Hello everybody,
How We Heal is the Shelf Help Club BOTM for July and August, and it’s filled with journalling prompts and writing rituals to support the four-stage healing process that author shares.
And so, ahead of our Read-along starting Monday 14th July (are you joining us?), I wanted to dive into the what, why and how of journalling - a kind of beginner’s guide to the art and science of writing to heal - with a live expert session with professional journaller,
, a therapeutic journalling coach, founder of Ease Retreats and the publication on Substack, and my co-host at The Bibliotherapists podcast (new series landing this Friday!).
In this 30-minute chat we explore how journalling can be made super simple and accessible, even for perfectionists and busy people.
And Tanya shares some of her favourite techniques, including; micro moments, sentence stems, framing the day and her golden rule: one word a day is enough.
A must-watch for anyone ready to start healing (and/or looking for an excuse to buy some new stationary).
⭐️ 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS INTERVIEW:
Journalling is for everyone.
Forget perfect pages or elaborate morning routines, Tanya encourages a “your journal, your rules” approach, even if it’s just one word a day. (One word can still build a habit and - done consistently - will make a difference to your mental and emotional health).“Emotions in motion — that’s what journalling is.”
It’s not about being good at it, it’s about showing up.
The biggest blocks to journaling are (perceived) lack of time, not knowing what to write, and fear of your words being read. Tanya says to forget perfection and just start.-
Journalling is a scientifically backed healing tool.
Tanya shares studies (including Dr. James Pennebaker) that show how consistent journalling helps lower stress, boost well-being, and improve our physical health.-
Writing connects us to our highest and best selves.
Tanya describes how journalling has allowed her to get to know the truest, wisest version of herself. “I’ve learned so much about Tanya on the page,” she says.“I’ve learned so much about Tanya on the page… she’s wiser, more confident. We’re slowly coming together.”
There are many ways to journal. Techniques Tanya shares in the session include:
Framing the Day: Morning – How do I feel? / Evening – What happened? / Ideal – What would my ideal day have looked like?
Sentence Stems (e.g. “I’m ready to let go of…”)
Micro Moments: Choose a word, write freely for 2 minutes.
One Word Practice: If nothing else, just write one feeling word a day.
You can find Tanya on Substack > and learn more about her workshops and retreats on her website > easeretreats.com
You can join our online Book Club and read How We Heal along with us in July/August by subscribing to the Shelf Help Clubhouse.
And you are all invited to an in-depth guided journalling session with Tanya (live Thursday class). Please RSVP to me/her for details.
As ever, I’d love to read about any insights/takeaways from this week’s expert session in the Comments section below…
Big Love from SH HQ,
Toni
💛
