Journaling is a valuable tool when doing inner work for soul growth. For many of us, it helps us process our outer world so that we can tap into our inner world better. In this article, we will discuss 6 ways to journal for the soul. 

I remember being 8 or 9 and starting a journal. I actually still have that journal and while it’s a bit comical at times, it’s also very endearing and I marvel at how I knew at an early age what I needed to process life.

If you are new to journaling, just know it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or time consuming process. You definitely don’t need to be a writer and you don’t even need to know what you want to write about. All you need is an open mind and a commitment in your heart to get to know yourself better.

Here is a list of easy ways to get started journaling for connecting with your soul!

1. Set the mood

Before you start writing, set up your space. Being in a calm and supportive environment relaxes our central nervous system. When you are in a parasympathetic state (your fight or flight response is off) you can tap into both your subconscious mind as well as your soul. Here is what I like to do to set up my journaling space:

~ get yourself a beautiful journal and a pen that you like using.

~ diffuse essential oils (specifically calming or grounding oils like lavender,  vetiver, pine, sandalwood or frankincense)

~ light a candle

~ turn on calming music

2. Take the pressure off

Relax! You definitely don’t need to be a writer to journal. No one will see this but you! Journaling is just a tool to get your thoughts out of your head to better hear words from your higher self. If the blank page is intimidating, draw a little doodle at the top or write the date or write something silly! Then just start writing how you feel or whatever first comes to mind.

3. Find your voice

First of all, it’s very important not to censor yourself. Let the words on the page sound exactly like the thoughts that are floating through your head. This really helps to be able to physically see and read the thoughts you are thinking.

Often times we aren’t aware of how we are talking to ourselves and usually, it’s not in the nicest way. So this shines a light onto how we are talking to ourselves and you are beginning to explore your inner world. Dual purpose!

When we are honest with ourselves, this is when our true inner work and healing can begin.

Secondly, you can use whatever writing style appeals to you. I tend to write in a stream of consciousness manner. This is just what works for me. It helps me not censor myself. You do not need to pay attention to grammar, sentence structure or punctuation! Just let the words flow onto the page 🙂

Lastly, if you are still struggling with getting words onto the page, you can use prompts. You can come up with your own list or there are tons of lists online. Don’t just skim the surface here. Some of my favorites are prompts to dig a little deeper:

~ How have I been feeling?

~ What has been coming up for me lately?

~ What do I need more of?

~ What do I need less of?

~ What do I want in life?

~ What in my life is causing me stress, pain, irritation, grief, etc?

~ What in my life is a blessing?

~ Where do I want to put my attention right now?

~ What are my priorities?

~ What commitments can say no to?

~ What would my perfect life look like?

4. Allow yourself to DAYDREAM

Oh daydreaming….do you do this often? I must admit I don’t do it nearly as often as I used to. I remember being a kid and even a teenager and could be lost in a daydream for hours. It was such a luxury.

You can use your journaling time as a daydream opportunity! There a few benefits to this:

You are sharpening your visualization skills which are SO important if you are on a spiritual journey.

You are putting the Law of Attraction to good use. What we think and feel is what we create. So by thinking about and feeling what it would be like in our lovely future life, we are calling it in to our energy field.

Thinking about future goals or dreams can help us if we are in a low point in life. Having hope does amazing things for your vibration. Visualizing a positive future and thinking of all the wonderful things you would like to achieve raises your vibration AND begins the manifestation process.

5. Pay attention

After you have been writing consistently for a few weeks, start to look for patterns. What do you write about? Are your thoughts repetitive? Do you say the same things over and over again? Is what you are writing generally positive or negative?

There’s not a right or wrong answer! All you are doing is looking for patterns, if there are any. Once you are aware of something, that’s when you can heal it. Let’s say you notice in your writing that you complain a lot. (It’s ok, we all do it!) Maybe this is your cue to re-evaluate your life. Where can you make improvements? Where in your life can you add value? What can you get rid of?

Also, do you notice any revelations? Did a solution to a problem suddenly appear in your writing? Do you see any ideas in your writing that just feel good or right? This is your higher self and your soul speaking to you! Allow this in your righting. Don’t expect it, but keep in the state of surrender so that this divine guidance can come though.

6. Focus on gratitude

Gratitude is SO good for our consciousness. When we focus on the things that make us happy and that we are grateful for it raises our vibration and calls more of what we are thinking about into our life. Gratitude is especially helpful if you are feeling low, sad or anxious. It has the ability to pull you out of that lower vibration and into a higher one.

Thinking of all the things that you are grateful for is also a handy tool if you can’t think of anything to write! Try to list at least 10 things you are grateful for. I actually end my journal entries in this way. It’s a fun little practice! I bet you will notice how truly lovely your life is and how much you appreciate your life and the people in it.

Well that’s it! These are the 6 ways to start journaling for the soul. I wish you a happy and enjoyable self discovery!

For more tips on journaling and self care, please join my newsletter and receive your free self care worksheet and checklist bellow!

Thank you for reading.

With love,

Destiny