Journaling Alchemy – Sub-Surface Transformations

No matter what kind of journal writing you do, there are some levels on which the process works whether or not you intend it.

Keeping a journal increases awareness, for instance. By reflecting on your experiences through the practice of journaling, you gain greater understanding, sharper powers of perception.

Journal writing can reduce loneliness, as well, by providing the sounding board that the soul craves.

And since you come to perceive your truth more closely through journaling, you are able to gain increased confidence to achieve whatever goals you set.

Here are ways you can start directly accessing these benefits of journal writing.

Awareness

Even though adults are generally supposed to be mature and prudent, true maturity and deep wisdom take a whole lifetime to obtain. For that matter, sometimes the process seems to operate in reverse. Often an 18-year old thinks he knows everything, while the 50-year old is increasingly aware of all she does not know. Self-knowledge – true, deep, crystal clear knowledge of the self – is extremely rare, if it exists at all.

The ambition to master knowledge is futile; and even the accumulation of knowledge is vain. We can collect bits of information but the effort amounts to no more than a perpetual game of Trivial Pursuit.

Nonetheless, there is good news! We may not be capable of mastering knowledge, but one thing we can perfect as our years unfold is our awareness.

We can't expect to penetrate the secrets of the universe with our intellect, but we can approach understanding of those mysteries via heightened awareness.

Awareness is about being alert to the present moment.

Journal: On a fresh page, write the date. Then write, "I am aware that …" and keep writing until you feel it's right for you to stop.

Loneliness

Our families of origin shape our existence to a very large degree. Just about all of us are reared within a society of kind or another. We interact with others constantly throughout our lives.

Still, it is possible to feel completely isolated, without friends or support. Far too many people feel unloved and unlovable. The resulting loneliness can lead to physical ailments, mental torture, spiritual annihilation.

Though we may not be able to manufacture relationships with others to ward off loneliness, we can work to establish a loving relationship with ourselves.
No matter how disgusted or disappointed you are with yourself, find a way to give yourself love. Seek the activity or distraction that feels the most healthy for your mind and body. Do it frequently.
The antidote to loneliness begins with loving your self.
Journal: Start your entry with the words, "I feel lonely when …"
Confidence
When do you feel self-conscious? When does it seem that people are watching you, judging you? When are you scared that you won't measure up?
Maybe a better question is, what are you doing in the times when you do feel confident? What is "flow" for you; i.e., work that absorbs your concentration while time flies by?

Get a clear picture of your flow activities, and then relax, forgetting your ego, and listen intently. The world's need for your expertise will make itself known.

Confidence is less about swagger, more about receptivity. If you are strong in yourself, your concern is for the other person.

Lack of confidence comes from too much self-consciousness instead of being 100% focused on your subject.

Journal: Start this entry with the words, "To me, self-confidence is … " Write, and keep writing. Your journal will reveal all.