How To Journal For Spiritual Growth

Here are some writing ideas to get you started if you want to explore journaling as part of your spiritual practice:

Why is journaling good for spiritual growth?

There are just too many advantages to list here, but journaling improves self-awareness above all else. It's a chance to discover more about yourself and form bonds with your inner self. Transforming the nature of mind by manifesting it in the material by transferring ideas, fancies, worries, or dreams to the paper is an act of alchemy.

Journaling serves as a barrier between me and the outside world. I write for clarity when I'm doubtful or unsure. I write for coolness and quiet while I'm experiencing tough feelings. Your notebook serves as a confidante, best friend, coach, lover, spiritual guru, and a portal to your innermost self.

When I'm feeling down, I write in my journal. I journal when I'm feeling lost. I journal when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's a reassuring force, a reminder that I have agency and can sustain myself, discover solutions, take action, and progress.

How do you start journaling for mental emotional and spiritual growth?

Here are some of my top ideas if you want to start journaling – or if you've tried before but never made it a habit:

Don't worry about the medium

Many people are unsure whether paper or digital diaries are preferable. My opinion is that none of them are better than the others; it all depends on the individual.

Writing in a classic paper diary may be the ideal option for you if you prefer to chew over your thoughts and take your time.

If you like typing and want to move rapidly with your thoughts, you might want to try an online diary or note-taking program like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Penzu, or another password-protected website.

Keep your journal private

Your journal should be kept private and not posted on your Facebook page, Instagram account, YouTube channel, or any other social media network.

The answer is that we prefer to censor our ideas and feelings before sharing them with others.

It's best to keep your journal private because it should be a place where you can write freely without worry of being judged or scrutinized.

No one is preventing you from sharing some of your private thoughts with people vocally, but try to keep what you've written to yourself.

You might also want to consider how to keep your journal safe. You could use a password-protected website like Evernote, or buy a lock and key (or hide it well) if you're using a physical journal.

The more assured you are in your ability to keep your ideas secret, the easier it will be for you to write freely.

Don't bother with spelling, grammar, and punctuation

It took me many years as a perfectionist to quit proofreading my journal entries for spelling and grammatical problems.

Yes, I realize that sounds foolish, but it can be difficult for us precisionists to just let go and write “Without remorse.”

I eventually recognized that trying to edit my diary entries was really stopping my flow of ideas and feelings because I was too preoccupied with trying to make them perfect “follow the rules.”

Try not to be anal-retentive when writing; instead, just let it all out — it feels so much better!

When it comes to writing in my journal, I no longer follow capitalization or sentence structure guidelines. To hell with neatness, just blurt it all out!

Forget about being a “good writer”

The objective of journaling is to self-reflect and record the ideas and feelings you've been having for self-growth, not to compose a literary masterpiece.

Don't worry about whether it sounds poetic or eloquent; just write whatever comes to mind.

Set a regular time of day

Setting aside time every day to journal is required to make journaling a habit. I prefer to write in the end of the day, but your preferences may differ.

Choose one time of day to focus on and attempt to stick to it. You could write first thing in the morning, after morning tea, after lunch, or last thing at night, for example.

Just go with the flow if you're motivated to write at a time of day you're not used to writing. There are no hard and fast rules here.

Write your deepest thoughts and feelings

Journaling is an intuitive exercise because it needs you to listen into your emotions and allow them to flow onto the page.

Journaling is most helpful for me and many others when it is a place where we may communicate and ponder our deepest ideas and feelings.

In my journal, for example, I enjoy analyzing my most recent emotional insights, challenges, and existential epiphanies.

It all depends on how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll write for a minute, and other times I'll write for up to an hour.

There's no need for time restrictions

Allowing your writing to flow is preferable to imposing strict time constraints.

Of course, in a perfect world, we'd all have ample time to journal, but that's not always the case. As a result, time constraints are sometimes necessary (i.e., if you have a dozen to-do items scheduled for the day).

Take as much time as you need if you have some spare time! Allowing your inner self to manifest on paper is a wonderful sensation.

There's no need to “set out ten minutes a day,” as many people suggest; I find that time constraints turn journaling into a duty rather than a fun self-development exercise.

