Breathe.Gratitude.Love.

I could seriously buy journaling materials several times per week.  Certain journals just seem to call my name from across the city, and I can’t help but pick up the phone.  Then there are the accessories that come with- the markers, stickers, paper clips, pencils- the list goes on forever.  I simply love journaling materials.

But it’s not just about the paper and style variations.  A new journal represents fresh potential and untapped creativity begging to be released into the living atmosphere.  I could completely fill a bookshelf with all-new, fresh untouched journals while stacking actual books in a corner by the door.  So imagine my disappointment when I hear a voice from deep inside say “Start with what you have”.

To be fair to the mysterious voice, I did have journals here at home that were all but empty.  I also had pencils and markers but I just wanted something new to go with my fresh outlook.  This was not to be my regular gossip column style of journaling.  This was to be a sacred dedication, a pure devotion between myself and the Divine.  Clearly there had been a mistake in the deliverance of this message.  I must have just heard wrong.  Therefore I ignored the mysterious voice and I bought a new journal.  And by a new journal, I mean at least 5 new journals.  And pencils. 

I think the Spirit auto-builds in a few trial run opportunities leading to my eventual compliance (thank you).  After those chances have all been used  the voice gets louder and more persistent.   “Start with what you have”.  It gets even louder, even more persistent and then it spreads into other areas of my life .  The spread is usually what gets my attention.  Suddenly I’m in Target searching for a new candle when I hear “Start with what you have.”  Then I’m searching for my keys to go get cleaning supplies and you guessed it “Start with what you have.”    Fine, I will do things your way.  (Which by the way is always better).

The energetic proposition of routing the rush of new excitement into one’s current position seems only logical.  Surely it is better to breathe new life into something that has become stagnant before trying to replace it from an external source.  From a higher-self view, this is a no-brainer.  But the opposition within wants us to chase the thing that is new and shiny, which surely must equal better.  

But chasing what’s new often results in wasted time and energy.  It devalues what is already in front of us just waiting to be revived.   Following the high of getting something unnecessarily just because it is new comes the bitter aftertaste of regret.  So what is the deal with the sentiment of putting new energy into something old?

On countless occasions I have started a new venture with running out to buy something that will bring it to life.  I spent hundreds of  dollars and hours buying wires, beads and materials to start a jewelry business before ever sketching a design or color scheme.  I bought tons of clothes to start an online boutique without first shedding the new clothes and shoes I already had in my own closet.  All of that fresh new energy of excitement was routed out of my center (and into someone else’s bank account) before I could first feed some of that energy to myself.  Once the newness of the venture ran out, I was left feeling empty.  Again.

The same theory holds for this self- journaling practice, but not just for the practical materials.  We often share our deepest feelings with others without first sitting in them ourselves.  But who can know you better than yourself?  Of course others can be very useful in inspiring change or action, but we are ultimately responsible for our own healing and growth.  When we give ourselves the first offering of our energies, regardless of if it feels positive or negative, we validate our own worth.  If you are angry or depressed when you begin your self- journaling practice, then start there.  If you are happy and fulfilled, then start there.  It is your energy, and it is here to serve you and your evolution.  Write it down and feel into it.  Acknowledge and accept your energy as it stands right now.  The rest will add itself in time.

Starting with what you have is a highly revealing experience.  You will notice that you have things already in place, as if your past self were preparing for your future evolvement.  It is the realization of why you bought that thing from that garage sale two years ago but never used or got rid of.  It is proof of intuitional leadership into the destiny you feel burning within.  It is confirmation of the higher purpose for things you once believed to be silly.  These are the lasting things that serve to build your confidence in the leadership of your intuition, which always has your highest good in mind.  

This does not denounce finding and buying the things that you genuinely need to start your self-journaling practice.  It does not even denounce buying things that you want.  The idea of starting with what you have serves to help you better understand your energetic intentions and to pay gratitude for the things that are already here, present and ready to serve you.  

Gathering and Defining your Self-Journaling Materials

I see my journaling materials as my support system in co-creation.  As such, they deserve respect and consideration.  Just as you set an overall intention for your journaling practice, setting an intention for your journaling tools reminds you of their importance. 

Although your self-journaling materials may differ, I would like to offer the following list as a guide to help you get started.

Primary Materials

Journals– I typically work with 2-3 journals at a time. This allows me to: 

• Keep one journal for empowering content only. This is the journal that I use for word purge, words of gratitude, rooted affirmations, healing affirmations, oracle card reflections, release writings and intention writings.  This is the journal that I consider the nucleus of my spiritual practice, where revelations, healing and magic takes place.
• Keep a separate journal for taking notes. This is where I write notes concerning the books I am currently reading or quotes that come from other people.   I like to keep thoughts outside of my Spiritual nucleus (including my own) separated as much as possible, unless they are being healed.
• Keep a separate journal for left-brain ideas. This is the journal I use to jot down ideas that come to me outside of my prayer/meditation/affirmation time.  Sometimes the ideas that come from other sources are distractions in disguise, but I honor them by keeping them in a separate journal. I can allow these ideas to rest here first before deciding if they are aligned with my primary purpose. Sometimes I will cross information between my note-taking and left-brain ideas journals, but my main Spiritual journal remains as sacred as possible.

Pencils (Aka magical writing wands)– I definitely prefer a good old-fashioned number two pencil for my journaling purposes. There is beauty in the sound of the lead moving across the pages, and I feel more connected when the words are written in pencil.  I find different ways to elevate my journaling pencils, such as creating a pencil topper.  I do this just because.
Markers and Highlighters- I love incorporating colors into my main journal! I create patterns and group information together using colors. I often return to previous pages and look at all the information marked in a certain color to read the correlations. I often receive a fresh message or augury utilizing this method.
Pencil and Marker Holder- Keeping all journaling tools in a holder together helps me keep my practice as sacred as possible. I keep other writing tools available around the house for others to use so that my journaling tools are not scattered, mishandled or misplaced.

Secondary Materials
Oracle Cards- Oracle cards help to display my deeper feelings in a meaningful order. They work wonderfully in answering empowering questions.  We will discuss infusing oracle cards into the sacred journaling practice in part 3. 

Candles- Lighting my journaling candle reminds me that my focus is on completing the sacred work of evolving spiritually.  I liken it to the closing of a classroom door after the bell has rung.  It is time for business!   Lighting a candle can also represent the presence of a guiding ancestor or deity available to assist you during your practice session.

Hot Tea- I prefer to drink hot tea following my journaling session as a symbol of replacing what no longer serves me with fresh affirmations. It also helps to prolongs the loving feelings that result from my communion with the Spirit.

Final Thoughts
I spend a fair amount of time finding the right journals pencils and markers. They do not have to be pricey, they just have to feel right. For example, my “nucleus” journal is hard cover with metal spirals and the paper is a bit thicker than average, while my note-taking journal is soft cover with thinner pages for easier “flipping”. My next journals may be completely different, but this is what works for me during this season. 

My oracle card deck is for self-journaling practice use only.  This means I only pull cards from this deck for myself.  If you are planning to use oracle cards in your practice, I suggest taking the time to attract the  deck that speaks to you.  This may be a deck found in a bookstore or given to you by a familiar stranger.  Regardless, the relationship built with the right deck is priceless, so give it the time it deserves.