Journaling again

Recently I've found myself drawn to my art journals again. As many of you know, I took Soul Restoration I and II through the Brave Girls Club in 2011. Those classes did so much for me in so many ways, but one of the side benefits was that I was really introduced into art journaling. I have kept journals for years - since I was a little girl. Those old journals are such wonderful treasures now. And the process of journaling has always been a powerful tool for me to work through emotions, challenges or even just to give my heart and soul space to speak up and be heard. Art journals are a way to combine journal writing with the free creative expression of making art. As I mentioned in my last post, sometimes my heart just tells me that it has something to say through the process of making art. Instead of cutting out colors and textures for the piece I was working on, I was drawn to cut out phrases and words that needed to be heard. So I have shifted gears and just spent some time letting the words flow. So often, I have no idea what is going to come out. When art journaling, it's a totally free process - no planning the layout of a spread or designing or controlling. I just try to let go and let it flow. Sometimes it's a struggle to start - I find myself clinging to the urge to control the outcome of the page. Then it's hard. Things don't flow freely. But as soon as I can give myself permission to really let go, it can be so freeing. New ideas come out, creative solutions are unearthed and I feel a huge sense of peace. Sometimes you just have to make yourself slow down and listen. Often the end product doesn't look like much, but it was the process that brought up all those beautiful feelings, experiences and ideas. The journaling process is a journey and so so so fulfilling. If you've never done it, I encourage you to give it a try! You don't need much, just a journal (notebook) and some basic art supplies - paint, glue, scissors, crayons/markers/pens. Then set the creative juices free! Here's a beautiful sample page from Judy Wise to inspire you: