In group therapy this week, we ended the session by discussing our dreams. Many of us talked our more pervasive dreams like being able to eat out in a restaurant again or going back to work post pandemic. But, some of us opened up and mentioned some of the lifelong dreams we have: writing a book, finally learning Italian, finding a life partner, or getting a degree.

I thought about how frustrating it can be right now to think about dreams. In quarantine, some of our dreams are impossible to manifest. And even if we have the time to achieve a dream — like finally writing that short story or learning how to play guitar — we may not have the emotional energy to be hyper productive (and that’s okay!). But I think it’s an important practice to stay in alignment with our dreams.

In an earlier post in this series, I’ve mentioned  my love for all things  journaling, so I thought it’d be cool to dive even deeper and offer tips about a particular kind of journaling that has helped me more times than not: Manifestation Journaling!

Manifestation journaling is all about creating a space where you can visualize the kind of life you want in ways that empower and motivate you. There’s a lot of woo-woo dialogue about manifestation, but the biggest thing to remember is that manifestation is about believing that you have the power to bring the things you want to you. In my ancestry, this would be called “claiming it.” Focus your energy on getting a clear vision of what you want, and that energy will guide you. Here are some of the ways you can get started with manifestation journaling.

Step 1: Buy (Or Make) a Cute Journal to Write In!

Help a local vendor by ordering a journal online or pick up a notebook on your next grocery store run. This will be the place where you write down your dreams and hopes, so make sure it is a journal that inspires you.

Step 2: Use Colors to Your Advantage.

Did you know that colors have certain associations with them, both spiritually and psychologically? I think it is a helpful practice to use specific colors to get into the mindset of what you want. Buy a set of colored pens or shade a page in crayon after writing to indicate the energy you have around a particular dream. If you want a career centered in passion and confidence, then write in red. If you want to imagine yourself in a place of financial security, write in green. Caveat: though there are common color associations, don’t be afraid to use whatever colors strike your fancy for whatever topics you choose. Create your own associations — it’s your safe space!

Step 3: Figure out What You Want and Journal Like You Already Have It.

My favorite thing to do with manifestation journaling is dating the top of the page with when I’d like to have my dream and then writing as if I already have it. If you want to get a Master’s degree and you know you could apply and graduate within three years, create a journal post that’s dated three years in the future and write as if it’s graduation day. What would your perfect graduation day look like? Who would attend? What would you wear? What are the steps you need to take to get you to that dream in a few years?

Step 4: Be Creative.

As long as you are focusing on your dreams, your manifestation journal can be your own dream space! What are some other ways you can interact with your dreams while you’re manifestation journaling? I created a specific manifestation playlist that I play whenever I write in my journal. I’ve also started doing mini vision boarding inside of the journal (more tips on that here). The greatest intention around this practice is living in the life affirming spirit of your greatest dreams. Why shouldn’t the process be playful?

One of my favorite quotes is by author Anais Nin: “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back – a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.” During this challenging time, use your journal to throw your dreams into space. Imagine what could be and use that energy to fuel your days. Whether you have a small dream like becoming a better cook or a big dream like starting your own business, it is important to give all your dreams the space they need to be realized.

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