Write your heart out

As in a fateful twist, I was introduced to Stephanie Lee's blog today, Semiprecious Salvage. Stephanie is a artist and an avid journal writer and teacher. The images, words, and thoughts that her page contains are like flashes from memories that you never had. Soft and slightly worn, as though thinking about things can give them that my-favorite-comfy-t-shirt feeling.

She also teaches an e-course, Shifting Ground: finding solid footing through journal writing. I think I might take it! Here's HER description: "At the start of this new year, I invite you to gift yourself with self-love and acknowledgment, reaching out for common hearts, clarity in direction and a resolution to give yourself and others the support you need to be present - to shine as your full, radiant self." Doesn't that sound a-MAZ-ing?!

As it nears the holidays, and like I mentioned last post, it seems as though there is more to do than there is time to do it all! And when life starts to get overwhelming, I rely more and more on to-do lists and journaling. It's important to get the thoughts out in order to get a good night's sleep, and to make sure everyone is accounted for, present-wise! And so, I write. I write and write and list and write.


THESE PAGES:
Experiment with writing.

Use your visual journal as a journal. A place to capture a moment, a feeling, a fleeting thought, a nagging to-do list. It can be as public or as private as you like.  Make it illegible! Paint over it! Make it nice, neat, and orderly. It's up to you.

Here are just a few exercises that can get you going.

Stream of consciousness:

Huge fan of this. It's too easy to get frustrated or intimidated by the blank page. So just write. Pick a topic, or pick your brain, but just write. Whatever comes to mind. Song stuck in your head? Not able to think of anything at all to write? "I am stuck. I can't think of anything to write." Those are words! That is writing! Or, be more structured and choose a topic. Like, "happiness is..." and fill in the blank. Repeatedly.

Lists:

Like I said earlier, I love making lists. Usually, they're pretty mundane and I try to keep them out of my journal... like, buy half and half, call Z, finish blog post... And sometimes I try to list different things: Things I Learned from My Father, CD's That Have Made an Impact on My Life, Reasons I Love Coffee... Anything! So start making a list. Keep in in your journal.

Obscure It:

Paint over it. Collage over it. Write it on a separate piece of paper, put it in an envelope. Write it on a separate paper and then tear it up and use it to make a collage! Really, you can make your confessions, or be as silly as you want... and then not have to worry about someone seeing that if you don't want them to. Write a letter to someone you are angry with, or have unresolved issues with. Tell someone your deepest, darkest secrets... and then destroy that letter! It's cathartic. And, looking back on the page, you will recall that you let that darkness OUT... to allow for more light within. Here's an interesting article about letter-writing as therapy.

Hate your handwriting? 

Personally, I think, too bad! It's a part of you, a natural rhythm, a direct result of your muscles and brain working simultaneously... It's personal, revealing, indicative of your mood and energy levels... BUT, feel free to experiment, as this is a VISUAL journal. 

Type it and collage it in.

Copy a font from the computer, or check out daFont.com for new and innovative letter designs.

Try a new pen or pencil or marker.

Write REAL BIG!

Spin your book in a new direction. Write sideways or upside down!

Use your non-dominant hand. Or your toes, for that matter!