Our minds are often bustling with loads of thoughts we don’t even notice - we don’t realise they are draining us. We have things on our mind, but they stay stuck without release when we are busy trying to work and focus on something else. Your mind can become very heavy and you don’t even know it.
Dr. Robert Collins, Psychologist at the Free Thought Association says “People who journal have fewer physiological illnesses. Recording their experiences causes them to become exposed to what's going on and to examine it in a more rational way at a time when the hot thoughts are not overwhelming.”
If you haven’t heart the words ‘brain dump’ before read what Scott Ginsberg says about it here. He is a big fan of morning writings “As soon as you wake up, dump out everything you possibly can possibly for three pages. Clear you mind. Liberate yourself from those (mostly negative) thoughts. Once you’ve cleared your mind of all the crap, let the floodgates open and make way for the good stuff”
A fabulous thing about journaling and brain dumping is nothing is left bottled up. Thoughts you didn’t know you had about a topic get let out and explored. With all of it out of you its like your mind is tidier and cleaner – making you more ready for the world and just living. Journaling like this can bring huge clarity either while you are doing it or afterwards when your brain reorganises the information a different way and brings a new perspective or idea.
Dumping and writing is also great for cementing learnings in your mind. A lot of the stuff I blog about are things I’ve learned/needed to learn in my own life. By writing about it, I start to remember it more deeply and really take my own advice. My blog actually keeps me accountable to my self in a fantastic way. If I’m being petty about something I think “gosh and to think I wrote a blog about how not to be petty… and look at me!” Instantly I change my state and thinking.
Another great journaling tool is forgiveness letters. When you’ve got a relationship problem or rift with someone on your mind, write out a letter to them – include all your thoughts on the situation (really let rip), then tell them that you forgive them. It is cleansing for your soul. Even if you really really don’t forgive them yet, writing it all out and saying you forgive them will make you healthier and happier in the long run.
Give brain dumping a go for a few weeks and you will probably be a fan for life. It’s especially great for ‘over thinkers’. You may feel a whole new sense of peace and freedom – as well as a load more mental space.
Allison O’Neill adored self growth from a very young age. Her blog "Live Knowing This" www.liveknowingthis.blogspot.com is designed to bring you 'aha moments' of self growth. She has read hundreds of self help books, been to all the 'entrepreneurs' seminars she could find (starting at age 16), and adores Tony Robbins programs. She also loves writing (her first official publication was a family newsletter age seven).She wants to help people learn and grow while living happier lives with clarity. Some people she adores that have and are ABSOLUTELY changing the world are... Steve Irwin, Ellen DeGeneres, Jesus, Wayne Dyer, Tony Robins and Lousie Hay.