Journaling
A sign of good mental health is the ability to check-in with yourself as needed. Are you in a good current state of health, or are you in need of some assistance?
What makes you happy? What will it take to make you happier? What are you willing to do to become your happiest version of self? What can you do to act on that willingness?
If you regularly ask yourself how you are feeling, you’ll notice naturally becoming more mindful. And when there is mindfulness, there is mental clarity.
Journal Prompts
This mindfulness exercise is designed to open our eyes-and all of our senses-to the pleasures of everyday life. We cannot be calm if we are always rushing from one thing to the next. Appreciating the small things can create tiny pauses in the day, which helps to engender an overall sense of calm and perspective.
- Make a list of the five senses-sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing. Leave a space between each heading.
- Take the list with you when you leave the house. Try to notice an interesting stimulus for each of the senses: The smell of a coffee shop that you walk by, the color of a front door, the texture or temperature of a handrail, the taste of your chewing them, the sound of a bird in the trees.
- Stay where until you have noted something under each heading, and can say that all your senses have been engaged. Try to keep the sense of engagement as you continue on your journey.
- You might like to make a point of writing down your observations in your journal. You may be surprised at how diverting the challenges, and at how fascinating it is to look through past entries.
Excerpt from Calm by Dr. Arlene K. Unger
Some of the most successful people in history have something in common, they all credit their achievement to their journals and Journaling. The power of written word is a great tool to use while getting and staying clear on your vision!
Some people may find it difficult to start out, so I’ve decided to post prompts to help give you ideas and inspiration. This journey of Self Discovery isn’t pretty, glamorous or easy, but it sure is worth it!!! Feel free to share in the comments!!
Most people see themselves as a combination of the two, which is true depending on a plethora of life experiences. But in reality, we all tend to linger on one end more than the other.
1. Describe the difference between an optimist and a pessimist in your opinion.
2. Give an example of how you exhibit both traits.
3. Explain which side you see yourself on most of the time, and why?
Finding balance can be thought of as an ongoing process in which your mind and your body converse and negotiate with each other and with the space around you. Your process of finding balance involves the surface on which you sit or stand, the surrounding objects that me supporter upset your balance, and your own ever-changing perception of space and stability. As you balance your body on your yoga mat, consider how you might create balance and other parts of your life by accepting that you were in a constant state of process.
- What areas in your life do you feel need the most balance?
- What does an ideal week of balance look like to you? A month? A year? The rest of your life?
- What little steps can you take today to begin the process?
Sometimes short-term solutions are necessary. A bit of fancy footwork can get this month’s rent or tuition paid, or a school or work assignment turned in on time. But a lifetime of close calls is stressful and fatiguing. Time spent constantly scrambling to meet our deadlines can deplete us of energy better applied to pursuing our dreams and enjoying our lives.
What do we need to do to make our lives easier, more manageable? Let’s do some planning. The quick fix may serve to get us through a crisis, but crises recur when the underlying cause is not addressed.
- Write down one of your goals and devise a long-term strategy as to how to accomplish that goal.
Excerpt from Black Pearls by Eric V. Copage
All of us, being human, have times that are awfully difficult. We are challenged in all sorts of ways- poverty, failed love (both romantic and familial), addictions.
Some find spiritual sustenance in a song, in poetry, art, nature, or in their children. Others find it in church or through prayer. We should know what works for us, what brings us through our worst moments and renews our conviction that life is worth living, that things will improve.
- Take five minutes to reflect upon what gives my life meaning. I will remember to use this song, line of poetry, or comforting image to help renew my strength when I am in despair or when I need inspiration to go on fighting.
Excerpt from Black Pearls by Eric V. Copage