The Page
Showing up to my journal every morning is one of those healthy habits I protect in the sacred quiet of the day.
They say, “The brain takes the shape of what the mind rests upon.” I’ve discovered that the page takes the shape of whatever my mind rests on that morning.
I do morning pages every day. Also known as free writing or stream-of-consciousness writing, this practice is the entrance meditation for my day.
Sometimes the pages simply clear away the residue from the night before. Like a “rest stop,” they make room for a new day.
They’re also my morning shower. The pages freshen me up for the day ahead.
And then, if I get lucky (that’s what it feels like when flow takes over and I step aside), the page becomes the stage.
There is a whole cast of performers waiting for their turn: my Rambling Mind, my Subconscious, my Creativity, my Heart, my Parent, my Coach…
If the Coach takes the stage, a class is constructed. If the Parent shows up, a parenting plan or difficult conversation is worked out. If Creativity steals the spotlight, a piece is born.
I started journaling again when the food journey began almost 10 years ago. I always journaled but never consistently until I started using the page to make space.
The journal supports me.
The journal guides me.
The journal grows me.
Wanna try? Here is a simple structure to start with:
Find a place where you won’t be disturbed.
Set a timer for 3 minutes.
At the top of the page, write: What’s on my mind?
Write without stopping until the timer goes off. Don’t worry about grammar, organization, or making sense. Just let the words come.
When the timer is up, read back what you wrote.
Then answer:
When I read this, I think…
What I hear underneath all of this is?
Today I will…
Happy journaling!
