I want to continue from my previous post, where I mentioned how journaling helped me clarify some mental blocks I had during meditation, and connect this experience to the whole picture of #mindbody. Also how #mindfulthinking is relevant to wellness in general.

I've always kept a diary, since a very young age. And always thought that at some point in my life, I would have stopped. I can say that, despite being well in my adulthood, it's not happening.
On the contrary keeping a diary and writing notes to myself is blossoming. Because it evolved.

From keeping a notebook filled with lovely memories, journaling has progressed into an exercise of self-knowledge and self-discovery where I question my past to understand my present and (re)design a more aligned future.

There is an increase interest in journaling (as the stationary industry with a revival of books, notebooks and pens, demonstrates, along with wellness workshops offered, related to the topic), that confirms how the experience is relevant.

This summer while in London, I took a workshop that included journaling and gong bath, an interesting combination that I really treasured.
I won't go into details, but if this type of event is not available to everybody, some journals and books are, and anyone can have access and answer to the challenging questions posed inside the pages.

I say challenging because going through your past, can be painful, memories emerge and you can't really change what happened. What you can do though, is to understand why you do things the way you do, and how you can stop some negative thoughts that boycott your wellness.

Journaling can clarify your thoughts, comfort your mind, and potentially heal emotional wounds.

Once you know who you are, it's easier (not easy) to get what you aspire to.
Even in networking events you can present yourself in a more confident way, because you know who you are and what you want.

Know yourself, align your body and mind, love your inner beauty and self.

I still need to understand if developing a routine when recording your thoughts is a good habit, or if it doesn't really matter. Because I write when I can, under the need of the moment.

If I can suggest, The School of Life has beautiful books and cards that can help the experience. I have read and used them, and I can say they truly had a positive effect on my mind (and body).

This is only the starting point, once you get used to the practice, every exercise, experience you have (meditation, gratitude, food control and its effect), will be recorded.

Could journaling be considered a form of digital detox? Another idea to explore...

p.s. did you know that in their own ways, Richard Branson, Catherine Deneuve, Diane von Furstenberg all keep diaries? And Tina Brown wrote a book about her years at Vanity Fair, entitled, the Vanity Fair Diaries. I am reading it, I am not enthusiastic about the style, but it shows that even the most successful people struggle with doubts and insecurities.

Sending Big Love

✒ BY MARGHERITA ANTINORI