by Carla Pineda
I realized a few days ago that I had not been to my journal for almost a week. For someone who centers and grounds herself on the blank page of her journal, this was a surprise. I thought about how much I had missed the blank page, how I was letting what is going on with the virus consume me. The worry, the fear, the sadness, and the anger were running rampant over my very being.
I am doing all that they say to do: washing my hands, drinking water, socially distancing and isolating, getting some fresh air on my back porch. I try to sleep 7-8 hours a night, but even on a good night that is rare for me. Naps are in order. I have ordered groceries for delivery, which feels so strange since I could literally walk to the store if I wanted to. I even chose to miss my daughter’s wedding shower last weekend to err on the side of caution. Because of my age, I am in a high risk group, my spouse has chronic health issues, and I would be distraught if I found out I was carrying it and gave it to someone else. We are all so much more connected than we know.
I know there is one thing that I must do in addition to all these things. That is, I must remember to come to the blank page of my journal. I must return daily, more than once if it calls me. This is a place that brings me solace and peace. It is a place of release, a place where I find relief, where I work out making some sense of things. It is a place where I can discharge fear onto the page, where my breath softens, deepens. It is a place where I find the ground and my center.
All you need is a blank piece of paper and a pen. Or a new document on your computer if that works for you. Date the page, mark the time. And write. One or two sentences can be enough. Write down a question or something that is troubling you. Copy a favorite poem, a line of scripture or a prayer onto the page. Write your grocery list (it won’t get lost if it’s in your journal) or a list of things you are grateful for. Cut out a picture, glue it on the page and respond with words. There is no right or wrong way to journal. Just go to the page, write, and let flow onto the page what flows. Be present to what is. It is a very peaceful place to be.
Carla Pineda is part of the working group that guides Spirituality for the Wisdom Years. Reach her at carlaleedpineda@gmail.com.
If you have thoughts to share, send them to Marjorie George at marjoriegeorge62@gmail.com. Or leave a comment.
The Wisdom Years 