But, as I previously stated, if you only have a limited amount of time or are having trouble getting into the habit of journaling, time constraints can be beneficial.

If you're struggling, ask these questions …

We all have days when we just don't feel like it “It's difficult to get into the “flow” of writing and share our thoughts.

This is something I hear a lot as an author and blogger: it's just part of life's natural ebb and flow.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, here are some thought-provoking questions to ask yourself:

I prefer to simply allow my ideas and feelings to flow “Some individuals prefer a more structured method, while others prefer to “vomit” onto the page (it's part of my shadow work practice).

If you're one of those organized folks, a list of questions like the one above might come in handy.

Don't be afraid to explore traumatic experiences

Write about what bothers you, what you're afraid of, and what you're afraid to say. Allow yourself to be split open.

Journaling is about growth, and part of that progress often entails processing difficult memories from the past.

Our past experiences could have been frightening, distressing, or upsetting at times. Don't be scared to dig deeper into these memories; they're a part of your story. However, avoid wallowing in negative emotions or triggering a trauma response. Take it easy and slowly.

Stop immediately if you feel overwhelmed at any stage. Also, if something comes up in your journaling that you're having trouble processing, seek out the help of a professional (such as a psychologist or counselor).

When it comes to processing past trauma, pre-formatted or guided notebooks might be helpful. If you need more help unpacking your unpleasant feelings, our Self-Love, Inner Child Work, and Shadow Work Journals may be of assistance.

Reflect on what you've written

Writing helps to break down the whole into components by distilling, crystallizing, and clarifying thought.

After you've done your diary post, you might want to go back over it to see if there's anything you missed.

Reflection is the process of incorporating your ideas and feelings into self-awareness, comprehension, action, and inner development.

As I already stated, don't nitpick your writing – spelling and all other writing rules are useless here. What matters is that you get a broad understanding of your thoughts and feelings.

Try highlighting any thoughts, sensations, or realizations that stand out to you. If your journal is physical, you might want to make a table of contents at the end and jot down the page numbers that match to your mental breakthroughs.

If you're using a digital diary, try tagging your entries with words like “epiphanies” or “major realizations” so you can find them later.

Setting aside time for contemplation is an important part of my journaling process for me. It assists me in processing the most challenging things in my life on an emotional and mental level.

Write for the joy of it!

Also, journaling isn't for everyone, so don't worry if you don't enjoy it. There's almost certainly something else that can assist you.

However, if you appreciate and profit from this activity, stick with it! It's natural to feel flat and uninspired from time to time. These are things that we all go through. However, writing will rapidly teach you that everything within you ebbs and flows.

You'll discover so much about yourself and your inner workings over time that journaling will feel natural to you. It will be as important as drinking water or having a good night's rest!

Journaling can lead to a plethora of epiphanies, inspiration, and fascinating discoveries. Recognize these incredible moments and cherish them near to your heart: they'll inspire you to keep journaling, not as a “to-do” duty, but as a life-enriching passion!

I adore how much inner clarity – and spiritual illumination – I get from journaling, and it's those sentiments and discoveries that keep me continuing (for the past 20 years).

If you're looking for more ways to get started journaling, check out our list of 100+ journaling ideas.

How do you start a journal for God?

With scripture above, I've supplied some wonderful prayer journaling ideas (aka: bible journaling prompts), and below you'll find six Christian journaling topics:

• Ask God for help with all of the decisions you need to make this week, and write a list of them for him to consider.

Prayer Journal Ideas: Prayer Journal Entry Examples

Here's an example of a prayer diary entry from my own. I believe that God speaks to you when you begin writing and pondering with him, so don't feel obligated to follow this prayer diary template to the letter as you begin your own journey!

As you can see, I've included daily thanks, affirmations, and on this particular day, I was inspired by the book of Esther!

What is a manifestation Journal?

• A manifestation notebook is a place where you can record your ideas, ambitions, goals, plans, and other desires.
• While planning a road forward, such journaling requires focusing on rewriting, making objectives, finding significance, and believing in yourself.
• According to research, discussing deep feelings might help you release them, making it simpler to make room for your objectives and dreams.

How can I learn spirituality?

