Many people keep diaries as teenagers, but lose the habit as adults. While Blogging has mushroomed, there are still many people who are drawn to pen, ink and paper, but don’t really know where to start. There is nothing more intimidating than a blank page!

 

Although it is tempting to buy a gorgeous and appealing journal, it is often less daunting to start with a cheap notebook. You will feel less pressure to be “perfect.” You can always reward yourself with a beautiful book after a few weeks of success with your ratty one. First the dress rehearsal, then the performance!

 

What to put in it? If you are anything like me, your teenage efforts were full of whining self pity. Looking back now, you probably don’t want to be that person again. So don’t be! A good start is to record a few things each day that you are grateful for. I write down 5 each evening, challenging myself to find at least one thing I have never noticed before. If you are going through a rough patch with a particular individual (spouse; co worker; child) then challenging yourself to find one good thing about them is also rewarding.

 

Once you’ve got the habit going, you can branch out. Record quotes that inspire you. Make notes of little things that happened during the day that amused you. Jot down some recollections about past events that pop up and catch your attention.

 

I can hear you asking, how is this a spiritual journal? Well, it’s about your spirit, and about the spirit in which the journal is kept. It is about taking time to commune with yourself. It’s a form of active meditation, something that is at the heart of all the great religions.

 

You need to set the tone before you can go deeper. You can start adding your thoughts about the books you read, and the lessons you learn from life experiences. By starting small, and with the right intention, you will soon find that your journal becomes very spiritual indeed.