Many people have told me over the years that they don’t like to journal. One reason that comes up is that they find it depressing and they sometimes feel worse after writing. Through discussions of their journalling practices it often emerges that the only kind of writing that they do is of the so-called venting variety: the content is focused on complaints and negative happenings. It is not hard to understand that this can lead to a downward emotional spiral.
There is convincing research to suggest that writing about our emotions and experiences leads to feeling better. What I have observed, however, is that being able to create balance in the intention and content of the writing is more helpful than using the journal as a place that holds only unhappiness. A reframe of the purpose of the journal is needed, from that of passive container of complaints to active participant in the joys as well as the sufferings that make up our lives.
When I hold as my intention a focus on the richness of what I experience I am open to seeing beauty in the unexpected and humour in the pain of living. There is a lot of laughter that happens in my office: not because it is funny to see people suffering, but because laughter affirms life. This quality of expansiveness and perspective-taking can shift the journalling process to a more positive one that encourages instead of flattens.
May 24, 2011
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