The Art of Sacred Journal Keeping

by Rose Offner

Guided processed for sacred journal keeping to inspire

and show you how to express your creative self. 

Part One

Once Upon A Time…

Write about your life or a piece of your life that you don’t understand and would like to. Write it as a fairy tale or short story. Begin your story with, “Once upon a time…” or “It was told that…” Include an obstacle that has yet to be overcome, an encounter that has significance, the gift you received or the lesson learned, and how you came to triumph in the end.

Part Two

My Self Portrait

Write about who you were…who you are… and who you will be…or write about your “True Self” and how you became who you are.

Personal Note: I think it would be interesting if everyone would attempt to draw herself. (your true self) If drawing isn’t your thing – find a picture online or in a magazine or from a painting. Something you feel reflects your true self. Add it to your book. Lora

Part Three

POST CARD TO LIFE

Write a thank you note to God, your higher power  or life. Express your gratitude. It is said whatever we are grateful for increases in our lives.

PART Four 

Life's sacred question: 
Close your eyes, Take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Ceremoniously and from the heart ask the sacred question of life: "What do you want me to do next?" Listen from that quiet place deep in your heart. Open your eyes and begin to write about the response you hear. Whenever we ask in this sacred fashion, Life hears us and responds. Answers will often come in a one word phrase form or short succinct sentences. We often have the answers within, we just have to trust our inner voice.

PART Five 

Sacred Answers 
Imagine your sacred response from Life.

Part Six

My Birth Story
Write about your Birth Story and why you were born. Begin with "I was born....."

Part Seven

Body Talk
The body houses the soul. 
Write about your relationship with your body. 
Do you love or abuse your body? 
Write about what you could do or are doing to have a healthy relationship with your body. 

Part Eight

Clarify your values. 
List your seven to ten most important values in life: then as yourself if you are living your life in accordance with your values. 

What changes can you make so that what you value and the way you are living will match?

Crystals for Anxiety

We all have fears and worries but when they begin to dominate our life and our behavior, and become the focal point in which everything revolves, that's anxiety. Many factors can contribute; trauma, chemical sensitivity, caffeine, heredity, drugs, alcohol, lifestyle choices....If you cannot change the situation that is the focus of anxiety, try to determine a way of trying to change your way of handling the problem. Relaxation of the mind and body and stress reduction is key.

Anxiety is often vague and undirected, a sinking feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Unlike concrete fears (of illness or losing a job, for example), anxiety often stems from what used to be called borrowed trouble. Anxious people imagine worst-case scenarios and spend lots of time dreading things that may never happen. For persistent anxiety, seek professional counseling. But the natural remedies can help tremendously.

Anxiety disorders are possibly the most common and frequently occurring disorders of the mind/body. They include a group of conditions that share extreme anxiety as the principal disturbance of mood or emotional tone. Anxiety, which may be understood as the pathological counterpart of normal fear, is manifest by disturbances of mood, as well as of thinking, behavior and physiological activity.

These gems offer the insight and level-headedness that is appropriate for becoming more aware. When we get anxious, we feel fearful as our minds and judgment become cloudy. Our anxious thoughts become the focal point in which everything else revolves. Therefore, we are giving away our power! Many of us remain a victim to our anxieties and fear all of our lives. In essence, if we cannot change the situation that is the focus of our anxiety, we must determine a way of changing the way we handle (see) the problem. Here are helpful crystals for soothing anxiety:

Apophyllite calms apprehension, overcoming stress, worry and anxiety by releasing suppressed emotions. This crystal relieves mental blockage along with negative thought patterns, helping uncertainties to be tolerated.

Blue Calcite relieves depression, lowers blood pressure and dissolves pain. This gentle stone coddles and calms its user as it helps absorb negative energy and thought patterns that work against you. This stone is great for soothing raw nerves.

Cerussite is used for adjusting to new situations and helps with the anxiety associated with this. It is a great stone to help you let go of the anxiety attributed to the past.

Howlite is an extremely calming stone. It is useful for anxiety that keeps you up at night due to an overactive mind. Its soothing energies still the mind and are very helpful for mindful meditation.

Kunzite helps those who suffer from inner turmoil and helps to find the balance between reason and feeling. This heart soothing stone increases tolerance and the ability to deal with anxiety associated with criticism from others. This stone clears emotional debris and is exceptional for panic attacks.

Malachite promotes growth and builds strength, both emotionally and physically. It draws out deep anxieties, unwanted fears and psychosomatic issues teaching us to take responsibility for our own actions.

Pyrite relieves frustration and anxiety by boosting self-worth and confidence. It is a stone of recognition. Helping us to realize just who we are by encouraging self-worth. This extremely positive stone ignites our potential, improves our inertia and feelings of inferiority.

Rhodonite boosts confidence. It alleviates the anxiety from trauma. This stone helps us to trust our inner guidance and soothes anxiety by improving unconditional love in all matters.

Turquoise is a stone that purifies the spirit. It truly helps us see our anxieties as simply thoughts that pass us going downstream, giving them no more value than that. This stone helps us alleviate anxiety by showing us the bigger spiritual picture and dissolving negative energy.

Mermaid on your sun washed rock,
Alone in the chill green water
with a golden comb from a long
forgotten shipwreck.

Ropes of jewels, of pearls adorn you
your eyes hold coral and violet shadows.
Your song drives strong men mad with longing.
Though you can not understand their woes.

Singer in icy depths and shallow tidal warmth
Graceful tail with scales of emerald,
turquoise and amber.
What fascinates you so that you draw
near to land locked men?

Dry heat, tobacco, tattoos and grog?
Souvenir sailor's caps adorn your watery couch.
Do you regret their loss when the tides
take your lovers away forever?

Legend. Myth. Fantasy
Mermaid lass of the crystal seas
keep your secrets safe.
The ocean is richer for
your hidden magic.

Laurie Anne Paul ....