I love to journal. A while back I learned about a journaling practice called Morning Pages by Julia Cameron. I tried it for 30 days and here is what I learned.
What are morning pages?
It is writing on paper what is on your mind first thing every morning. The goal is to write out three pages. Some have called it a "Brain dump."
Here are some benefits I gained from trying it:
Clearing my mind.
What I have discovered is that when I wake up in the morning my mind and heart often have a nervous energy. My mind thinks about all the things I have to do that day. When I do my morning pages I write all that stuff down and then prioritize in what order I am going to do them for the day. This gives me a sense of order for the day. It helps me: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Turn my worry into worship.
During my morning pages, I will sometimes ask: "What is bothering me?" This is a question I often ask myself when I feel anxious. Next, I write down what is weighing heavy on my mind. After that, I ask: What is within my control? What is not in my control? For the things that are within my control, I ask God what He wants me to do about them, and write it down.
The things that are not in my control, I put in God's "To do" box. I surrender them to the Lord and practice: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will direct your path." ( Proverbs 3:5-6)
Mining For Gold.
I have discovered that the morning pages practice is a bit like mining for Gold. Think about how a gold miner has to filter through a lot of dirt and grime to get to the gold. In some ways, morning pages help me to do that. It clears my mind of the worries and anxieties, and I often feel more creative on the other side.
In Conclusion
After trying morning pages as an experiment, it is now a regular morning practice. I have discovered it as a great way to process my life with God's help, to turn my anxieties over to the almighty, and to receive his Peace and Joy.
Please comment below with your thoughts!
Comments