A Woman’s Journal
Since childhood, I have been rather obsessed with scribing my thoughts, feelings, dreams, visions, ideas, questions, prayers and all manner of daily observation in the pages of a journal.
Hence, the name of this website…
Recently, I’ve been inspired to read the journals of several of my favorite writers: Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, and Susan Sontag. The takeaway from my reading is a renewed heartfelt understanding of the subtle and profound powers of women’s wisdom and women’s stories. When a woman takes the time to record her thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences within the pages of her journal, she creates a world that is deeply personal as hers alone. It’s as though the written snippets of life and recorded moments of a woman’s day to day journey combine through a sacred alchemical process, to ferment like fine wine within the covers of her journal.
The Way of Belle Coeur: A Woman’s Vade Mecum describes the practice of journaling like this:
“Our journals are often well-worn, coffee and tear stained, dog-eared and smudged. A woman’s journal is a cherished possession and a sacred vessel that contains the stories of her day-to-day circumstances. Within the secret pages of our journals we record our ideas and dreams and explore the questions and concerns that shape our lives. We rant. We rave…and we pray. All of these outpourings and more deem the journal, “A Workbook for Everyday Life.”
The practice of journaling invites the craft of creating a personal Sacred Wisdom Codex. The codex is a woman’s contemporary version of an illuminated manuscript. Within the pages of her codex she distills her wisdom from her journal and records her discoveries, inspirations, and insights in creative and illuminated ways. If the journal is life’s workbook, the codex is a woman’s recorded legacy.”
Perhaps you journal regularly or you may be new to journaling. I’ve created the “Journal Keeper’s Dozen” as stepping stones to reconnect to, or enrich your journal experience. This simple list-making exercise offers a dozen prompts for your reflective responses. Without editing, open your journal to a blank page and respond to the following:
12 desired changes for my inner and outer worlds
12 answered prayers
12 ways/practices to keep myself centered
12 personal passions
12 people I’d like to know (historical figures, ancestors, literary characters, someone today, etc.)
12 favorite books I’ve read and would enjoy re-reading
12 ways to spend a rainy afternoon
12 favorite inspirational references (from the sacred text of your choosing)
12 blessings I’ve received during my life
12 things I’m ready to release (tangible and/or intangible)
12 words of my personal wisdom that I’d like to share with others
12 topics that stir my soul and invite my exploration
May your journal, serve you as your workbook for everyday life. May you be blessed with personal revelation, clarity, solace, and wisdom as you explore, express and imagine your life’s journey. Open your journal to a blank page and allow your pen to reveal the hidden wisdom within your heart.