Have you ever not been able to sleep because you have so much on your mind? It happens to me all the time! Keeping a journal next to your bed is a really great way to get those thoughts out of your head and onto a piece of paper.
To help us understand the best journaling practices, I called upon Miami-based Dr. Elizabeth Trattner A.P, DOM. Dr. Trattner is an amazing woman whose practice focuses on the well being of women by utilizing acupuncture and the wisdom of ancient Chinese Medicine. She helps women with issues in the arenas of beauty, weight management, allergies and other health issues.
And how’s this for bragging rites? She is the only acupuncture physician in the country to be invited to participate in a medical rotation at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine founded by Dr. Weil. (And yes, she personally knows the Dr. Andrew Weil, MD.)
Here’s what she has to sayabout journaling:
There are many ways to connect with your mind, heart and spirit, whether in good times or in times of hardship. Journaling is an effective way to engage the creative spirit within you and get out what is called “free flowing anxiety.” I myself have used this practice continuously throughout the past 15 years and I encourage my patients to use this exercise as well. You do not need to be a world-class writer to journal. In fact, I keep a picture journal instead of the standard writing journal.
Next to my bed is a lovely Italian paper journal. In a bedside drawer I keep a pair of scissors, glue stick, and pages clipped from magazines, newspaper or even greeting cards with images that I love or resonate with an emotion that I might be feeling at the time. These images sometimes have relevant text written on it or sometimes no text at all. It only takes a few minutes to cut out images and glue them into the journal. I will write a few words that express what I am feeling or just leave the montage of photos without any words.
This exercise has become so popular that my daughter who was young when I began this journaling method will regularly request to make a journal page with me, especially if she is home sick from school or if something emotional in her life has happened. It is amazing to look back through the pages of the journal and reflect upon life’s passages. Women need to take time to nourish their souls. Taking just a few minutes each day to journal can help open your heart and mind to dream and create a world of possibilities.
To learn more about Dr.Elizabeth Trattner A.P, DOM, please visit her site at http://www.elizabethtrattner.com/ or email her at Elizabeth@trattner.net.
