On Journalling and the Meditative Aspect of Writing
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2022
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I started a blog in 2014 after I was diagnosed with a blood cancer. I now post on it twice a week, so am always looking for stuff to write about. I've also kept a personal journal for the past 7 years since a stem-cell transplant. I write in it whenever I feel like writing. No pressure to do it every day. I pick out a pen and ink from my collection and write. I write about things I've done, how I feel, current affairs. I find there's always something 🙂 So it is always enjoyable.
wonderful ! my name is Jorge Rubia in similar situation … can you sgare a link to your blog please , Warm Regards , Jorge
@@jorgerubia1 hi Jorge - not sure YT will allow a link, but if you search for during the meanwhilst my blog should be there. hope you are doing well?
@@duringthemeanwhilst And we hope you are doing well, or at least better, too.
Every morning without fail, I get up, make my coffee, and then write one full page in a Leuchtturm 1917 master size book. It may be on the plot of a story I am working on, or script excerpt, or an article idea, or hey point of philosophy, or anything else under the sun. If I want to continue, the topic, I do so in another notebook after reaching the end of the page.. I used to write a topic at the top of the next day's page so that I didn't have to come up with something, but don't do that any longer. I seldom write in the evenings and have never bothered with summarizing the day or week in classic diary style. I don't use any particular journaling method apart from that. I must often write constantly throughout the day anyway in my work. I find this ritual helps set my mind for the day and I miss it very much on the extremely rare occasion I don't do it. I have done this for several years now, and it can sometimes be challenging because I work in the film industry and that means on occasion I might have to be on set somewhere at 4 a.m. or even earlier and that location might be an hour or more away. Even on those days, I do not miss this little ritual except in extreme circumstances.
you know the guy is serious when the video title very well might have been the title of a research paper.
I love journaling and think that people can do it how and when they wish and that it really doesn't have to be daily. Don't make it a chore: have fun with it. From very little, like 5 years old, I have written and doodled. Happiness was a drawer full of felt-tips, crayons, various pens and paper. My Dad journaled for years, although now he is dead Mum won't let me see them. He had cancer twice, as well as long-term unemployment not related to his illness, and it really helped him. He had dyslexia but that didn't stop him.
I've used notebooks and sketchbooks, pens, gel pens, felt pens, fine-liners, paint, crayons, charcoal from woodland fires, all sorts. Sometimes it's just text and sometimes there are doodles, even diagrams. Now I write meditatively with my fountain pens, looking into dark times or difficult problems and how to deal with them. I also write down the funny stuff that happens to me and to others, stuff I've eaten that tasted great or really bad, films that sucked or that made me think. I review books I've read, articles on the internet that were informative, music I've enjoyed. I have many pages of pens, paper and inks that I "need" and that I really "must have"! I always take a notebook on holiday with me and write up what we've been up to. It was very helpful for this holiday at Easter because we hired a boat, something we've never done before. It was scary but fun and now we are hiring a boat next year. I have a record of what was helpful, what wasn't, and how to do it better next time.
I forget a lot of stuff and the months just disappear faster and faster the older I get. Recording what happened on a certain day allows me to remember what I've been up to. It might only be "Lounged around in my pyjamas all day watching CZcams videos" but at least then the day isn't a blank. I include the weather, the moon, what birds and butterflies we've had in the garden. My brain is always whirring so I can just brain-dump and have fewer random thoughts swirling around. I probably have most of my journals from the last 20 years although some years I didn't journal at all and some years I journaled a lot. I also wrote up my sessions with a counsellor that I had for about two years and those were helpful to review and even used in some of the sessions.
I have an ink journal, a very simple Bullet Journal that has everything in it for my personal life plus a Bullet Journal for my position as Library Volunteer. Planning is involved in both Bullet Journals but I make sure that there is nothing personal in my Library Journal as I use it for reference and people read it over my shoulder! You may have guessed that I fill them up pretty fast! Now I use the Filofax Notebook for my Bullet Journals because I can use my punch for any paper I want and swap my pages around or put them in a different cover. Very useful.
I definitely agree with the sentiment that product reviews are great but…
When I first joined this community, I wanted to watch every review I could get my hands on - even if it was six reviews from different people on the same pen. The longer I’ve been in the community, I do find myself watching fewer reviews and being more specific in the reviews I watch.
A more philosophical topic that I think about all the time is imposter syndrome. It happens with me in the pen community both in person and on social media as well as in my job as a teacher (and I’ve been teaching for over 20 years, I love doing it, and I’m good at it). I also tend to think that everyone else has it together and is very confident about everything in their life - even though logically I know that isn’t true.
I agree with you about typing. "My two fingers on a typewriter have never connected with my brain. My hand on a pen does. A fountain pen, of course. Ball-point pens are only good for filling out forms on a plane."
