A silver lining in the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic is the potential solitude and quiet available in which to explore your spirituality. This might give you the opportunity to take up yoga, meditation, mindfulness or some other practice. But consider writing in a journal. The habit of spiritual journaling is also a way to explore and cultivate your spiritual nature.

Journaling with a spiritual intent is different than keeping a conventional journal or diary. A diary is usually a written record of events and experiences that occur during the day. A journal also records events and experiences but includes thoughts and ideas that may arise.

Spiritual journaling, on the other hand, usually emphasizes an individual's relationship with the divine -- often in the context of a religious faith. In this way the journal might contain prayers for guidance, insights about scripture or conversations with God.

But I view spiritual journaling differently. I see it as a means to connect with our soul wisdom. Soul wisdom, as described in a previous newsletter, is the inner compass we can rely on to handle challenging emotions or situations as they arise. But more profoundly, it is the deepest and truest part of our being, the essential part of us that intuitively recognizes the fundamental unity of existence. So how can writing help us connect with our essential spiritual nature? We can use it as a form of self-inquiry to explore deeply our inner reality.

Here are some suggestions for starting the practice of spiritual journaling:

Remember, your spiritual journal is just for yourself. There's no need to judge what you write. Don't worry about grammar or spelling or the quality of your drawing. But do trust the process as a mean of self-discovery and personal growth.