On path to healing, journaling can be a very powerful tool of self-discovery. It allows us a venue to release things we may otherwise keep bottled up. It allows us to creatively express our ideas, organize our thoughts, and allow us to review our progress.

Below is a list of healing journaling exercises designed to draw out inner feelings, uncover hidden thoughts/beliefs that may be hindering healing process, and help you set realistic goals for yourself.

How do I see myself?

Close your eyes for a few moments, and pay attention to what comes to mind as you think, “this is how I see myself”. Write down or draw any symbolism, colors, shapes, etc that come to mind. What feelings come up? What does symbology say to you?

How do I want to see myself?

Close your eyes for a few minutes. Envision yourself at peak health, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Write down or sketch out any symbolism, colors, shapes etc. Describe yourself, including your surroundings, your feelings, and your thoughts.

The person I most admire and why

Name a person who inspires you. What about this person do you admire most? What qualities do they embody that you would like to see more of in yourself? What unique contribution has he/she made to world, and how has this affected you?

The person I least admire and why

By: Christin Snyder

So far we have discovered many of benefits journaling provides. Some of them include: at-a-glance records of health/diet issues, spiritual/emotional healing, dream interpretation, and creative inspiration. The list is ongoing, but point is they can be of great benefit to anyone who uses them. Journaling is something that can be personalized to suit needs of every individual. Journals are not just diaries where you spend hours each day recording all your deepest, darkest, secrets. Journals can be very practical, and in many cases, can simplify lives of those who use them. Everyone can find at least one style of journaling to benefit from, regardless of how busy their lifestyle is.

Below are some of different types of journals that can be created. Keep in mind one does not have to be a writer at all to benefit from journaling. In fact, many writers, myself included, didn’t realize their passion for writing until picking up a journal. Words can work for all of us.

*Dream Journaling

Recording dreams in a journal gives you a window into your subconscious. Our dreams reveal depths of our being. Dream journals allow us to better remember our dreams, to view repeating patterns, and to explore and interpret our own unique dream language. Many who keep them are surprised by how much they learn about themselves, and how effective these journals are in healing and growth process.

*Personal Diaries

These are standard lock and key books many of us have kept since childhood. This kind of journal allows us to record daily life experiences, our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This type of journal serves a great purpose, it allows us to express ourselves freely without judgment. Reviewing these journals over time allows us to see how much we have grown and changed. Often old ones are humorous ;), and we can see just how much wiser we’ve become.

*Food/Exercise Lifestyle Journals