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Copyright
by C.T.B. Harris, Ph.D. Introduction
to the Sacred Selfishness Workbook
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Tools and Friends for the Journey
5. A journal is an important tool. Paying religious attention through journaling is a process that can help us pay careful attention to our actions, thoughts, feelings, bodies and unconscious. Journaling suggestions: 1. Allow 10
to 15 minutes a day to record inner and outer happenings. We invite you to stop and turn to the back pages in this book titled Journal. Take a few minutes to write down an initial question you are facing, a recent event that has effected you, or something you are particularly grateful for. Do any new feelings, thoughts, musings or questions arise? Commit to continuing this process. 6. Imagination is another important tool. Creating objective inner relationships by actively using imagination enables you to intentionally discover and come into relationship with aspects of yourself you don’t understand or know little about. (Chap. 6) Active imagination can give voice to parts of you in need of being recognized and heard. Communication with these inner parts can be in the form of drawing, painting, writing, sculpting, dancing and making music. Dialoguing is an especially effective means of listening to and learning from inner parts of yourself like: anger, fear, the inner critic, depression, inner guide or artist. It is a way of making the unconscious known. How is it possible to dialogue with parts of “yourself?” At first you may feel silly or uncomfortable. If you think you are making it up, don’t become discouraged. Stay with the process that is coming from within you. After a time or two, dialoguing will be a natural process to which you will look forward. There is a release of energy that enables you to live with clarity and a depth of awareness and self-knowing; awkwardness is replaced with energy. By all means, write out your dialogues. Writing, either by hand or on the computer, makes the abstract concrete. Start by writing your name and asking a question of some part of yourself. (Example:
If this exercise gives you a headache, dialogue with it. In this brief
exercise, what did you learn about yourself that you didn’t know? 7. Dreams are important friends and allies for your journey. Befriending your dreams may provide direction, comfort and companionship, and sometimes needed confrontation when you are not paying careful attention. Instead of trying to “figure out” what the dream is trying to communicate, just be patient and listen as you would to a trusted friend. Establish
an attitude of valuing your dreams and pay attention by writing them down
as soon as you wake up. Write as much detail as you can. Ask questions
about your dreams. What is the meaning of this scene or character for
my life at this time? What characteristics of mine could these characters
be picturing? Remember, it’s your dream. What is your inner friend,
the dream maker, communicating to you? Reflect on your dreams. Allow them
to simmer within, mull them over, linger in your mind throughout the day,
as they become part of your life. How do you think valuing your dreams
can increase your feelings of being centered and a whole person? |
home | about bud and massimilla harris | lectures/workshops/events | resources
Drs.
Bud and Massimilla Harris
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Suite 209 • Asheville NC 28801
828-251-9719 phone/fax • info@budharris.com
