One of the most useful outcomes of writing in my Morning Pages journal is that it can act to slow down my racing thoughts. There’s something about taking pen to paper and forcing my hand to write words. It allows my brain to focus and slow to the pace of handwriting.
Things I find Helpful
- Keeping my pen on the page.
- Keeping my eyes on the page.
- Not paying too much attention to the actual words I’m writing, just letting the process be meditative.
Nothing we do is better than the work of handmind. When mind uses itself without the hands it runs the circle and may go too fast; even speech using the voice only may go too fast. The hand that shapes the mind into clay or written word slows thought to the gait of things and lets it be subject to accident and time.
Ursula K. Le Guin
As with any of these kinds of posts, how I journal for racing thoughts isn’t intended as professional advice, or to replace healthcare or medication. At best it’s a supplemental practice that works for me, or a way to get through a rough day. Please get professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety or mental health in any way.
Sources
- Blog post by Sarica from SaricaStudio.
- Benefits of Writing By Hand.
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
- Writing, Inner Speech, and Meditation.
Stationery in the Photo
- notebook
- Dymo label
- pen
- pencil case (mine is old, similar one here)
P.S. Now that I’ve written this post, I feel I should have titled a previous post about journaling for better sleep in the same way: “How I Journal For Better Sleep”. So I’ve gone back and added an edit at least, to try and clarify.
P.P.S. A lovely album of minimalist strings and piano if you like a good meditative soundtrack while you’re journaling.