Graham Greene
Writing for me is a therapututic experience, yet I really don't journal anything. I do have a notebook for notes, but my writing letters seems to "do the trick." It's sometimes pretty cathartic, and requires more thought than, say, a text, email or phone call.
Greetings from Australia.
Great Video.
I could not keep a diary until the Covid Pandemic came upon us. So it's been over three years; and I have not stopped writing since.
I thought it would be good to write with a fountain pen, so I bought a Jinhao X450 and X750.
Then I discovered that fountain pens are only good on certain types of paper. Consequently I then got into journals and then inks.
I now have over 70 fountain pens and they are mostly hand made in exotic woods by local artisans, but I do have three pilot pens now.
Writing with a fountain pen opened up a whole new world to me. I have several types of journals on the go; and now my biggest concern is what pens I am going to take on holiday.
Can you believe that? Fountain pens on a holiday. It would never have happened before.
In addition I have met some wonderful, generous people.
It's a whole new world and a new page in my life.
The Daily Stoic is the title of Ryan Holliday book. I love your ideas. I disagree that there is nothing to write about daily. I find many things happen during the day, including emotional experiences. I agree about writing being meditative. My journal is typed (on Google Drive, each day a new document,) I like dedicating a certain part of the day to just write like this. I started journaling, writing onion skin sheets.
Also need the soothing experience of pen and ink on paper on a regular base. Journals I use for poetry, every day life, drawing, ink samples, lyrics thoughts and reflection, note taking while listening to Talks about Stoicism and so on. ✒️📙
I agree on the meditative part. Nowadays, I use my pens (daily) for language learning, which I keep up as a hobby. Writing down sentences helps me memorize vocabulary, grammar and syntax because of my affinity for visual processing. I also have a love for calligraphy and neat writing, and it is very pleasing and satisfying for me to look at neatly handwritten (hopefully meaningful/useful) sentences
There is a troubleshooting method called Rubber Duck Debugging (it has a wikipedia entry). Rubber ducks are great listeners but they can only understand simple things. You try to describe a problem to a rubber duck in every possible detail - even the ‚obvious‘ stuff that may be obvious to you but not to the rubber duck. And often you will find a solution during that process.
Journaling way work in a similar way.
Interesting topic.I agree in most part and feel the same. I started journaling so many times but falls out like you do. And I have give it up. . But what I wanted to say is that we are might missing something. I´m a photographer and most of my life I have brought a camera with me most of the days. When i do something special I of course take alot more pictures. But in retrospect and this happens quite fast. Already after let´s say three years. I have found that it´s the pictures between occations that are the most interesting. I´m glad i have pictures of people ,places and friends in everyday situations that i would have forgot otherwise that evokes different feelings from the time.That at the time were nothing special in a situation that were not special. The travels I´ll remember them anyway. Thinking this is maybe equivalent to deliberately writing down everyday and getting access to an otherwise lost world.
I think you make a good point about not forcing yourself to necessarily write daily. I would add something, however, that’s important. Sometimes you are working through something that happened that day-not something that’s even a huge deal. And sitting calmly you come to a conclusion that’s cathartic…you think. But there are times when that conclusion needs a revisit. And so you may not be committed to writing daily, but could feel the need to revamp your thinking, and for that should be writing again the very next day. Yes, sitting down with a favorite fountain pen should put one in an insightful frame of mind, but not always. Sometimes sleeping on something puts you in a different frame of mind.
In defense of journaling that may consist in large part of hum-drum observations (the weather, what you did that day, etc), I recommend the Alfred M. North diaries, 1917-1936, available online at Calisphere, University of Riverside collection. Alfred North was a teacher in Riverside, California, and if you want to see what it was like to live at that time and in that place, then check out his diaries. And they look like they were written in that era’s hobonichi techo.
Agree 100% I tried bullet journalling, but felt the process was a distraction from the important practice of organising thoughts. I tend to journal less when I've been around good friends.
Absolutely, when I journal it’s like a brain-dump!, and like you, it’s an occasional thing rather than every day:)
Thank you for an excellent piece, as ever thought provoking.
I journal daily, and rarely do I miss a day. For several years I used A4 stored in a ring binder, filling one a quarter. Then I moved to A5 Rhodia et al, but found the small size too restrictive. I now use a B5 TR notebook from Galen, which is a perfect size.
I love the meditative aspect so attractive. Thinking about what's happened in my life, the news (dismal as ever), world events, and trying to make sense of it all. I use a different pen every day, and sometimes take half a page just reviewing said pen and ink combo.
Anyway, I babble. Keep up the excellent work, it's much appreciated.
