Creative Journalling For Self Care…
It’s uncertain exactly what motivated Carl Gustav Jung to make The Red Book. World War I? A midlife crisis? A psychotic episode?
Whatever the reason, in the midst of chaos, Jung — founder of analytical psychology — turned to a type of visual journalling. Employing words. Mandalas. Medieval manuscript inspired spreads. To explore. To express. To soothe. To make meaning. As he said:
“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.”
Creativity & Wellbeing
We know creativity enhances wellbeing. 45 minutes can ease stress — no matter your artistic experience or talent. Draw. Paint. Write. Craft. All can have a similar effect to meditating.
Despite it’s regular use by therapists few studies have been made on creative journalling and its benefits, specifically. Yet it’s creative possibilities suggest journalling is an ideal pursuit for those seeking to release, relax, reconnect.
Why Creative Journalling
Step off the merry-go-round that is everyday life. Let go. Immerse yourself in arty crafty explorations. Or reflective wordplay. And eventually you may lose yourself in a timeless, effortless sense of flow. AKA the zone. That place where answers and possibilities tend to dwell.
In fact, far from being frivolous, embracing childish wonderment — when it comes to creating — can be a potent thing. It’s something that can speak to those parts your rational mind can’t always reach. A kind of stepping stone from your head to your heart.
Your Subconscious is Six
As Bruce Lipton, PhD stem cell biologist and bestselling author of The Biology of Belief, says:
"Our thoughts are mainly controlled by our subconscious, which is largely formed before the age of 6, and you cannot change the subconscious mind by just thinking about it."
What’s more, our subconscious mind thinks in the form of symbols, metaphors, and visual forms, not words. Which means being purely logical, or grown-up, can actually keep us stuck in old habits instead of flowing.
Reconnecting with our our creative flow. Our inner knowing. Our inner magical child — as visual journaller and author Rakefet Hadar calls it. Can help us move through times of change and transformation with more grace and ease.
And, creative journalling is just one way to do that.
Your Journal Is Your Oyster
Your creative journal can be as deep or as shallow as you desire. Use it to:
Record precious memories
Explore emotions
Channel your creative flow
Release stuff and relax
Get to the crux of a problem
Rediscover what you want or need
Reconnect you with your sense of self
Be more present
Have fun — remember that?!