Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 12:12am
What is writing down the soul?
Column: Writing Down Your Soul
"What is writing down the soul?" is an excerpt from "Writing Down the Soul: How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within," due out in the winter of 2008 from Conari Press.
Is this journaling?
That's the first question people ask. Journaling, the world seems to agree, is a good thing. Pick a book — any book — in the self-improvement section of the bookstore and you'll be hard pressed to find one that doesn't recommend journaling. Christina Baldwin jumpstarted the trend in 1990 with "Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest." Next came Julia Cameron's classic, "The Artist's Way," with directions to write three "morning pages" a day. A few years later, Sarah Ban Breathnach followed her best-selling "Simple Abundance" with "The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude." Since then, it seems every blockbuster arrives with a matching journal. And don't think journaling is limited to the "softer" arenas of spirituality and personal growth. Search for "journal" at any online bookseller, and you'll find journals for everything from dating and diseases to weight control and wine tasting. Even the data-driven world of finance and business sees the value of journaling. In "The Success Principles," Jack Canfield, the nation's foremost success coach, recommends journal writing.
Other professionals encourage journaling, too. Therapists often recommend journaling to deepen the insights and strengthen the gains made in therapy. Professional hypnotists encourage clients to journal to enhance the results of the hypnotic experience. And spiritual directors from all traditions counsel seekers to journal to explore their spiritual life.
But — although all writing has the power to access inner wisdom — not all forms of journaling have equal impact. There are three things that distinguish writing down your soul from regular journaling.
The first and foremost is intention. While hundreds of books and teachers extol the benefits of journaling, they rarely mention the critical first step — the thing you do before you pick up a pen: Set your intention. It is the energy of intention that puts everything in motion. When you begin with a clear intention to access the Voice within, you let the universe know you are ready to open two doors in your soul: the door into your deepest self and the gate to the divine. That's a powerful combination and an unmistakable message. And the universe responds — always. So by setting your intention to open your soul to divine dialogue, you elevate the act of writing to a place journaling rarely goes.
The second difference is purpose. This kind of writing has a gentle structure and a singular focus. It is deeply, deeply personal. Writing down your soul is about you, your life, your concerns, your fears, your aspirations. It's about discovering and giving voice to the secrets buried deep in your soul. It's about asking questions until you uncover the ones you've never asked. Its purpose is to deliver the guidance you need right now to live the full, rich life you are here to live. Write with that purpose in mind, and you will find a trail of answers, not just any answers — your answers.
And that's when you'll discover the third rather big distinction between writing down the soul and journaling: commitment. There's a rub in this kind of writing, a rub that takes it well beyond the self-exploration of standard journaling. The rub is: If you ask the universe for guidance and receive it, you are a bit beholden to do something with it. You can't hear the Voice of Spirit and then say, "Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll just keep doing things my way." Well, you can, but why? Why open that door in your soul and then pretend it isn't open? Why walk through that magical gate and then pretend you didn't? In soul writing you search the reaches of your heart, tell your story, ask your questions, hear your answers, receive your guidance, and ... well, what happens next is up to you.
Intention. Purpose. Commitment. Set your intention, write with a purpose, and make a commitment to use the wisdom received. Do all three and you are no longer journaling — not in the usual sense. You may physically be writing in a journal, but you are writing in a different way. You are writing in and with and through your soul. You are connecting with Spirit, asking heaven for guidance, and receiving it. You are opening yourself to the grace and gifts of the universe. You are changing your life.
Is this meditation?
That's the second question people ask. The answer, like the one for journaling, could best be described as "yes, and."
When we hear the word "meditation," we visualize someone sitting on the floor, legs crossed, back straight, breathing in and out, silently seeking an empty mind. For years I tried to meditate this way. I tried guided meditation, silent meditation, prayer meditation, chakra meditation. I practiced with mantras, mudras, sounds, chimes, color and, of course, breath. But I could never get my mind to do that clearing thing. Riggedy-raggedy thoughts were always prodding and poking me. "Acknowledge them," the instructor would invariably say in a warm, liquid voice, "and let them go by." Go by? Go bye? Trust me, I'd think, these thoughts aren't going anywhere. They're busy reminding me that I have things to do, places to go, people to check up on, problems to fix, and worries to worry. The second the lights would dim, they'd pop up to remind me that there isn't enough money, or the roof is leaking, or the car is coughing, or the kid is crying. Go by? I don't think so.
One teacher was particularly creative. When another neophyte in the class complained that his thoughts wouldn't stop chattering, she suggested we visualize a train pulling into the station of our mind to pick up our scattered thoughts and carry them away. Well, my train pulled in, all right, and a few dozen thoughts pushed and shoved their way on board, but as the train pulled out of the station, they realized what was happening and went berserk. They scratched at the windows, leaned out and screamed back at me, waving frantically. Some leapt onto the tracks and raced back to me. At the end of the class, I smiled wanly, gave the teacher a weak hug, and headed home with all my fears back in their full upright starting positions.
