“if you want to write and don’t, because you don’t feel worthy enough or able enough, not writing will eventually begin to erase who you are.”
Louise DeSalvo
Expressive writing involves verbally expressing your honest thoughts and feelings about your lived experience through writing. It is your most authentic voice. Free writing in journals is one such form of expressive writing. Hundreds of research studies have revealed the benefits of open and honest writing. Art making with writing (visual or art journaling) offers you the synergistic benefits of both visual and verbal forms of expression. Here are just four of them:
Stress Reduction
With back-to-school plans constantly evolving due to the pandemic, students like myself are experiencing high levels of academic stress. Educators and administrators too are having difficulties formulating time management, having to endure major changes with physical buildings and online environments. The current times are highly stressful for everyone for one reason or another, and as a result, you may be reacting to painful struggles by suffering from poor moods. Reporting daily experiences in a journal has been shown to decrease anxiety and negative affect levels. So, if you don’t already journal, the time to start is now!
Self-Reflection
The practice of self-examination involves looking back over what has happened in an effort to improve, or encourage growth. Implementing journaling into your routine can illuminate issues and cut to the core of them very quickly. Writing in a journal can help you discover meaning, make connections, gain perspective, develop critical thinking, resolve conflict, and learn from failures.
Recording Ideas
Keeping a journal permits you to record thoughts and ideas that may have easily been forgotten or lost. As time allows, incorporate journaling into your work setting for professional development. Your life may be hectic; you may not believe you will even be able to find the time. However, jotting your streams of consciousness in one place is a very efficient thing to do. When issues arise, jot them done the first chance you get. Do not hesitate to make brief mentions and quick illustrations.
Improving Emotional Health
Your journal is a place to process how you are feeling. For example, were you in a situation recently in which you felt nervous, awkward, frustrated, embarrassed, angry or uncomfortable? Write about it. Your journal is a safe place to explore any negative emotions and redirect them into a more positive experience. If it is too difficult to articulate, use imagery. Remember, you don’t have to be an artist to create an image. Abstract artwork is a great way to express emotion.
Your journal isn’t just a place to go when you are feeling badly. Be sure to write when you experience joy, surprise, love… Engaging in the creative process can help you gain courage and confidence to try new things, became more positive about life in general, and become better able to cope with everyday life. Now pick up those colored pencils and begin your emotional release!
I followed the Coptic style of binding for use on my latest journal. Originally this binding process was used by early Christians in Egypt, the Copts, some 2000 years ago. Coptic bindings are the first true codices. These stitched books allow the book to be opened up flat without weakening the spine. An advantage of a journal sewn in the Coptic style is that it lies completely flat when open.
Art & Wellness Challenge
If you are not currently keeping a journal, start one. If you’d like to create your own, click here for a very clear tutorial I followed. Share your thoughts about your writing process via email at chris@chrissingleheart.com or via message on Facebook at facebook.com/chrissingleheart. Of course, imagery is encouraged too!
The Fine Print
Participation in this and any Art and Wellness Challenge is on a voluntary basis and at your own risk.