Writing words whether digital or analog, whatever frequency or instrument is something, as you have stated, « we do for ourselves ». What we do with those words, archive or burn, share or publish, is another decision and action. But in the beginning it is something that we all do for ourselves.
I have actually found that I'm the polar opposite of what you described, but the result is somehow identical. If I don't keep a *jour*nal, that is a daily summary of events as is the literal meaning of the word, it's damaging to my ability to apply Stoic thinking. The reason for this is simple: if there are blanks, I will fill in those blanks post hoc with whatever narrative my brain will weave. If there are no blanks, I am forced to acknowledge what my thinking was like at the time of writing and I can see how it developed as an added bonus, so I can recognise the initial stages next time the situation arises. This is why my journal has "The Mirror" written on the cover: it shows me a true reflection instead of a restructured memory.
I was so glad to hear the perspective of another inconsistent journal-er. (I use journal-er because journalist sounds like a reporter or professional writer) There are times when I write daily for weeks, but I also may just write every few days, and can go several weeks, or a few months even, without journaling. I, though, am somewhat inconsistent in everything in my life except for those things that have a very strong time commitment like showing up at my job before my retirement. I would like to be more consistent, on top of things, and organized, and I can manage it for short periods of time, but at some point I loose the consistency. When something happens that requires a lot of attention or is very mentally/emotionally taxing, though, I may not have energy/mental and emotional resources to write about it while it is ongoing, but may find myself writing a ton about it days or even weeks afterwards. Writing does help me think through things, and also remember them. I have one journal just for vacations. I read through that occasionally and all the memories that have lain forgotten come rushing back. Those are generally sweet memories.
Thank you for this! I write a little everyday (not sure if that qualifies as journaling) with the intention of honoring what I was grateful for - can be quite unique for every single day - and so I wouldn’t forget about events. I write them in a small A6 type of notebook, a page a day which i hope that when i grow older can be a trigger for memories. Somehow even now I feel I forget too many things. I may miss a day or two but i don’t sweat it and don’t feel it’s a crime to write about something two days past. I just try to be that grateful and honoring person when I can. As for longer writing sessions - those come up less frequently and just like you, tends to happen when something triggered a particularly strong opinion or emotion; or when i feel i need to reflect on something as a result. I do succumb to the pure enjoyment of just writing with a fountain pen sometimes and that tends to be jotting down a stream of consciousness thing. Thanks so much for speaking about this topic. It made me think of the intentionality of doing journal work. I do have a question - what do you do to store your journals? do you make it a point to keep them so as to be able to read them years later? how do you make sure no one else reads your journals (by mistake or intentionally)?
I keep both a Bullet Journal and a long form rambling journal. The BuJo has become a skimmable index to the walls of text in the journal. The dot points get done every day (the long form missed sometimes) and are useful when I sit down with my cup of tea and favourite pen for the meditative long form - they can be writing prompts when the aging brain goes blank...
When I do things, they must directly contribute to goals in my life.
Since I am a broad thinker, I naturally work though events in my life and find the meanings without writing.
It's just what my mind does with experiences.
My writing is all computational or data entry.
When problems become to complex to mentally keep track of or large volumes of information needs to be memorized, that is when I write.
Because I am a broad thinker, this is a daily occurrence.
The more data I digest, the more complex problems I can solve.
The more complex problems I can solve, the closer I get towards my goals.
Loved hearing your reflections on diary writing (is that the English version of journalling?). These days I write everyday. Over the years I have been more sporadic, but after a while I began to find not writing an entry was too strange. Momentum I suppose. Yes, it's my main use for my pens, and most get a turn, each with a different ink. But an area you didn't cover and is less obvious is reading back through your own diaries. I started doing this for the first time earlier this year and it's an extraordinary experience. I'm currently ten years into a forty year coverage (started at 20 in 1982). It's a lot of life. Astonishing to note the changes but even more, to see the continuity! Thank you for these reflections. I love to hear others talk about something that means a lot to me.
I too tried keeping a journal/diary (some use these interchangeably but there is a difference). I always tried to keep the format of who, what, when, where, why and how.. it helped to reflect on the things of the day. Gave me both peace of mind and worry at the same time.
Here’s a topic you might like to consider: spirituality and whether it could touch upon stoicism.
I agree with you. I think somethings require discipline, and perhaps daily practice, but certain things don't. If the thing becomes a burden, then it's time to reconsider why we do it and how we want to do it. Journaling is a very persona experience, as you said. So we should customize to our own lifestyles and preferences. I like this "talking about something" series".
What's your most enjoyable moment/ experience in 2022 so far? What's something new that you learned and glad you learned about it?
