Review: Journal like a Stoic
90 days of writing to engage Stoic thinking
In the morning you prepare for the day ahead; throughout the day you try to live consistently in accord with your values; and in the evening you review your progress and prepare to repeat the cycle again the next day… Having a daily routine like this makes it much easier to be consistent in your practice.
Journaling is a tool for better living, I am convinced on this idea. After years of trial and error I keep a Journal — either a plain notebook, or a structured Journal from an author. For me the evening time is about winding down and active resting. So I prefer to journal in the morning. However, that being said some of us aren’t drawn to writing or find it difficult to stare at a blank page, and transfer their thought processes to it.
This is where authors like Brittany Polat seek to help with these problems, by breaking down writing in daily, bitesized — valuable exercises, but more importantly building a habit of writing which challenges your way of living. Before we go ahead with anymore writing, I haven’t been paid to endorse this Journal. I’m writing this review of my own volition as it deserves a mention.
Before I step into my review of this this Journal, I wanted to point you to my detailed article on getting started with writing like a Stoic, and how the Ancients approached writing:
Programming yourself to write
Remind yourself of your duty to be a good man and rehearse what man’s nature demands… Always, though, in kindness, integrity, and sincerity.
— Marcus Aurelius
Brittany has done a sterling job on putting together a programme encouraging us to write daily, and on a large variety of topics pertaining to Stoicism. In the beginning you’ll get a brief introduction to the Stoics, why you should write, and who were the main influencers of the Philosophy.
You’ll then be dropped into thinking about what you write. Usually starting with a crafted passage by one of the majors players in the Stoic school, as well as some knowledge from the author. Having multiple questions to answer and ample writing space will help you gain the confidence to eventually form writing habits.
You can make the answers, as complex or as simple as you’d like. The key thing to remember is really thinking about what is being asked of you, and being total honest in your self-appraisal. What I’ve gained from this journal is the ability to maintain the habit of writing in this case for 90 days. As I’m approaching the end of the cycle this month…
What have I learned?
- To clarify my thoughts and feelings: Writing down my thoughts and emotions has helped me understand and make sense of them.
- Reducing my stress and anxiety: Journaling can be a great way to release pent-up emotions and feelings of stress or anxiety. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help me process them and let them go.
- Boost creativity: Writing regularly has helped me tap into my creative side and come up with new ideas or solutions to problems. Hence this newsletter being so consistent.
- Improving my self-awareness: Regular journaling has helped me become more self-aware, by identify my values, beliefs, and habits. This has helped me think about more intentional choices and aiming to live a more fulfilling life.
What if it writing doesn’t click with you?
Understandably, some of you reading this aren’t convinced or have tried and tested these methods and beyond, to no avail. If this is the case, one thing I could suggest is to practice these in a meditative format whereby you find a quiet space (the bathroom, or outdoors is a good spot) and then use the above techniques or similar and repeat internally what you’re grateful for.
You can also think about what you could do better tomorrow if fortune allows it or even take the time to visualise or read your favourite quotations or principles from your favourite writers or those who influence your way of living. In the end, it’s all about giving yourself some reflection time or confirming your sense of purpose to go forth to the next series of events waiting to unfold in your precious lifetime.
Link to the Journal: https://g.co/kgs/buEHzz
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