Reflective Writing

There are many forms of reflective writing such as autobiographical, journal, or essay writing. These forms of writing can be highly literary or deeply personal (or both).

In education, many students on vocational courses (such as those training to be therapists or healthcare providers) have to record their progress and journey in personal development logs.

Reflective writing differs from free association writing in that it is more thematic. Each piece of writing tends to be focused on one or two main ideas or concepts.

Reflective Writing As Meditation

This form of writing can be used for focusing the mind or for goal-setting.

The act of remembering and writing down can also be viewed as a form of meditation.

It can be very therapeutic to vent your spleen, get on your soapbox and rant and rave about issues that concern you - be they global, social or personal.

Studies have shown that writing 15 minutes a day about a personal trauma can improve your emotional health.

Focused writing can also be an aid in decision-making or in resolving dilemmas as you examine all the aspects of a situation through the medium of the written word.

One popular method of reflection is the Gratitude Journal pioneered by Sarah Ban Breathnach in her Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy.

The Gratitude Journal is the daily task of listing down five things that you are grateful for or positive events that happened to you that day. And if you had a truly terrible day, you are encouraged to be grateful for basic things like food or your health or the fact that the day is now over.

The Daybook of Comfort and Joy itself is also full of reflections, quotations and ruminations about authenticity, self-transformation and daily life.

Reflective Writing Tips

If you generally enjoy writing, then it can be an effective tool for meditation and self-expression.

Here are some ideas for writing projects:

* Using a quotation or a line from a poem as a title, you can write an essay about all the concepts, contradictions and associations that arise from this seed idea.

* Got a decision to make or a dilemma to resolve? Write out every aspect and facet of the situation. Examine all the pros and cons.

* Start a diary or a gratitude journal.

* Write for fifteen minutes (or as long as you like) about a broad abstract topic such as Truth, Life or Earth.

Reading, like writing, can be used as tool for contemplation, meditation and inspiration.

Which books have most inspired you? Share your thoughts in this anonymous survey.

Reading as a Tool for Meditation.



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