The Healing Power of Journaling

Journaling is an ancient tradition. For centuries, people have kept personal records or logs of important information about everything from lunar eclipses, famines, and changes in world leaders to personal information about the challenges and joys of life in many different settings. Journaling is a creative, fulfilling, insightful, and therapeutic exercise. By writing about an experience, we help make it our own, we explore its meaning, and we ultimately can release it. Journaling can be beneficial in healing you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Before you begin to write, center yourself by taking a moment to relax and connect to the here and now. Label your entries with the date, day, and year to track patterns; find a safe and quiet place to write; be honest and open; don’t edit yourself; let your emotions be freely expressed in your writing; keep your journal private; and include pictures, art, poems, prayers, and drawings if you like. Regular practice will help you feel liberated and empowered.