"OUT OF THE DARKNESS" POST 49

Spiritual journaling is a very therapeutic practice.  In involves writing down your thoughts, feelings and experiences.  It is a very good way to connect with yourself and express your creativity.  To start journaling, start small.  Do not pressure yourself into writing about a certain subject or writing alot.  You can maybe write a little about something that has inspired you, or what you are thankful for.  Looking over what you've written can keep you motivated and focused.

A wonderful idea would be to start a gratitude journal. Pen what blessings you are thankful for in your life.  You could set your intentions for what you want to accomplish during the day.  Affirmation journals can help you build both your spiritual growth as well as personal growth.  

Other than meditation, journaling is my way of connecting with my inner self.  I write down my ambitions, dreams and things in regard to my shadow self.  Everyone has a dark side to their personality.

Your shadow self are the parts of yourself you will need to work on as you grow spiritually; and are usually the things you would rather keep hidden.  Although it will be unclear where to start, there are different journaling ideas which can be very beneficial to you.  One thing for certain is that journaling can bring you into communion with God.  It helps you express your deepest thoughts and feelings.  It will connect you with the healing presence of the divine.  

Your mental health will benefit greatly from regularly writing down things you are experiencing.  It is a great emotional outlet.  By having a safe space to vent your frustrations or celebrate your joys, it is a stress reliever. It will keep anxiety in check.  Journaling helps gain insights and zone in on behavioral patterns and emotional triggers; something crucial for personal growth and mental well being. The practice of journaling will self examine your heart, meditate in your walk with Christ, record your entire spiritual journey and provide witness to future generations.  

Following are a list of self-knowledge prompts for you.

They will give you some things to ponder.

One thing I know I need to work on is__

I'm most proud that I__

The thing I am most thankful for is__

The thing I thought about the most as a child was__

The thing I am most afraid to tell people is__

The ways I have grown over the last 5 years are__

In the next year, I really want to__

One thing I'll never regret is__

One can really learn alot about themselves as they delve into these type questions.

I will end with some light prayer thoughts:

Dear God,

Enlighten what is dark in me.

Strengthen what is weak in me.

Mend what is broken in me.

Bind what is bruised in me.

Heal what is sick in me.

And lastly,

Revive the peace and love that has died in me...