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Journaling as spiritual practice

By on June 27, 2014
woman writing in journal

By Lori-Lyn Hurley

One day I sat down in the hallway of my apartment with a notebook, a pen, and a desperate sort of hope.

I was in the process of earning my master’s degree while also detangling myself from an emotionally abusive relationship that had lasted for almost a decade.

I was on the cusp of change, but I was filled with questions.

I had been living in New York City, but it the pace of city life was wearing thin. I wondered, should I stay or return home to Kentucky? I was tired of working at jobs that felt meaningless. I felt there was some other purpose for me, but what was it?

I longed for a closer relationship to God, a deeper sense of intuition, a connection. I wanted to feel better.

So even though I wasn’t entirely sure that spirit guides and angels existed, if they did exist, I wanted to get to know them, and I suspected that writing was the way to do it.

I cracked open my fresh journal and wrote a letter.

“Are you there?” I asked.

“Do you have a message for me?”

Then, I skipped a line, took a deep breath, and wrote the answer.

I wrote what came to me, the thoughts that drifted into my mind.

It was difficult at first. It felt odd.

How did I know, after all, that this information was truly flowing from a divine source and not just a product of my imagination?

But something in my heart told me to keep going, so I did. Words spilled on to the page.

I established the daily practice of sitting, lighting a candle, writing questions in my notebook, and allowing the answers to come through me.

Even though the messages I wrote didn’t always make sense, after those sessions, I was peaceful and centered.

In time, this process of journaling did help me find the answers to my questions. I moved home, developed my intuitive skills, and launched into a career that fed my soul.

More importantly, it taught me that spiritual connection wasn’t something I had to reach for outside of myself. It was within me.

My journal became my companion, my meditative process.

When I worked with oracle cards, I took note of the card I pulled and wrote my impressions in the journal.

When I woke in the morning, I recorded my dreams in the journal.

When I found a feather on the sidewalk, I brought it home and pressed it between the journal pages.

In my Spirit notebook, I wrote with complete candor about my hopes, my fears, my searching.

My journal became the map of my soul and my pipeline to spiritual assistance. 

It became my prayer book.

That was sixteen years ago and I’ve kept a spirit notebook ever since.

Journaling with God is my mirror. It allows me to see myself and my progress.

If I’m ever feeling stuck, all I have to do is go back through my journals and see my journey, my steady movement. My journals reveal to my not only my repeated patterns, but also the repeated messages that Spirit has for me.

Everything goes in my journal – the birds I observe during morning meditations in the garden, troubles and doubts, inspirational quotes, ideas that pique my interest, resources I’d like to investigate, my deepest fears, my greatest joys.

In keeping a journal, I know my own story. I can make decisions with clarity. I can see the evidence of God’s love.

If you’re ready to being journaling as spiritual practice, here’s how:

  • Find a notebook that appeals to you. You may wish to use a journal with an ornate cover or a spiral notebook, hardcover or softcover, ruled or plain paper. It’s up to you. Do make sure that your notebook is large enough to write in comfortably, but small enough to be portable.

 

  • Write a dedication. What do hope will happen with you begin to journal with Spirit and what commitment are you making to the process? Are you hoping to know your Spirit Allies? Do you promise to take action on the guidance you receive? Whatever your desire is for this process, write it in the front of your journal.

 

  • If it’s possible, establish a daily place and time for journaling. Writing at the same time every day helps you move into the habit of this process and doing so in sacred space deepens the experience. Try setting up a candle and incense burner on a shelf or table next to a comfy chair and make that your journaling area.

 

  • To begin a question and answer session with Spirit, simply relax. Imagine yourself surrounded by love, light, angels – whatever feels safe to you. Breathe and write your question in your natural voice – what’s in your heart is more important than what ends up on the page.

 

  • Breathe and write the answer. Write whatever comes to you – thoughts, words, images, sensations, colors. Write without censoring. Write without thinking about what you are writing – there will be plenty of time for analyzing later.

 

  • When you’re finished, thank Spirit for being present with you.

 

That’s really all there is to it. The more you record in your journal, the easier this process will become, and the more you will come to know about yourself and God.

Your connection will deepen over time and your notebook will serve as the road map for your spiritual journal.

The guidance you seek is in your heart right now. Journaling is a rich and beautiful way to reveal it.

 

side1Lori-Lyn Hurley is a spiritual explorer and guide. Her work is about helping you connect to your sacred essence and experience yourself as a vessel for spiritual energy, because when you do, you remember who you are. You remember that you are Love. Find her at www.lorilynhurley.com

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