The Science of Journaling | Dr. James Pennebaker

[@lindseeziegler90]

We love you Dan! thanks for your journey into bliss and educating us along the way

[@franknapolitano7507]

Thank you for this episode! I'm sharing it with my college class on Writing and Mindfulness Meditation.

[@barbbrazes869]

Very interesting interview! Pennebaker is wonderful! It has been helpful for me to write in a journal and then tear up the pages to release and let go! Curious that Dan “forgot” his traumatic secret panic attack on air

[@pamelajoy67]

I too, destroyed my adolescent diaries, a few years after writing them. So embarrassing! But then, my high school senior English teacher (in 1985) assigned journaling to us. We had to hand it in every so often, and could staple paper over pages, if we didn't want her to see them. She wasn't snooping or really even reading the journals, she just wanted to confirm that we were, in fact, writing consistently. What an amazing exercise! She was way ahead of her time! I have been an off and on journal writer, ever since. Sometimes writing every day, sometimes, only 2-3 times a year with a big catch up. Several years ago, I actually went back and read every single one, starting with the 1985 English assignment. Like reading my own memoir. Any spots that felt too sensitive, that I would not want anyone to read after I'm gone, I scribbled over them. But 97 % is totally fine for others to read, as far as I'm concerned. That said, I've always been writing for me and me alone. It's just that I'm fine if someone does come across them and read them, after I die.

[@MarshaHines-e9e]

Julia Cameron's classic book, The Artist's Way, is a brilliant creative book on journaling- writing for clarifying one's feelings & thoughts Guiding people to their own self-awareness. Millions have benefitted from The Artist's Way.

[@pato7274]

Another thing inspired by Bianca Harris is that so often the writing canalizes ideas and new ideas frequently come up! Great for problem solving !

[@shannonhodges9879]

Narrative Therapy was developed by the late psychologist Michael White, an Australian. I took a Narrative Therapy intensive and found it useful with my trauma patients.

[@arielkhkh3044]

Thank you....I don't want to write EVERY day, but boy when I'm dealing with something....I will do it! Thank you for the confirmation that this really does help process these things. I'm motivated to use this tool more often now.

[@pato7274]

I absolutely ❤ Dr. Penneybaker’s book and often end my entries with ‘Better than a therapy visit!” Moreover, I am old-school and know shorthand very well and can use it for very private subjects😀

[@richardlynch1094]

As a naturalist, as a disabled person, a vegan, atheist and homosexual, i never want for things to journal about. In this internet age of everyone expressing their opinions, theres somethibg very profound about writing my truyhs for myself and to myself. I put pen to paper and am free to explore who i am and how i came to be here. Thanks for this discussion!

[@martbright]

I have not missed a day journaling since March 2003. I have stacks of notebooks. Not really sure what to do with them though, especially as I am keen on downsizing. I write first thing in the morning and as soon as I wake up I start constructing a narrative. It has occurred to me that perhaps it’s not altogether healthy to be weaving stories about my experiences? Maybe it conflicts with actually being present? I don’t think this issue was raised during the discussion… Anyway, I am very grateful for this podcast and others that help me focus on something interesting and positive, contributing to positive personal growth. Especially since 11/5/24…

[@susydyson1750]

I’ll try it now as I can use the motes offer I think as I cannot read what I write due to AMD eyesight . Thank you all for the fascinating conversation focus

[@amyharriet5368]

For those considering electronic journaling (using an app, digital platform) PLEASE be careful about how your data may be vulnerable and used in ways you would not have anticipated. Journaling is powerful as this conversation confirms, but it's best just to keep your own hard copies that you AND ONLY YOU have complete control over.

[@rickjohnstontube]

One thing that can help a lot is to add the goal of actually becoming a better writer - ala - Zinsser

[@ruthie6221]

For some reason, no sound...;(

[@naturelover1284]

I did this early on as a young mom and it was a lot of ruminating and ugliness I don't think it'll help