Journaling for Creativity - Upcoming Lecture at the University of Miami
Today I am leading a lecture at the University of Miami teaching students on how to incorporate a journaling practice to help find creativity. I am thrilled to lead this lecture for I have been journaling in one way or another for over 20 years, and have journals throughout my home that allow me to reflect (or cringe) on my path to growth and stability.
I remember teaching journaling at a corporate meditation group and not being received well. The exact feedback was that “it felt like schoolwork.” And yes, it might seem tedious, but just like with any practice, there is a period of trial and error until we find a style and technique that resonates. For some of us that might be a goal setting style, for some of us that might be a creative writing style. Below I share of the techniques that have worked with me in the past-
GOAL SETTING/INTENTION SETTING: On a yearly, monthly, weekly and daily basis, writing intentions and goals is a great way to journal. Reflecting back and seeing how much you have accomplished is very rewarding! I use the “bubble technique” in which an intention is written in the center of the page, and I create numerous action steps around it so that I can work on the goal in easy bites. This technique can also be applied with the phases of the moon, and makes a wonderful full and new moon ritual.
CREATIVE WRITING: On the top of an empty page, write a provocative sentence and just feed into the sentence by freeform. This is great for inspiration in writing Dharma talks. For example:
I have changed by observing…..
The I am facing the challenge of ……..
DIARY: Daily reflection is the classical journal technique that we all know. This is a wonderful way to record your emotions, habits and understand the patterns that are unique to each of us.
COURSES: I personally love the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and tend to pick it up for inspiration.
More books on Journaling:
Big Magic
The Crossroads of Should and Must
The Creative Habit by Twyla Harp
Thanks to my dear friend Thea for giving me so many of these suggestions. Do you have any to share?
