The Power of Mindfulness and Journaling

From a young age, I have been plagued by relentless overthinking, a constant flood of thoughts that consume my mind. Whether it was fretting about school bullies, stressing over exams, or obsessing over daily interactions, overthinking has been a persistent presence in my life. Over time, I have come to understand the detrimental effects of overthinking, including sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, and even depression. As someone who has battled chronic anxiety, I have discovered the importance of feeling in control and finding ways to cope with this overwhelming mental activity. Through my personal journey, I have found solace and relief in two practices: mindfulness meditation and journaling. In this blog post, I will delve into the nature of overthinking, explore the benefits of mindfulness meditation and journaling, and share how these practices have helped me quiet the incessant chatter in my mind.

Understanding Overthinking

Overthinking is the relentless cycle of inundating our minds with worries and thoughts that we cannot control. It often leads to sleep disturbances, heightened stress and anxiety, lack of motivation, and even depression. As someone who has battled chronic anxiety, I have recognized that my desire for control and my need to feel safe contribute to my tendency to overthink. I find myself overanalyzing situations and meticulously planning, yet still feeling uneasy. It can be challenging to detach from these thoughts and accept that not everything is within our control.

The Power of Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation has become a valuable tool in quieting my overactive mind. It encourages being fully present in the moment, observing thoughts without judgment, and not engaging with them. At first, it can be difficult to resist the urge to get caught up in a chain of unrelated thoughts. However, with practice and patience, mindfulness meditation allows us to cultivate awareness and focus on the present moment. By paying attention to our breath and bodily sensations, we can redirect our attention from overthinking to the present experience. Mindfulness meditation helps break free from the cycle of rumination about the past or worry about the future, bringing a sense of calm and clarity to the mind.

Journaling as a Path to Mindfulness

Journaling has been another powerful practice that has allowed me to engage in mindfulness and gain a deeper understanding of my thoughts and emotions. When we write, the left side of our brain, responsible for language and logic, becomes activated, while the right side, associated with creativity and emotions, is freed to express itself. This convergence of the brain's two parts creates a meditative state, enabling us to be fully present and attentive to our thoughts and feelings. Through journaling, we engage our senses and immerse ourselves in the present moment. We see the words on the page, hear our internal voice, feel the pen in our hands, and, if we choose, incorporate scents or visual elements. This multisensory experience deepens our connection to the present and facilitates the release of negative emotions tied to our thoughts. Journaling serves as a creative outlet that nurtures self-expression, self-reflection, and problem-solving, helping to alleviate the burden of overthinking.

Embracing Personal Coping Skills

While mindfulness meditation and journaling have been transformative for me, it is essential to recognize that different techniques work for different individuals. Engaging in creative crafts, such as painting, allows me to enter a flow state and find respite from overthinking. Others may find solace in physical activities like exercise or taking walks in nature. The key is to find practices that bring you into the present moment, encourage self-expression, and provide a sense of calm and grounding. Consistency is key—committing to regular practice allows us to experience the full benefits of these coping skills and gradually quiet the overthinking ego in our minds.

Overthinking can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience, but it is possible to break free from its grip. Through mindfulness meditation and journaling, I have discovered powerful tools to calm my racing mind and find solace in the present moment. Mindfulness meditation helps cultivate awareness, allowing us to observe our thoughts without becoming entangled in them. Journaling serves as a creative and introspective practice, enabling us to engage with our thoughts and emotions in a mindful way. These practices have allowed me to gain insight, find solutions, and alleviate the burden of overthinking.

Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and it's important to explore different coping skills that resonate with you. Whether through painting, exercising, or other activities, finding ways to be present and embrace mindfulness can lead to a more peaceful and balanced state of mind. Embrace the power of mindfulness and journaling, and discover the freedom that comes from breaking free from the clutches of overthinking.

Love and healing,

Ligia

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Olá! I’m a Ligia, a Trauma Informed Self-Healing Teacher, Journaling Therapist and Soul Calling Reader.

As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) myself, I understand the profound depth at which you experience life. My sensitivity has been both a gift and a challenge, intensifying the impact of childhood trauma and shaping my journey of self-discovery and healing.

I work with Highly Sensitive Souls who desire to heal past wounds and embark on their own self-healing journey. Together, we will rediscover who you are at a soul level, remember your truth, and reconnect with your sensitivity and soul’s calling.

I am the Founder and creator of the T.R.U.S.T™ Pathway, a transformative methodology designed to help you move from being wounded to becoming a cycle breaker. Through this pathway, you will heal imprinted ancestral, societal, and childhood conditioning, live an abundantly aligned life, and break the lineage cycle of pain, trauma, and abuse for future generations.

My unique approach combines my life experience, clairvoyance ability, inherent sensitivity and trauma-informed healing. I believe that true healing happens by befriending your shadows, not disowning them. This trauma-informed perspective ensures that we address the root causes of your pain with compassion and understanding, creating a safe space for your healing journey.

As a survivor of childhood abuse, bullying, depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand the struggles of feeling lost, lonely, and disconnected from life. My sensitivity made these experiences even more intense, but it also equipped me with a deep understanding of the healing process. I also understand the fear of the unhealthy footprints that our experiences can leave on our children.

It is my life's mission to heal myself and to help inspire others to end the cycle of trauma and pain with them. By sharing my journey and guiding you through yours, I hope to create a ripple effect of healing and transformation.

Know that I believe you. I hear you. I see you. And I'm here to help you find your own power to self-heal and embrace your sensitivity.

My podcast, The Soulcery Podcast, supports and inspires people to be their own healers and connect with their souls.

About Ligia