Take a Break: Try a Different Approach to Journaling

This past week I read Rachel Naomi Remen’s article GrowingNew Eyes  and was captivated by the different approach she describes for journaling. She refers to it as “Heart Journaling.” Taking a few minutes each day to do this literally changes people’s perceptions of themselves. 

 In the evening, sit down with your journal and review your day in reverse, starting with the present moment and tracing your steps back to when you woke up. Remember conversations, what you did etc. After this first review, ask yourself the question, “What surprised me today?” No matter what it is, stop and write about it briefly in your journal.

Slowly start the review again, from the present moment until morning.” This time ask yourself the question, “What touched my heart today?” As before, no matter what it is, write about it briefly in your journal.

Review your day one more time, in reverse, and ask yourself the question, “What inspired me today?” And again write whatever comes to mind in your journal.

You can continue the process and include other questions such as “What am I most grateful for today?” “How well I have loved or received love?”

Remen notes, Often when people first start this journal they find the same answer to all three questions “Nothing. Nothing. And Nothing”. Do not be discouraged if this happens to you. Meaning is an innate capacity but also an acquired skill. If you do this exercise daily, before long answers to all three questions will come to you.

Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas.