Journaling: A Way to Learn About the World

What is journaling? It is the regular recordings of observations, perceptions, and feelings about the world around you. A journal is much more than just a diary of one's own musings; there are many types of journals and many more reasons for keeping one. There is nature journaling, travel journaling, life journaling, adventure journaling, historical journaling, scientific journaling, and just plain ramblings and thoughts of one's own life's journey. Journaling is not new, but one of the oldest methods of recording history, passage of time, explorations of nature and humanity, etc. Some of the oldest journals are found as pictures on the walls of caves, where as the newest journals can be found in the form of blogs. Each journal is as different and unique as the individual creating and writing. It is your observations, perceptions and feelings about how you see the world around you and how you respond to it.

How to start a journal is not a complicated process. First off, you must decide on the shape and style of the journal itself. Notebooks and computers is a personal choice as journals come in many styles and formats. A simple notebook works well for many. Blogging works for a few that have reached into the 21^st century. Blogging works well and the internet is available in every corner of the world. On my last trip, I was able to log on, post new entries, and download my pictures. However, the down side is that a blog is very public, so you may want to censoring comments and private reflections.

Choose the medium that works well for you and will help you stay motivated to write. I suggest starting out with a few loose-leaf notebooks pages and a binder to develop your journalistic style. With a loose-leaf bidder stylebook, you will be able to insert new pages within topics, where a bound journal is more restrictive. Then experiment with computer and internet-generated journaling. I for example, use a combination of a simple loose-leaf notebook for field notes and my laptop for explained journal topics and blogging. This way I can merge my photos (because I do not draw) into my journal without much trouble. My field notes also give me the opportunity to introduce topics that I won't cover in blogging, but expand into full topic articles for publication. It also allows me to keep certain reflections and comments private, as they were meant to be.

Next, you will need to decide how to add art to your journal. Photography vs. drawing in your journal is again a purely personal choice. There are advantages to both, depending on your abilities and talents. I don't draw very well, so I depend on my camera. I've learned to develop that photography skill that enables me to get just the picture I want. You may also find a camera easier. However, if you the artistic type that loves to draw and paint - then here is your chance to do so. Journal drawing can bring joy for those that draw and paint. It can provide new subjects as well as a way to develop new skills or to try new techniques.

A few people have artistic talents that allow them to use other formats all together. These people are poets, storytellers, pure painters; and they choose to tell their story in those ways. I've seen unique journals that are nothing more than poems based on the author's experiences. Another journal was a photo journal of the authors many trips. An Anthropologist friend of mine journals is purely scientific observations and historical timelines. So choose a style that fits your talents and interests.

Basic Information in your journal should include Name, date, place, times, weather, first impressions, wind direction, cloud patterns, etc. Beyond describing the basics, use your senses and not just your eyes. Observe everything that is happening around you. What is it that you hear or smell? How do you feel? Observe the details of the area that surrounds you. Include every thought that pass through your mind. This is when you may not want your journal to be public - but it is important to write thoughts and feelings.

Describe noises, smells, textures, the people, the animals, your meals, your reactions - remember it is observation and all about the details. Your journal doesn't necessarily have to be a day-by-day description, however most journalists discover that writing a daily commentary is beneficial. In addition, daily writing in a journal is addictive - so beware! Avoid vague adjectives and descriptions. Remember that you want a detailed descriptive entry that will provide you with a good memory and your readers the sense that also visited the place with you.

Journals are a fantastic ways to learn about the world around us as well as about ourselves. You will be amazed how much you will learn. Every once and while go back and read old entries - that may make you sad, happy, laugh and cry. Creating a journal is a journey in itself - so start yours today.