I take no credit for discovering writing down the soul. I stumbled upon it. Out of sheer desperation, I picked up a pen and wrote, "Dear God," at the top of the page. Immediately all my fear thoughts lined up to be heard. They jumped through my pen and onto the page where I could see them, and where Spirit could show me how to heal them. For three years, I told my story and asked for guidance. And, for three years, guidance came — every day.
So, is writing down the soul meditation? The dictionary says meditation is " ... the practice of profound spiritual or religious reflection or mental contemplation." Well, this kind of writing is certainly profound. And it is definitely a spiritual practice. And it is probably the deepest reflection you've ever experienced. And your mind is totally engaged — but so are your heart and your soul and your body. So, is this meditation? Yes, and more. This kind of meditation meets you where you are right now, no matter what's on your mind. It supports you as you name your woes and lay them at Spirit's feet. It is time with your best friend and the wisest counselor in the universe, rolled into one. This kind of meditation is an intimate, personal conversation that can't be explained or even really shared. But you know it's real, because there it is on the page — your own personal conversation with God.
Is it prayer?
That's another question I get. And I don't see how the answer can be anything but yes. Because prayer is conscious connection with the divine. When you write down your soul, you are certainly conscious, although you are also "not conscious." By that I mean you're not limited to the conscious level. As you write, you dive below the conscious to thoughts and feelings you didn't know you had, and you soar above the conscious to experience real understanding, safety and peace. You quickly recognize when you are in touch with something within yourself that is beyond yourself. Call it by any name we assign to the divine or call it the Voice. Call it whatever you want. The name isn't what matters. The point is that you know you are connected to something more. At some point even the word "connection" becomes insufficient to describe the experience. Communion, perhaps, would be more accurate.
So, is writing down the soul journaling? Yes, but something more.
Is it meditation? Yes, but something different.
Is it prayer? Yes, but a new kind.
It is all these things and more. It is what happens when journaling becomes meditation becomes prayer.
Perhaps we should not try so hard to answer the question "What is writing down the soul?" Because, in the end, each person will find out for himself or herself. Your answer will not be the same as mine. Your experience will not be the same as mine. And maybe that's just the way it should be.
— — —
Janet Conner, S.E. (Spiritual Explorer), is the creator of the Spiritual Geography map and book series. She is currently working on a new book, "Writing Down the Soul: How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within," for Conari Press. The Spiritual Geography books are available through Amazon or Spiritual Geography. Contact Janet at {email janetconner@tampabay.rr.com}janetconner@tampabay.rr.com{/email}. © Copyright 2007 by Janet Conner.
Is this journaling?
That's the first question people ask. Journaling, the world seems to agree, is a good thing. Pick a book — any book — in the self-improvement section of the bookstore and you'll be hard pressed to find one that doesn't recommend journaling. Christina Baldwin jumpstarted the trend in 1990 with "Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest." Next came Julia Cameron's classic, "The Artist's Way," with directions to write three "morning pages" a day. A few years later, Sarah Ban Breathnach followed her best-selling "Simple Abundance" with "The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude." Since then, it seems every blockbuster arrives with a matching journal. And don't think journaling is limited to the "softer" arenas of spirituality and personal growth. Search for "journal" at any online bookseller, and you'll find journals for everything from dating and diseases to weight control and wine tasting. Even the data-driven world of finance and business sees the value of journaling. In "The Success Principles," Jack Canfield, the nation's foremost success coach, recommends journal writing.
Other professionals encourage journaling, too. Therapists often recommend journaling to deepen the insights and strengthen the gains made in therapy. Professional hypnotists encourage clients to journal to enhance the results of the hypnotic experience. And spiritual directors from all traditions counsel seekers to journal to explore their spiritual life.
But — although all writing has the power to access inner wisdom — not all forms of journaling have equal impact. There are three things that distinguish writing down your soul from regular journaling.
The first and foremost is intention. While hundreds of books and teachers extol the benefits of journaling, they rarely mention the critical first step — the thing you do before you pick up a pen: Set your intention. It is the energy of intention that puts everything in motion. When you begin with a clear intention to access the Voice within, you let the universe know you are ready to open two doors in your soul: the door into your deepest self and the gate to the divine. That's a powerful combination and an unmistakable message. And the universe responds — always. So by setting your intention to open your soul to divine dialogue, you elevate the act of writing to a place journaling rarely goes.
The second difference is purpose. This kind of writing has a gentle structure and a singular focus. It is deeply, deeply personal. Writing down your soul is about you, your life, your concerns, your fears, your aspirations. It's about discovering and giving voice to the secrets buried deep in your soul. It's about asking questions until you uncover the ones you've never asked. Its purpose is to deliver the guidance you need right now to live the full, rich life you are here to live. Write with that purpose in mind, and you will find a trail of answers, not just any answers — your answers.
