Below is a link to an article written by Tara Parker-Pope on the benefits to cancer patients of keeping a journal-
"Previous research conducted in controlled laboratory experiments has suggested that expressive writing helps physical and psychological well-being. However, the recent study was a real-world experiment, conducted in the waiting rooms of an oncology practice.
Researchers from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., studied the effects of expressive writing on 71 adults with leukemia or lymphoma who journaled their thoughts while waiting for their regular oncology appointments. The patients were asked to write their thoughts in answer to the question: How has cancer changed you, and how do you feel about those changes?"
This post reminds me of the importance of expressing our feelings WHEN THEY HAPPEN, verbally or in writing. Sometimes we wait for days, weeks, months, even years, to express feelings that would be diffused if only we had expressed them when they were first felt. The result of not expressing feelings is often daily stress that builds and builds as the unexpressed feelings pile on top of one another.
I'd like to mention a web site that I've found useful for expressing feelings and relieving stress: www.theJourney.com. The Journey offers weekend workshops in various cities around the world. But, if attending a workshop or having a telephone Journey with a Journey practitioner isn't possible, you can purchase a Journey CD that walks you through the Journey process. All you need is time and a CD player with a hold button. In addition to adult Journeys, The Journey has been used successfully with South African school children who have lost parents to AIDS or to violence.
I'll also mention a mini-meditation technique to reduce stress that I learned in a Journey workshop. The next time you feel stressed, close your eyes (if possible) and say things like: I am the sky; I am the earth; I am the sea; I am the sun, etc. It works for me every time. All of the "I am" statements put you in touch with the universe and your part in it. It's a great technique to use while waiting in line, being stuck in treffic, etc. I hope you find this useful.
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