“The most significant thing about ourselves is what comes to mind when we think about God.” A.W. Tozer (A.W. Tozer) (A.W. Tozer) (

I read the preceding quote by A.W. Tozer, a theologian and philosopher, when I was in college. The message was so powerful that it has stayed with me for nearly 15 years. It keeps reappearing in my head on a frequent basis.

I understand that spirituality is a difficult subject that elicits a plethora of strong feelings, intellectual debates, and far too many horrible emotional traumas. Nonetheless, I feel the previous quote is correct. Nothing is more important in our lives than our spiritual awareness. And it's a topic we should have far more frequently than we do.

Our beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, whether we have consciously cultivated a personal spirituality or not. It has a huge impact on us, whether we are aware of it or not. Take a look at how it affects our understanding of…

• Ourselves. Is God concerned about my well-being? Is He angry with me or happy with me? Who am I if there is no God? And where did I come from?
• Others. Do all lives have the same value? If that's the case, what's the basis for it? What is my role in providing care for others?
• Minimalism. What will we replace the chase of material riches if we have withdrawn it from our affections?
• The environment in which we live. In what ways should we be concerned about the world and the environment in which we live? Is the survival of our species more important than our motivation in this regard? And, if so, how do we, as humans, behave appropriately with it?
• Morality. Is there a greater power that has constructed a moral set of truths for the universe? Or does each person's morality define his or her own?
• Evil. What am I supposed to make of the world's evil and suffering? Is there a cause for it? How far should I go in trying to stop it?
• Money. Is it true that the cosmos bestows wealth and status on certain people but not others? Or does the individual gain money/status? When I get it, what should I do with it? Is it my job to look after people who have less?
• Afterlife. Is it true that there is life after death? Is death something to be feared or something to be embraced? In any case, what should I be doing today to prepare for it?

Without a question, our perceptions of spirituality have a significant impact on our lives. As a result, exploring it is one of the most crucial adventures we may ever undertake.

I completely recognize that this community includes readers of all religious and non-religious backgrounds. That is a reality for which I am eternally grateful. I should also point out that this post is not an endorsement of any one faith. Instead, my objective is to encourage everyone of us to think more deeply about the significance of spirituality in our daily lives. And encourage us to embrace the adventure with enthusiasm rather than fear.

You will never regret any time spent increasing your awareness of the Universe because of the critical function it plays. Let me provide seven initial steps that are fundamental to our personal investigation of spirituality, whether you have never tried, have tried but given up, or spend time every day pursuing one specific God.

A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Spirituality

1. Honor those who have gone before you. The search for spiritual knowledge is as old as humanity itself. Billions have gone before you, and countless hours have been spent in search of spirituality. Don't take their efforts for granted. Consider their studies and writings, even if they aren't from the religion you've grown accustomed to.

2. You must take charge of your own journey. Your vision of God must be determined alone by you. You should not accept another's teachings at face value (even your closest mentor or parent). Your spirituality must ring true in your heart and your soul must rejoice in it—or it is meaningless.

3. Begin right now, just where you are. We all have unique character traits such as compassion, laughter, self-discipline, and love. Make use of them as a starting point. Are you going through a difficult time in your life (illness, loss, rejection)? Use it to fuel your quest for a deeper understanding of spirituality. According to Lao-tzu, “A thousand-mile trip begins with a single step.” In every way, he was correct. Start your trip with whatever the most logical initial step is for you.

4. Seek God's assistance. By this, I mean that making the request has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your request may be answered if there is a God. Even if you don't believe in God, the act of making the plea will help you focus your senses and desires.

5. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Spiritual development, like everything else in life, takes time and effort to master. Take a few more steps in a different direction if you don't find your answers after your initial few steps. Time, effort, and energy will be required. However, considering its impact on our life, it is always worthwhile to put forth the effort.

6. Don't be scared to ask questions that you don't know the answer to. Although it may seem counterintuitive to the pursuit's purpose to leave questions unresolved, we should not be afraid of them. Some will forsake the road completely because of these unresolved questions. And, while spirituality should provide answers to our deepest questions, it is implausible to expect that our minds will be able to comprehend all of the universe's complexities.

