the greek goddess hestia is inspiring my fall and winter vibe: home, hearth, quiet order
what’s on my mind this month
Journaling is Qigong for the mind
I usually feel a natural pull to slow down in the darker, colder seasons, as do most folks, but it feels especially poignant for me this year. And journaling is something I organically pick up in a time when we’re inside a lot more.
I’ve been digging deep and journaling intensely; about 2-3 pages per session, sometimes more. Maybe it’s the philosophy class I’m taking that’s making me see the world a bit differently, or maybe it’s because I’m getting married in a few months and I’m realizing the weight of transitioning from “I” to “We”.
Perhaps it’s just a larger exercise of getting to know myself better; some big, existential questions like “What is my purpose?” and “What is the karmic lesson I’m meant to learn in this lifetime?” have been churning in my mind. Either way - returning to journaling has been an effective exercise in understanding my heart and mind better. As my therapist has said, “journaling keeps the pathway to the self open”.
a very strategic desk photo that doesn’t include my day to day clutter
The Benefits
Since reviving this practice, I’ve noticed quite a few benefits. I’m more gentle with myself, which allows radical self-honesty to land much more gracefully than it would otherwise.
I also have a greater understanding of what motivates me; for better or for worse, this includes not-so-great things, like unearthing the fears that drive my actions. On the flip side, it’s been an excellent exercise in self-validation; I’ve noticed I am a little more sure of myself. And finally, it illuminates a humble and modest awareness of the self that can be otherwise tough to grasp.
I don’t get to it every single day; some days are just really busy. Sometimes I am in the midst of feeling so deeply that I don’t really have the words to describe my experience just yet. I don’t beat myself up for not getting to it daily (anymore, lol). I’ve found that my natural cadence is to feel, then write, then integrate the lessons learned from my narrative.
The Science Says
If you wanna get nerdy about it, this peer reviewed journal article shares how much more engaged your brain is when you are physically writing versus typing. It is a robust, fine motor skill that is “intricately linked to perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions, providing a rich substrate for the expression of thoughts and emotions.”
As an exercise in creative and personal expression, research from Cambridge University Press’s peer reviewed journal shows numerous physical and psychological benefits. I caution against using journaling as an end-all, be-all fix to your issues because quite frankly, the data isn’t very strong here. But I did find this tidbit to be especially relevant: “It is likely that the development of a coherent narrative helps to reorganise and structure traumatic memories, resulting in more adaptive internal schemas”. This, imo, is one of the best ways we can establish and grow trust in ourselves.
dreamy journaling spot sighting at black iris. richmond va, usa
And Spirit says
Spiritually-speaking, I typically recommend journaling as an intervention for folks with imbalanced sacral and throat chakras: it’s a creative practice that can help with processing emotions and communicating anything that needs to be expressed. It’s also great for folks with cognitive symptoms of an overactive crown - it helps slow down a racing mind, overthinking, and anxiety.
I find that when I’m reflecting on a bad experience, journaling is like the physical act of extracting negative energy from my field; like I’m pulling out the bad and leaving it somewhere beyond me so I don’t have to carry it around. I liken it a bit to the Pensieve from Harry Potter. I tell folks, “It’s like pulling something out of your mind and putting it somewhere else so it’s not rattling around in your head”.
When I’m writing about a good experience, writing about it tends to compound that positivity, and that joy impacts other parts of my life. Writing about good experiences also invokes gratitude - which I find to be a high vibration energy! Gratitude is an excellent state of mind for manifesting as well.
How to get started if it’s never stuck for you
Wanna start your own journaling routine but can’t seem to really get into it? I’ll give you the 3 question prompt I used a few years ago when I first got into journaling as a regular practice.
I kept it really light - I only answered the questions. I would write more only if I felt like it. On busy days, sometimes the answers were just one or two words. On bad days, I wouldn’t get to it at all. But I kept my journal somewhere visible, so I’d remember to get back to it if I missed a day or two.
What worked well today?
What’s something that didn’t go as planned, and what could be done differently for next time?
What’s something from today that I’m grateful for?
My journaling practice naturally grew from there. These 3 questions helped establish the routine around it: the visual cue, remembering to get to it, the structure of journaling, and compassion for myself on days (or weeks) when I just couldn’t sit down and write.
My relationship with journaling comes and goes. It’s like anything we do our best to commit to in life: I notice I’m better for it when I’m doing it, but I also understand that life happens and it’s okay if it’s just not a priority for a time. Just remember you can always come back to it.
Think of it like a loyal friend who’s always happy to hear from you, no matter how long it’s been.
Rights and Rituals
If you happen to be free this Sunday, 10/25 from 4-8, come on by to Rights and Rituals, an exciting Samhain-themed fundraiser to raise funds to support abortion care. My longtime friend Jordan and I have worked on this first inaugural event for the Blue Ridge Abortion Fund for months and we’re thrilled to share this with you!
I’ll be there providing tarot and oracle readings. We’ll have a few exciting activities like a costume swap, pumpkin carving, a REALLY IMPRESSIVE silent auction, other intuitive offerings, and a full moon ritual!
It’s at one of the COOLEST places in town: Studio Two Three! So come by, have some fun, and do some good while you’re at it.
Register by 10/23! The event is free, but registration helps us with headcounts!
Can’t make it but wanna help? Donate here!
Wanna volunteer? Fill out this form!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
schedule notice
My last available appointment for 2026 is 11/15/26, as I am closing my practice for the month of December. If you’d like to receive reiki care before the end of year, I encourage you to book your sessions soon!
thank you, truly
with warmth + light,
angela