Journal Keeping ~ Writing for Spiritual Growth

Journal Keeping ~ Writing for Spiritual Growth by Luann Budd; Started: June 3rd, 2010; Finished: June 5th, 2010

When I first started reading this book it was back in jan/feb of this year, and I just couldn't get into it. So I set it aside. While cleaning I came across it again, and was going to return it to the library, but then thought I would give it a second chance, and I am SO glad I did.

Personally I am in a different place now than I was when I had first sttempted to read this book, so I think the fact that I couldn't get into it until now was a good thing, because there was so much in this book that spoke to me, that wouldn't have back then. It is a fantastic book, with so much more to it than just journalling, but it is definately excellent in that regard as well.

The following is a quote from the book that really applied to my life of late:

"What is it about good writing - fiction or non-fiction - that seems to open me to spiritual things? I think it has to do with "the story". You don't analyze, just enjoy it, it slips past the defenses and lands in your heart - it allows you to ponder, question, view the thought from different vantage points with no conclusions. With stories I draw the conclusion. I determine what it means and I am open to my maxim- they're not judgemental and I don't have to be defensive - I can let the story in and in coming in, it may change my whole way of looking at the world. Once my paradigm shifts - behaviour soon follows."

Emphasis added is mine.

There's just.. so much within this book. It is one I want to buy so I can have it on hand whenever I wish to refer back to it. I think the only way to get all you can out of it is with multiple reads. It's one of those books.

I highly recommend this book to others. Whether you plan to journal or not, but definately if you are wanting to start journally. it has some great ideas on how to make a journal something meaningful and constructive in your life. I have been journally myself for many years, and I still found useful ideas from this book.