7. Be cautious of “Everyone is correct” is a way of thinking. There is no God if there isn't one. If there is a God, He is one of a kind. Personally, I am suspicious of the belief that God can change from one person to another, as that theory collapses under its own logic. God is exactly who he is. It is also our obligation to locate Him successfully.

Again, I recognize that everyone of us will experience this trip in our own unique way. Spirituality is a very personal topic, and various people will have different experiences with it. This is not a post endorsing any one faith. It's just a note of encouragement and a reminder that this trip is crucial.

I don't usually moderate comments very carefully (unless they turn offensive). However, I have a recommendation for this article. I'd be curious to hear about your personal spiritual path in the comments section below. How did it all start? And how did you come to that conclusion? I believe that this discussion will be more beneficial and encouraging than a precise explanation for your point of view.

How do you shadow a journal?

Finding those terrified aspects of yourself in the dark and loving them back into the light is what shadow work is all about. It's a delicate and patient process.

It's not about rehashing previous wrongdoings in order to further victimize or blame, but about releasing your heart from the shackles that have kept you safe for so long.

It takes a certain amount of bravery and willingness to go into one's darkest self in order to emerge more enlightened, real, and connected to oneself.

• As you practice this new way of being, decide on your new direction while being patient with yourself.

What is deep journaling?

I'm going to walk you through my “deep journaling” approach, which is a disciplined technique of confronting unpleasant emotions on paper. It's a method I've used for years to deal with deep and dark issues. It's a bitter tonic that's both unpleasant and clarifying. When I'm feeling down, I try to do this on a regular basis, but it takes energy and willpower, which I don't always have when I'm down. In that circumstances, self-soothing and nourishment are the top priorities. You'll be able to face your demons and tame your dragons after you've gained the strength to do so.

Deep journaling, in the end, gives me a lot more self-compassion, understanding, and – eventually — awakening, insight, and growth.

Look for a quiet area to relax in. Bring your journal and a few hours to yourself to write. Give yourself a nourishing liquid to drink. I went to cosy cafes when I didn't have any tranquil locations of my own. That was coffee therapy for me.

(1) INHABIT THE BODY – describe how you carry this emotion in your body. What does this condition of being feel like physically?

(2) DESCRIBE THE EMOTIONS – write down as many words as you need to express how you feel.

(3) RECORD THE EVENT – what was the event, experience, or catalyst that caused these feelings?

(4) WRITE DOWN THE UNDERLYING THOUGHTS — what thoughts or beliefs are contributing to your body's emotions and feelings?

(5) DIG FOR THE ROOT Concept-BELIEF – ask yourself if you can go deeper with each thought. Ask yourself “why” at each thought – “why do I feel like this is true?” What is the premise on which this is based? The idea is to distill all of one's thoughts down to a single “root thought-belief” that is generating the pain. This is the origin.

(6) DECONSTRUCT THE ROOT Idea — the root thought is frequently made up of components and many if-then expressions. It's frequently the result of unconscious logic and conditioned, patterned assumptions – possibly from infancy. The idea is to break down the core thought-belief into its constituent pieces. A, B, C, and D are the letters of the alphabet. Write each one as a separate belief/statement. Use a reasoning that isn't attached to anything. If you're feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths. This is a flashlight shining into the closet's gloomy chaos.

(7) TRUE/FALSENESS — now examine each component of the deconstructed underlying notion and ask yourself, “Is it true?” Is it true in any way? What makes you think it's not true? One by one, do it for the A, B, C, and D sections of your root thought.

(8) REFLECT ON ORIGINAL Habits — these underlying beliefs are frequently the result of long-ago scars and childhood patterns. Ask yourself, “Where else in my life have I seen this pattern?” What may possibly be the cause of this? What other similar events have occurred in my life that have sparked this? What is the source of this?

9) REWRITING YOUR INSIDES — now that you've (a) held space for your feeling-thinking sensations, (b) investigated and deconstructed them, and (c) determined their truth or falsity, it's time to rewrite the conditioned root idea into a positive, life-affirming statement.

Make a list of how you want to feel. What you choose to believe in, and how you want to grow, expand, and change are all factors to consider. These things may not feel true at the time, but with everyday intention, you may look back years later and see that they have become reality. We are who we make ourselves to be. Every day, we are who we choose to be.