Writing is a tool used by many people for a variety of reasons. It is not uncommon for a person to jot down notes of thanks or send letters to friends or family. Further, one might set goals by writing lists of things they want to complete. Even the use of diaries and journals to record daily activities has spanned the ages. The first diaries date back to the Japanese classical period known as Heian. From 794 to 1192, these diaries held records of the writer’s daily life (Nakanishi, 2004, p.53). Writing in journals or diaries includes some individuals “deepest thoughts and emotions” (Nakanishi, p. 56). One of the most popular diaries, The Diary of Anne Frank, includes the aforementioned but also provides insight into Anne’s opinions on current events while espousing her disappointment, heartbreak, and emotional upheavals.
Jonathan Lent (2009) pinpointed “various theories (Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Counseling) that describe journal writing as a therapeutic intervention” (p.69). Sometimes, writing was considered a “creative therapy” and lumped with other expressive arts (Oberkirch, 1983, pp. 269-270). Oberkirch contends that writing has regularly been utilized in therapy, but some of her colleagues did not share this information because it was not seen as a legitimate technique. Currently, writing in therapy has evolved to include blogging and is no longer the fringe technique of its past (Nagel & Anthony, 2009).
Blogs, sometimes referred to as online diaries, are an evolution of journal writing where people can self publish their feelings, engage in activism, build community, or share ideas (Tan, 2008). Blogs are posted on the World Wide Web using blogging platforms t...
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Writing is a form of communication that can be expressed in various ways. The short story “On Keeping a Notebook” written by Joan Didion guides the reader through her thinking process as she tries to answer why and what it means to write in her notebook. Although, it can be difficult to follow and understand her thinking it fascinates me to see her thinking process come to a full circle. I felt a personal connection with her when she writes “We are brought up in the ethic that others, any others, all others, are by definition more interesting that ourselves; taught to be diffident, just that this side of self-effacing.” Didion’s statement made me realized the experiences one has can affect one’s perspective as one writes and reads despite how
The very first chapter we read of Mindful Writing changed my perspective to see that anyone and everyone can be a writer. Brian Jackson, the author of Mindful Writing, wrote, “In this book I want to convince you that anyone writing anything for any reason is a writer…Writing is not something we do just in school. It is a vital means of influence in all facets of life.” It was through that very first reading that I began to think about writing as more than just a dreaded part of school, and I began to think of myself as more than just a student forced to write. Our very first assignment, My Writing Story, helped me to reflect on my identity as a writer. I realized that I was a writer every time I wrote in my journal or captioned an Instagram post. Throughout the semester, as I came to love writing more with each paper I wrote, I was able to create my identity as a writer. I learned that I loved research and analyzing others’ thoughts and ideas, but that writing simply on my own opinions, wasn’t my favorite past time. Through the countless readings this semester, I saw which writing styles I loved and which didn’t speak to me. Each day of class, I chipped away at creating my identity as a writer, and I’m grateful for the lessons that helped me shape and realize that
A successful writer is he who is able to transmit ideas, emotions, and wisdom on to his readers. He is cable of stirring emotions and capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and clever dialogues. The writer can even play with the meanings of words and fuse reality with fiction to achieve his goal of taking the reader on a wonderful journey. His tools are but words, yet the art of writing is found in the use of the language to create though-provoking pieces that defy the changing times. Between the lines, voices and images emerge. Not everyone can write effectively and invoke these voices. It is those few who can create certain psychological effects on the reader who can seize him (or her) with inspiring teachings, frightening thoughts, and playful games with the language. These people are true writers…
The author states, that by journaling an individual can begin to express the activities of the heart and start the process of becoming informed by what is known as the imaginal method in psychology circles. This method is a form of emotional exploration of interactions, relationships, and ideas. The ultimate goal of the imaginal method is to become aware of those inner suppressed emotions that affect relationships and perception. Utilizing this process, an individual would then reflect on ideas and thoughts that have been captured during the free-write period of journaling. Quite often what is revealed can be quite surprising and transforming at the same
When trying to think of a positive writing experience I have had in my lifetime, particularly as a small child, I could not think of any. So I began to ask myself why is it that I do not like writing, what happened in my life for me to have such animosity towards the act. I was finally able to think of an event and realized that it had all begun in the 3rd grade. One day, as a punishment for talking during class, I was kept inside during recess and was forced to write Wise Old Owls until my hands began to cramp. For 45 minutes, I was only allowed to write the same old phrase over and over again; “The wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he heard, the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard, why can’t I be like that wise old bird”. To this day I can still remember that little rhyme and to this day I can remember that same feeling I felt as a elementary school student. From that point on I have always had an aversion for writing, it always seemed like a punishment. I still do not understand how people can journal. I don’t see how someone can sit down and write an entry or a novel just for the hell of it. It seems unnatural to me, but I guess that all of these feelings are just because I see writing as a punishment, an
When I first learned to write, it was 2000. I went to a private school for four year olds and while we were anticipating naptime, our teacher had something else in mind. She instructed us to write cursive and we responded with confused looks on our faces.
