How To & Why Keep a Spiritual Journal

A fun and easy tool for recording synchronicities, trusting your intuition and finding patterns.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~William Wordsworth

If you are reading Sacred Environment and interested in growing a deeper connection with Nature, chances are you are interested in a deeper understanding of yourself as well. One powerful tool to help along the way is a spiritual journal. This post describes my definition of a spiritual journal; it is not the only way. Some keep a spiritual journal to record thoughts and inspirations as they read through religious scriptures.

Future writings will include journaling techniques more specific to connecting with Nature. Keeping the type of spiritual journal I’m discussing in the article will help develop the skills necessary to notice more of life’s messages—a foundation for connecting deeper on both inner and outer levels.

“The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.” ~Norbet Platt

Why Keep a Spiritual Journal?

Keeping a spiritual journal allows you to see where you have been, where you are heading and also acts as a GPS of sorts. It is also a sacred place to recognize who you are. This type of journal also becomes the fertile soil where seeds of inspiration and intention are able to grow and manifest. Your journal is also a way to let the Universe (higher self, guides, subconscious, God, spirit, etc.) know that you are paying attention to all the messages sent your way—it keeps the channel of communication open and flowing.

“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.” ~Francis Bacon

How to Keep a Spiritual Journal

A spiritual journal is very easy and fun to write in. For starters, you will want to find a blank journal or notebook, one that “feels right” and special to you. Some come with lined pages and some blank, the choice is yours. You might want to consider a journal with blank pages if you have an artistic streak waiting to show itself and wish to add drawings. Also find a writing instrument that you like, keeping in mind that pencil tends to fade after time.

Although your journal does not have to be written in every day, the more it is used, the more empowered it becomes. Your spiritual journal is not to be used as a place to “vent” emotions; it is vital to keep your entries positive and uplifting.

If you wish to, keep a separate journal to record day-to-day feelings. These types of journals are best to write and forget; a tool for moving and releasing stuck emotions (energy). You may not want to read back what you have written in it, this will prevent adding energy back into emotions that you have released (bringing the emotions back into your body). Reading back through your spiritual journal, however, will feel empowering.

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior”~ Christina Baldwin

Writing in, or reading, your journal should be approached with reverence. Consider setting aside a little time each evening before bed to write. Create sacred space; light a candle, allow yourself to be undisturbed and relax—whatever feels right for you. Carrying a small notebook during the day to jot down notes may be helpful and then write later. Or, to keep it simpler, keep your journal with you throughout the day to write down whatever comes up and read your day’s entries before bed.

What to Write in Your Spiritual Journal

Always include a date with your entries. You want to record anything that happens to cause you skin to get the goosebumps or those “Ah ha” moments. Anything that stands out from the ordinary and has potential meaning to you. You’ll feel them as a strong resonance. Some suggestions are as follows:

• inspirational and spiritual quotes

• passages from books

• dreams

• synchronicities (coincidences)

• intuitive messages

• meditations

• oracle or tarot card messages

• intentions and goals

• gratitude

“In every moment, the Universe is whispering to you. You're constantly surrounded by signs, coincidences, and synchronicities , all aimed at propelling you in the direction of your destiny.” ~Denise Linn

Your Journal As a Valuable Tool

As you work with your journal, it becomes a road map to your life; filled with signposts. Read it over periodically. Maybe you had a dream you weren’t able to figure out but it seemed to be important (I call these residual dreams—the ones that stick with us throughout the next day). A week later a song may be repeating in your head. Reading though your journal may provide a clue to an important message or question you’ve asked an answer for. You will find that many of your journal entries will tie together, almost web-like. Where have you been? What messages keep repeating themselves? Are you listening to your messages? What is manifesting from your intentions and goals? Periodically write down in your journal what you are noticing and any insights that come to mind. It’s really fun and insightful to read back journals that are years old—which I wrote about in How It All Began.

If you encounter periods when there doesn’t appear to be much to write, check in with yourself—are you being true to your authentic self? Have you stepped off your path? When we are in sync with the Universe and our heart’s desires, synchronicities and messages flow freely.

“Synchronicity: A meaningful coincidence of two or more events where something other than the probability of chance is involved.” ~Carl Jung

Here’s a synchronicity as I’m writing this.

As I’m adding the final touches to this newsletter,

Christoph Heinen

released his new podcast—on synchronistic events. That’s the way synchronicities work. Be sure to give it a listen to the end, there’s other great tidbits there as well.

Lizard Tails

• What are your thoughts about keeping this type of journal? What’s a recent synchronicity you’ve noticed? Let’s connect in the comments.

This post is why I started Sacred Environment:

How It All Began

If something I wrote sparked some inspiration, or brightened your day a little, or anything else you’d like to share… I’d be very grateful to hear about it in the comments or click the little heart for a “like”. Tip Jar uses Stripe.