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Journaling
Journaling, writing composing letters (or if writing doesn't work, collecting and compiling images) can be a helpful practice for those living with grief and trauma. The act of transferring words, feelings and images from mind to paper may help release internal feelings of despair and provide a stepping stone to realize future hopes, goals and dreams. Journaling promotes healing by:
- lowering blood pressure
- reducing emotional stress
- improving heart health
- aiding in the therapeutic growth process
Resources
Books
- Grief Quest: A Workbook & Journal to Heal the Grieving Heart by I. J. Weinstock
- On Coming Alive: Journaling Through Grief: 100 Prompts to Guide You from Darkness to Light by Lexi Behrndt
- The Unedited Heart: Letters on Loss by Monique Minahan
- Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise Desalvo
- Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval by James Pennebaker
Handy to Have at Home
- Blank journals
- Colored pens
- Illustrated Discovery Journal Materials (blank notebook, glue, magazines, scissors)
- Journal prompts (Google “Grief Journal Prompts” or “Grief Writing Starters”)
Organizations
- Center for Journal Therapy: Life-based Writing for Healing, Growth, and Change - Beginning techniques, classes, conferences, resources, and links.
- Refuge in Grief: Emotionally Intelligent Grief Support - Offers a thirty-day creative writing e-course called “Writing Your Grief.”
How will you incorporate journaling into your healing journey?