Writing can be a very difficult process for those who do not know how to go about constructing
Thus, from stress people tend to get anxiety, depression, and feel unhappy with whatever situation is causing them to be despondent. Due to this Cangialosi, in “Healing Through the Written Word”, provides a solution to aid any patients in distress. By writing down your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions; potential clients and other psychiatrists reading her article get a clear understanding of what her article is about. Cangialosi targeted potential clients in by making her informative article more of a brochure in order to promote her point of view that states writing can be a tool for healing as well. She intends to persuade this audience by insinuating facts and how this could treat them at a low cost. In Cangialosi article she states “Writing is not only a salve but often a tool that opens our minds and hearts to things that are deep inside us” (Cangialosi 425). Through this process, people recognize what it is they are experiencing regarding what happened throughout their day and how it is a similar to what we do when someone goes to a friend and vents about whatever might be causing stress. As human beings, we are very emotional people, bottling things up inside is proven to be detrimental to our health. So, by writing down our feelings, and communicating our problems we can improve our lives, be happier and healthier people. In “Healing Through the Written Word” Cangialosi utilizes methods of
Fanselow, Julie. “Community Blogging: The New Wave of Citizen Journalism.” National Civic Review 97.4 (2008): 24-29.
When I was younger I did not have a journal. I was an only child, so I did not feel the need to hide my personal belongings. As I grew older I was diagnosed with a severe form of anxiety. I did not know how to cope with my feelings. When I was told to visit a therapist, I had mixed emotions on attending the sessions, because I did not like the idea of opening up to a stranger. My therapist thought writing down my daily emotions in a journal would help me to learn how to process my thoughts. Joan also stated in her piece of work that she felt expressing her feelings through a journal is healthy. As time went on, and I became older I started to learn more about myself. Keeping a journal has helped me tremendously in my daily life. It has taught me what triggers my anxiety, allowed me to figure how to prevent it, but also gave me a time that I can call "me time”. + Having read Joan Didion’s “On Keeping a Notebook,” I am going to discuss the importance of
Pierson, M., & Wilson, H. (2009). Expressive Writing as Emotional First Aid. In Using Expressive Arts to Work with Mind, Body, and Emotions: Theory and Practice (pp. 155-201). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers.
Do you remember when your sister used to write in her diary and how curious you were on finding out what she wrote in it? If you didn’t have a sister – do you remember keeping your own diary hoping that your mom would not find it one day and read it? At a young age, we all learn to keep a diary or journal. In elementary school, we may have been required to write in a journal in class replying to a question asked by the teacher like “How was your weekend?” or “How was your break?” Simple questions were asked to help generate ideas in our young minds and help us write our own story. But now that we are older, do we still have the opportunity to write our own story the same way we used to? Are we still able to release our emotions and reflect on events in our lives? Though many people see keeping a journal as childish or a waste of time, the effects of recording ones thoughts are beneficial.
A plethora of emotions triggers a person's motivation to write. Whether it is disappointment, fear, bliss, or pure excitement, feelings produce an overwhelming sensation. The response to these feelings can rise from a person's environment, relationships, interests or current struggles. However, emotional madness can be simmered down through a practice of writing (Science 20). Clinical trials indicate that writing about deep or traumatic experiences can clear the mind of all the “confining” stresses and emotional suffocation (Bolarius 2). In detail, a new brain imaging study, conducted by UCLA psychologists, reveals how “verbalizing” feelings can cause a sense of peace and prove to be a “cathartic” exercise (Science 20). In fact, writing down emotions born from experiences provides an opportunity in the documentation for posterity. In the same way, John Steinbeck, the author of Nobel Prize winning literary work, has marked milestones in the history of literature, leaving insightful and evocative images in the hearts of millions and for future generations. Steinbeck's work has drawn influence from several events in his life. David Bender, author of the Literary Companion, writes that any “serious” work from Steinbeck “must begin in his western home of the Salinas Valley” (Bender 13). Steinbeck's strong relationships and time growing up in the West were tremendous influences in his novels The Grapes of Wrath and The Pearl, as well as his short story “The Chrysanthemums.”
The ability to write adequately and express inner feelings proves massively important in maintaining mental health. College students capable of expressing themselves can greater project “bottled up” feelings, an act that largely benefits mental health. According to Steven Stosny, Ph.D. and writer for Psychology today, “[writing] Brings your emotions and motivations into alignment with your deepest values” (Stosny). Reflective writing facilitates introspective intrigue, which leads to heightened levels of self efficacy, more self respect, and a greater understood identity.
The initial 10 week Autobiography Writing Workshop exceeded the expectations of Chris, as the workshop facilitator, and the participating writers. Chris continues to hear memorable accounts, in the workshops that have followed the first endeavor. While a few of the stories might make the local news, probably none would receive national attention, but that isn’t the point of the journey. The experience of growth in the individuals and the group, from starting out, worried about how their writing will be received, to the excitement in meeting each week to learn more about themselves and the other participants. Sharing what they have written with the group, improves their writing skills and confidence as they find their own voice. Each participant selects two pages they wrote, inspired by a theme that brought back a memory, to read to the group. The writers are fascinated by each other’s stories. Often times, finding connections to our own journeys though the life experiences of others, even though our lives may have been quite different. Every week, at least one writer will express that another