Part 1 of A Journaling Exercise was all about changing a pattern – instead of quickly writing on a blank page, we are asked to: 1) spend some time staring at the blank page; 2) ask for a message or messages 3) engage the blank page in a dialogue 4) and finally, write about your impressions about the exercise.

Now. we all know that the blank page won’t really answer – if it does even I would bolt for the nearest door!  In this exercise, the blank page serves as a focal point.The exercise serves several purposes:

First of all, it provides a break from your usual, daily journaling habit which could lead to boredom.

The waiting part silences the conscious mind and provides an opening for the subconscious mind.  Jenny Davidow, in Embracing Your Subconscious: Bringing All Parts of You into Creative Partnership wrote: “Your subconscious is a powerful and mysterious force which can either hold you back or help you move forward. Without its cooperation, your best goals will go unrealized; with its help, you are unbeatable.”

Asking for a message from the blank page also provides the subconscious mind the chance to work. Experts say that the subconscious mind is a source of immense creativity. When you ask the blank page for a message, it is like sending a signal to the subconscious mind to “create” an answer.

Engaging the blank page in a dialogue invites the subconscious mind to keep on creating. If you dread the blank page, this exercise could very well vanquish your fear.  Good luck!

“Writing is a lot like making soup. My subconscious cooks the idea,
but I have to sit down at the computer to pour it out.”
-Robin Wells