Janine Noel
Writing for Better Mental Health
Journal to the Self
A 6-week writing retreat begins April 24
Thursdays from 10 am - 12 pm PST on Zoom/$375
Every Thursday morning Janine will ask you to press pause on the stress and distractions in your life. After two hours of active journaling you will emerge focused, energized, and inspired.
At the end of six weeks, you will have mastered journaling techniques that invoke intention, attention, and action—three steps of writing that promote “neuroplasticity,” or change in your brain. “Intention” is simply joining our Zoom, picking up your pen or opening up your laptop. (Way to go!)
Next, through varied prompts—from list-making to guided meditations that lead you into the subconscious—you will write, bringing your full “attention” to the page.
With this routine in place, you’re practicing self-directed brain change, which allows for greater expression, creativity, and personal growth. By looking at your past and forecasting your future, you can take action on your journal insights to improve your relationship with yourself and your connection to others and to our world.
FAQ'S BELOW
The last step, reflection, is your new superpower. After every writing exercise, we’ll look closely at what’s on the page, how it made you feel when writing, and how you feel emotionally and physically after.
FAQ's
Curious about the science on the act of writing and its ability to approve mental and physical health? Here’s forty years of research outlining these impressive findings: Research on Expressive Writing
What if I already have an easy time journaling? Will I learn anything new? You may tend to write through harder times in your journal—there’s often a negativity bias when free-writing. Guided journaling will help you add contemplation and balance to your journal by making room for light on the page (the good stuff) for a more balanced documentation of your life.
Can I continue to work with my journal after the six-week class? Yes, the six-week course introduces you to everything you need to sustain a journal writing practice for years to come. My hope is that it continues to provide easy ways or access points into writing.
Do I have to share my writing with the class? No. Sharing is always an invitation and is not a requirement. There’s always the option to pass. You can experience the entire course fully without sharing.
Do I have to write by hand in a journal? No. You are welcome to use digital devices as well. I do suggest larger journals or good old-fashioned notebooks with a lot of page space.
How old do I have to be? This class is for adults 18 and up.