And that's when you'll discover the third rather big distinction between writing down the soul and journaling: commitment. There's a rub in this kind of writing, a rub that takes it well beyond the self-exploration of standard journaling. The rub is: If you ask the universe for guidance and receive it, you are a bit beholden to do something with it. You can't hear the Voice of Spirit and then say, "Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll just keep doing things my way." Well, you can, but why? Why open that door in your soul and then pretend it isn't open? Why walk through that magical gate and then pretend you didn't? In soul writing you search the reaches of your heart, tell your story, ask your questions, hear your answers, receive your guidance, and ... well, what happens next is up to you.
Intention. Purpose. Commitment. Set your intention, write with a purpose, and make a commitment to use the wisdom received. Do all three and you are no longer journaling — not in the usual sense. You may physically be writing in a journal, but you are writing in a different way. You are writing in and with and through your soul. You are connecting with Spirit, asking heaven for guidance, and receiving it. You are opening yourself to the grace and gifts of the universe. You are changing your life.
Is this meditation?
That's the second question people ask. The answer, like the one for journaling, could best be described as "yes, and."
When we hear the word "meditation," we visualize someone sitting on the floor, legs crossed, back straight, breathing in and out, silently seeking an empty mind. For years I tried to meditate this way. I tried guided meditation, silent meditation, prayer meditation, chakra meditation. I practiced with mantras, mudras, sounds, chimes, color and, of course, breath. But I could never get my mind to do that clearing thing. Riggedy-raggedy thoughts were always prodding and poking me. "Acknowledge them," the instructor would invariably say in a warm, liquid voice, "and let them go by." Go by? Go bye? Trust me, I'd think, these thoughts aren't going anywhere. They're busy reminding me that I have things to do, places to go, people to check up on, problems to fix, and worries to worry. The second the lights would dim, they'd pop up to remind me that there isn't enough money, or the roof is leaking, or the car is coughing, or the kid is crying. Go by? I don't think so.
One teacher was particularly creative. When another neophyte in the class complained that his thoughts wouldn't stop chattering, she suggested we visualize a train pulling into the station of our mind to pick up our scattered thoughts and carry them away. Well, my train pulled in, all right, and a few dozen thoughts pushed and shoved their way on board, but as the train pulled out of the station, they realized what was happening and went berserk. They scratched at the windows, leaned out and screamed back at me, waving frantically. Some leapt onto the tracks and raced back to me. At the end of the class, I smiled wanly, gave the teacher a weak hug, and headed home with all my fears back in their full upright starting positions.
I take no credit for discovering writing down the soul. I stumbled upon it. Out of sheer desperation, I picked up a pen and wrote, "Dear God," at the top of the page. Immediately all my fear thoughts lined up to be heard. They jumped through my pen and onto the page where I could see them, and where Spirit could show me how to heal them. For three years, I told my story and asked for guidance. And, for three years, guidance came — every day.
So, is writing down the soul meditation? The dictionary says meditation is " ... the practice of profound spiritual or religious reflection or mental contemplation." Well, this kind of writing is certainly profound. And it is definitely a spiritual practice. And it is probably the deepest reflection you've ever experienced. And your mind is totally engaged — but so are your heart and your soul and your body. So, is this meditation? Yes, and more. This kind of meditation meets you where you are right now, no matter what's on your mind. It supports you as you name your woes and lay them at Spirit's feet. It is time with your best friend and the wisest counselor in the universe, rolled into one. This kind of meditation is an intimate, personal conversation that can't be explained or even really shared. But you know it's real, because there it is on the page — your own personal conversation with God.
Is it prayer?
That's another question I get. And I don't see how the answer can be anything but yes. Because prayer is conscious connection with the divine. When you write down your soul, you are certainly conscious, although you are also "not conscious." By that I mean you're not limited to the conscious level. As you write, you dive below the conscious to thoughts and feelings you didn't know you had, and you soar above the conscious to experience real understanding, safety and peace. You quickly recognize when you are in touch with something within yourself that is beyond yourself. Call it by any name we assign to the divine or call it the Voice. Call it whatever you want. The name isn't what matters. The point is that you know you are connected to something more. At some point even the word "connection" becomes insufficient to describe the experience. Communion, perhaps, would be more accurate.
So, is writing down the soul journaling? Yes, but something more.
Is it meditation? Yes, but something different.
Is it prayer? Yes, but a new kind.
It is all these things and more. It is what happens when journaling becomes meditation becomes prayer.
Perhaps we should not try so hard to answer the question "What is writing down the soul?" Because, in the end, each person will find out for himself or herself. Your answer will not be the same as mine. Your experience will not be the same as mine. And maybe that's just the way it should be.
— — —
Janet Conner, S.E. (Spiritual Explorer), is the creator of the Spiritual Geography map and book series. She is currently working on a new book, "Writing Down the Soul: How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within," for Conari Press. The Spiritual Geography books are available through Amazon or Spiritual Geography. Contact Janet at {email janetconner@tampabay.rr.com}janetconner@tampabay.rr.com{/email}. © Copyright 2007 by Janet Conner.