Why Journal with Meditation?
Journaling and meditation go hand in hand. When you meditate, you increase your awareness of the present moment. This includes your thoughts, emotions, etc. By journaling after meditation, you can get those thoughts out on paper. This breaks the cycle of repetitive thoughts running through your mind. Using guided journaling prompts, you can explore your thoughts in ways that release negative emotions and improve your wellbeing.
Get comfortable with plenty of paper and a backup pen or pencil. Meditate using my guided meditation, another guided meditation that speaks to you, or by simply sitting quietly observing your breath. Spend at least 10-15 minutes allowing yourself to let your mind release any distracting thoughts. After your meditation is complete, begin your journaling exercise.
When journaling, don’t censor yourself or get caught up in your handwriting, spelling, grammar, etc. This is for you, and only you. What happens to these pages after your journaling practice is completely up to you. Free write for about 15 minutes or use prompts to guide your journaling.
Don’t forget to go back and read what you’ve written. Use these insights to make the shifts in your life towards which your inner wisdom is guiding you.
Here are some journaling prompts for your meditative journaling experience.
If my 10-year-old self met me today, what would they be most proud of?
If my 80-year-old self met me today, what advice would they give me?
What am I most grateful for and why?
Describe the physical and emotional sensations felt during meditation.
What do I love the most about myself?
When am I at my most energetic? Describe the experience and how I feel.
What is one question I want to know the answer to in this lifetime? Why do I want to know and why don’t I know the answer already?
What are your favorite journaling and meditation practices?