Comments on: Journaling

By: Derek

Derek — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:50:13 +0000

Thank you Carolyn. Yes, I feel the same way, and still find that after years of meditation, writing is a great tool to uncover so much of the endless conditioning (karma) that is locked up in the unconsious mind. In Zen, it is said that a practitioner needs to be willing to practice zazen (Zen meditation)for 1000 years, waiting patiently for enlightenment.

Writing, done mindfully is zazen. Remaining mindful of all one does during the day, is the extension of zazen into daily activity, yet there is a lot of conditioning to bring up into consciousness. It is in the last 10 years or so that I have recognized the wisdom of the “1000 years” of zazen requirement..

By: carolyn aka LaughingYogini

carolyn aka LaughingYogini — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:27:12 +0000

Derek, I love your comment, “Writing is extremely useful as it prevents anything coming up from the unconscious mind being repressed again.” And would add that the thought is down and can be referred to again and again, without slipping into unconsciousness, i.e. forgetting.

Regarding your other comment, I have found writing to be valuable even after years of meditating. In fact, sometimes my meditation IS writing lately.

By: carolyn aka LaughingYogini

carolyn aka LaughingYogini — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:22:31 +0000

Karin, It’s not necessary to keep a specific meditation journal, or even a specific practice journal, though those can be very beneficial for seeing trends and shifts in your practice.

Writing in response to the practice is really the key. Sounds as if you gain a lot from the practice. That’s the ultimate purpose of all of it, isn’t it?

By: carolyn aka LaughingYogini

carolyn aka LaughingYogini — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:15:49 +0000

Glad you found them useful, Huzaifa.

By: Huzaifa Tabassum

Huzaifa Tabassum — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:28:47 +0000

Very valuable tips for mediation

By: Derek

Derek — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:28:15 +0000

A very valuable post here with lots of information especially for those what are taking the first steps in meditation. Writing is extremely useful as it prevents anything coming up from the unconscious mind being repressed again.

By: Karin Bartimole

Karin Bartimole — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:48:55 +0000

I don’t keep a meditation journal specifically, but I find that when I journal immediately following meditation I am more focused, my imagery more meaningful, and everything just flows. I believe your tips would be a valuable approach to the process, thanks for some good ideas!