Journaling

[Materials]  >   [Motivation]  >   [Methods]

What is the value of keeping a spiritual journal on a regular basis if we are engaged in ongoing dialogue with others? Theological reflection both feeds and follows spiritual reflection; therefore, many have found a journal to be a valuable resource for integrating the theological and spiritual processes. For NET Groups, the journal is requested as a means of helping the participant to see more clearly the connections between life and faith.

Keeping a journal is very much like maintaining any other relationship—it is a project! Like relationships with family, friends, children, and God, relationship with the journal must be nurtured to be most effective. The NET Groups program considers the journal to be a process rather than a product. It can be seen as a safe place for thoughts and feelings to be recorded.

You can count on a great variety in procedure, quality, and quantity of writing! The following information should be seen as suggestions rather than rules. Participants should feel free to share or not share their journals with others, including the leader.

"Materials," "motivation," and "methods" are the three parts of the journal writing process. These need to be taught to participants at the first orientation meeting. This allows for participants to digest the information before the next meeting and discover any questions or problems.

"Materials" is self-explanatory. "Motivation" is what enables the participant to use the journal for theological reflection, in addition to psychological process. "Methods" are suggested to help ease people into the procedure, especially if they are unfamiliar with journal writing.