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A journal is a very easy way to start being spiritually intentional in everyday life. * Choosing a book is the first thing: there are many to buy. If you like writing, then a lined book and a pen which gives you pleasure to write with will be part of the intentionality in your choice. Keep it in a special but handy place. If you are likely to write while in transit - in the bus or train while commuting, for instance - or in a spare moment, then choose a journal that is easily transportable. It can still be attractive (I have a small square one, spiral bound with a multicolored plastic cover). If you know you will want to collect bits and pieces of other things - a ticket, a flower, a sequin, a program, whatever - then always have something you can store them in, such as a small purse or an envelope that will keep them safely until you get home to work on your journal. * A journal by definition needs to be filled in regularly. That does not necessarily mean every day, but if you leave too long an interval between entries your enthusiasm - and memories of what you want to record - will fade. Remember that a journal is not something you will hand in to be marked by the teacher in school! It is for your own personal use, so it has to be tidy enough to satisfy only yourself. But the care you invest will be an indication to you of how serious you are about this, and that can be a learning experience in itself. * Providing yourself with a special book will put value on your work and give it more significance. To be special is not the same as being costly, though, and you can decorate the cheapest scrap book so as to make it as unique as if it had been crafted from the finest handmade papers. Any book could do, but since this book is an expression of yourself and your spiritual journey, make sure it is something you will treasure and have pride and enjoyment in. * Journaling can bring healing into the lives not only of those who write them, but of their readers as well. For an example of that, read Nicholas Wolterstorff’s book 'Lament for a Son' in which he journals about the death of his son. From my mailbag, I know that my own book, 'Clowns, Storytellers, Disciples' has fulfilled a similar role for many who read it - and again, while it is not a journal in the narrow sense, it records my own story in a way that has encouraged others. * There are no set rules about what you can include: it can include anything and everything that’s going on in your life. Or you could decide to write about political issues, global concerns or personal questions that interest you. * Journals can create a special bridge between generations. Grandparents may wish to record daily events in a way that will give a snapshot of their life and circumstances for their grandchildren later on. Or an estranged parent or relative may find this a healing process, not only by working things out for themselves but knowing that some day it may form a legacy of understanding that can be shared with others at some future date. | |||||
| Olive M Fleming Drane Based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland Copyright © Olive M Fleming Drane 2008 | |||||
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