Meditation

Keeping a Journal for Stoic Reflection

Posted by Matt 1mo ago 214 views 1 replies

I started keeping a journal many years before I discovered Stoicism. Dream journals, idea journals, goals journals, etc.

It just seemed like a brilliant idea. And it was. After discovering Stoicism, journaling indeed looked a bit different. I try keep it short, to the point, and reflect on Stoic principles.

I find that journaling before sleep helps me fall asleep. It allows the mind to unravel before shutting down.

Anyone else keeping a journal? Noticed any benefits?

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1 Reply

Shiunu 1mo ago

I have tried writing a journal before bed many many times, but it the urge to write always seems to die out after a few days. I can see it coming after a couple of days where I think what happened during the day and nothing of significance comes up. 99% of the time is the standard routine. How do you keep up the journal writing going?

Maybe I am living life on auto pilot and not taking a conscious effort into my actions.

So when you say > "I try keep it short, to the point, and reflect on Stoic principles."
Can you share a couple of examples? or even some pointers

Matt 1mo ago

I can see it coming after a couple of days where I think what happened during the day and nothing of significance comes up.

Oh yeah, I've been there. Honestly, though, it's just something you have to practice. In my experience, you'll start to become more aware of things that happen throughout the day.

Maybe I am living life on auto pilot and not taking a conscious effort into my actions.

Yup, and that's where journaling (and perhaps meditation as well) comes into play. As I said above, it really helps you look for things that you can write about. For examples, you can see these two threads:

Memento Mori in Practice: Shift in Perspective After Work
Applying Stoicism: Fear of Spiders

Really, most of the posts that are currently on the site would have been journal entries for me.

Matt 1mo ago

Welcome to the site, by the way; I'm glad you're here!

Shiunu 1mo ago

Thanks Matt 🙂
I usually don't sign up to stuff online, but with your blogs I felt a connection. I will give this journal another go. I guess I will also have to read up on stoicism. I sort of follow the main principles but in a haphazard way.

Matt 1mo ago

I'm truly glad you felt that way. 🙂

Also, to get further insight into journaling, there's a free handbook here: https://modernstoicism.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Stoic-Week-for-Students-Handbook.pdf. There's a ton of content in there, as well as questions to contemplate on. Perfect introduction.