Keeping a journal boils down to one single activity for me: describing the obstacle.
What's blocking me right now? What's preventing me from being free, happy, and creative at this moment? What hidden snare is hindering the next step?
Two aspects are crucial:
Firstly, it's solely about describing. No finding a solution. No seeking to amend. I unearth the obstacle and examine it from all angles; I explore its ramifications within me; I ponder why it's blocking me now and in such a manner. And then that's it. Once the problem is brought to light, I let other inner forces take care of resolving it.
Secondly, it's an immediate obstacle. Something that's hindering my progress right now. I'm not trying to fix the situation for eternity. In this sense, the effort is neither theoretical nor intellectual; I'm solely dealing with what's present, operating under the assumption that subsequent difficulties will be handled in the same manner: in the present, as they arise – if they arise. We'll address the future when it arrives.
For this reason, journaling has been part of my daily routine for almost 3 years, and it constitutes an essential exercise to stay present.