I write a page a day first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee
About 1/2 hr
I also enjoy the physical writing
I have been doing this for years
I write in conjunction with my diary where I extract ideas as they come up
My Daily Diary is my self analysis and resolution of my day and what to do
My daily therapy to process
The Daily Stoic, yes. Good topic for a video.👍🏽✌🏽
Thank you for this fascinating video. I made notes for future reference to try your ideas about reasoning out a day-to-day issue by writing it down and thinking through on paper. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on grief, dealing with change and/or fear.
I do not think that a journal is a time that allows me to write about events of the day before. It also allows me to express feelings, thoughts, and topics that enter my head. I also found that spontaneous writing is effective in developing ideas or possible solutions to problems that have occurred or developed.
Some may think of this as stream of consciousness. One thought does not necessarily have to do with anything written in prior writing. I had read Talcott Parsons who was an exponent of this style of writing. It is perhaps a style that is difficult to follow but it works as a form of expression.
Excellent video, I really enjoyed it very much. As I listened to your reflections I could notice the importance of this activity in my work and personal organization.
Hello Stephen, thank you for another great video. :-) I daresay I'm in the same boat. I love the simple tactile sensation of hand-writing with a nice pen and notebook, but I cannot find enough things in my life to write about every day. I tried this and I too found it to be a chore. Journaling works better for me when there's something worthwhile to say.
Another great and interesting video. Thank you Dr Brown.
Excellent video, thank you for your insights. Helps me formulate my ideas on journaling and how to make it less of a chore and more of a benefit.
I agree with you. I journal the same way. It's not a diary.
Spot on! Writing by hand definitely changes my thinking as you comment. Some days ago I wrote an 18 page letter to a friend over two days. I experienced what I’m calling a “writer’s high.” It lasted a couple of days. I’ve experienced this to a lesser degree when on the computer but mostly when tweaking what I’ve already written. Does your area of brain expertise say anything about the hand-brain connection whilst writing leading to such a euphoria? And/or could the cause be the subject of my epistle?😢 Whatever the cause it was delightful. I missed this video two years.ago. My good fortune to have found it now. Continue!
Yes good talk, it is a form of Zen for myself and an opportunity to play with my different pens and inks. When I’ve read later on weeks or months later I thought… who wrote that 😵💫 … it should be fun not a duty. Been really deep these last couple of years, writing has been a literal life saver but and here’s a question I’m sure loads think about… some things you want to write about are like…. read it after I’m dead you can’t harm me then, so Doc how far do you go ?? Do you lock your books away…
on another thought I played this episode to my missis who literally picked journal and pen up last week after talking about it with me a couple of times recently and she enjoyed your reasoning… she doesn’t use fountain pen and was just about to start with a BIC … 🤬 I forbade her at once and threatened to call lightening down on her.. I replace such instrument of satan with a gel pen .
S O …. l look forward to another facet of the diamond to catch the light. 😉… thanks you’re ACE 💙
Does your handwriting vary? Mine does, quite a bit!
I've just recently discovered your videos and I have enjoyed those which I've watched. In my opinion, any practice which requires one's attention to be focused can be a meditative endeavor. I am expanding my fountain pen and writing experience after writing, daily, in print with a combination of the same three fountain pens for the last seven years and have started writing in cursive, after a 40 year break. I find my writing practice to be quite meditative, once I am focused on writing each letter as best as I am able. I am curious and would like to ask you a question. In some of your older videos, I noticed a naginata on top of a bookshelf and what appear to be various Nihonto in the background. Did you practice koryu at some point or collect Nihonto? My apologies if this is something you answered before.
Do you THINK you could do a video on how fountain pens first came to be used and are they possibly evolved from quill pens, also could you do another shootout on paper?
I guess you aren’t I journaled then. I’ve done it daily for over 35 years and I never see it as a chore. My journal is my friend and confidant. Nothing ever happens in my life but I have thoughts about what is happening in the world or in my shows or what I read. I also love journaling with my typewriters too. As for topics, this was a great one. Journaling is always a great topic. But many people are just not very self reflective and yet they want to use their pens-you could discuss transcribing. I’ve heard of many people writing out lord of the rings or Harry Potter. A great way to use ones pens and inks.
Can procrastination and paralysis analysis be considered as one
Excellent video! I’d really enjoy knowing your thoughts on how you approach pens or other writing items that were gifted by people who ended up not being positive forces in life, whether it be a former partner, friend or family member. What sentimental value, or emotional weight, does or should a pen carry? I struggle with this question sometimes.
Please turn up the volume when you record.
I know in videos of the past you used to have swords in the background. Do you still collect them?
Maybe your advice on journaling should be useful to those who are wanting to do creative writing. The most annoying advice is to write every day. I can think of nothing more off-putting than to face a blank page with no idea of what to write.
BTW, I think the title of the book you mentined is The Daily Stoic.