Writing as a Healing Tool

….a special time to savor one’s innermost thoughts.

Today’s Midday with Marggie and Dave warmed the hearts of many participants as they were encouraged to take on this beautiful outlet for healing and personal growth as a daily practice.

Here is a brief guide to James Pennebaker, Ph.D.’s 4-Day, 15-20 minute writing exercise.

• Day 1 Goal – Write about your deepest thoughts and feelings regarding a particular issue. 

• Day 2 Goal – Try to link the problem to other parts of your life.  

• Day 3 Goal – Try to see the problem from a different perspective.

• Day 4 Goal – Reflect: What have you learned, lost, or gained?  

To further inspire your writing, Pennebaker’s book, Expressive Writing Words That Heal is a great resource.

There were beautiful examples and sharing about writing and delivering eulogies.  One participant requested that a how-to booklet be prepared on the topic.  What a fabulous idea!

During our session, the humility of Anne Frank and a glimpse into her soul brought a smile to many faces. This quote was shared: 

“When I write I can shake off all my cares.  My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that’s a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?” 

Truly, we are all writers….