The best kept secret of modern times is a tool that can absolutely turn your lif
e around. And that tool is good old fashioned handwritten journaling. Journal writing, in its broad definition, provides all we need to solve problems, soothe emotions, and regain control of rocky situations. How does this happen? By using journaling to ask questions.
And what's an even deeper secret than that? Despite all efforts by the world to convince you of your helplessness, you possess the answers to your questions within your own self.
But the secret of all secrets is the fact that we are simply not skilled in asking questions. This is not something that's discussed a lot; it seems academic, perhaps. But imagine for a moment the difference between being trained to have the answers and being trained to ask questions. It's a world of difference, wouldn't you say? And which mode is the favorite in most school systems today?
We're supposed to know the answers, and the ones who question are suspect; they are the troublemakers. Isn't it true? I rest my case.
Here's the amazing thing: if you ask yourself a question, clearly articulating it, and then concentrate cleanly, fiercely on discovering the answer, you will find it within the next few minutes.
If that's true, why don't we do this? Well,
1) We don’t ask questions, and
2) We can't concentrate for ten minutes without getting distracted.
Regarding 1) How often, when you are chatting with someone, does that person ask you a series of questions? It's far more likely that each party makes statements during the conversation, but questions concerning the other person are reserved for the beginning or end of the talk, and then they are mostly obligatory. "How are you?" is meant to get a response only a small portion of the time. So for the most part, dialog is a series of statements.
We relate to one another as people with answers, and avoid asking many questions. Do we so badly need to express ourselves, or are we so full of hubris that we must appear to be endlessly knowledgeable? Are we conditioned to think that making statements is more attractive / powerful than asking questions?
Regarding 2) the reality is that our minds are busy squirrels, always racing here and there. To keep an intention firmly in mind for 10 or 20 solid minutes as you go about your normal business is beyond the skill of many if not most.
If you write your question and continue writing about it, earnestly and repeatedly seeking an answer, your writing will unearth a response. The trick is to relax and let the revelations roll.
Why not try it write now? Surely there's a piece of paper and pen nearby. Now, what's a question on your mind? Write it and then keep writing.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Oh, hi again! How did the journaling go? What did you find out about the question that you asked?
By writing down your question, your concentration is improved and you're able to focus far more intently on finding answers. Even if you don't uncover the ultimate solution, the process is likely to bring you new ideas and a sense of progress towards results. As you repeat the exercise, you come increasingly closer to final resolution.
So start asking questions and see what your journal has to say. Let us know in the comments (or on the Journal Writing Therapy Facebook page) if you surprise yourself!
Image source -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/3377332163/