Journaling: Materials

Materials  >   [Motivation]  >   [Methods]

When it comes to keeping a journal, time is indeed material. How much time does the participant need or want to spend on this process? The amount of time spent, as well as the length of writing, will vary and will not affect the learning that takes place. Ten minutes spent writing one or two pages about a frustrating work situation may well be sufficient to discover how God is present. Reflection on a passage of Scripture or other reading may take several days of writing for longer periods.

The important element is that participants attempt to set aside a regular time for journal writing. This time becomes honored each day as an important appointment. Participants should attempt to write in their journals several times a week. Some people respond well to a daily writing routine.

Finding the right place is also important. Quiet surroundings are best. It is helpful to have a particular setting, such as a table or desk with a comfortable chair and good lighting. Routine seems to help the creative process; variety of setting often does not.

The kind of writing materials used should be left to each individual. What seems right for you? Loose-leaf paper and a variety of pens and pencils are appropriate for many journal keepers. Bound books somehow seem more permanent and can create a hesitancy to write. The loose-leaf binder allows for moving entries around. It allows for the destruction of entries that suddenly seem inappropriate. Having a variety of pens and pencils allows the writer to express passion or apathy in colors or black and white, with bold strokes or wimpy ones.