practice.

Our minds are constantly assaulted with a barrage of information. Getting into the habit of using a journal is a way to help sift, sort and evaluate all thoughts and emotions. As the flow starts to emerge, so the mind becomes less cluttered and more clear. This is when inspirational thinking can truly begin.

Many people struggle to recover from grief and loss. It has been proved that writing fears down and expressing emotions in words helps in the healing process. Instead of remaining bottled up inside, they are released onto the paper and this often helps to promote healing.

It may be considered old-fashioned to keep a journal in this day when just about everyone has a blog. However, a blog is not private and there is something special that happens in the brain when a person puts pen to paper. Problems can be explored, possibilities considered, emotions expressed and creativity stimulated by the process.

Many of those who are concerned with personal growth or spiritual development find a journal indispensable. It documents their journey and helps them to gain insights. For those wanting to develop their creativity, it is just as important. It helps them to clarify their thought processes and reach a place where new ideas and connections begin to flow. For others, it provides a way to express their emotions and promote healing.




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