Healing and hypnotherapy Volume 4, Special Mega Annual Issue , 15 June 2020 | Page 63

more inner peace. The direct and indirect benefits of journaling are probably
limitless.
More In-Depth Journaling
If you’d like to journal in a more structured way, we have over 60 questions in
our Shadow Work Journal that will provide further guidance exploring your
shadow.
If you want to start journaling – or have tried in the past but never made a
habit out of it – here are some of my best tips:
1. Don’t worry about the medium
Many people wonder whether paper diaries or digital diaries are better. My
response is that none of them are superior: it all depends on the person. If
you like to cogitate over your thoughts and go slowly, writing in a traditional
paper diary might be the best for you. However, if you prefer the convenience
of typing and if you like to move quickly with your thoughts, you might like to
try an online diary or note-taking app such as Evernote, Microsoft OneNote,
Penzu or another password secure website. Try exploring both and see what
you like better.
2. Keep your diary private
Your diary should be for your eyes only – it isn’t to be shared on your
Facebook page, Instagram account, Youtube channel, or other social media
platform. It shouldn’t even be shared with your friends, partner or family
members. Why? Because when we share thoughts and feelings with others,
we tend to screen them for acceptability. Your journal should be a place
where you can write freely without the fear of judgment or scrutiny – this is
why it’s better to keep it private. No one is saying that you can’t share some
of your private reflections verbally with others, but just try to keep what you
have written to yourself.
You might also like to find a way of keeping your diary secure. You could use
a password protected website like Evernote or, if you are using a physical
diary, get a lock and key (or hide it really well)! The more confident you are