Hello Folks!
Thank you for being here.
In case you don't know me, my name is Briana, and I co-facilitate the monthly meetings for the MN Visual Journal Collective held at Wet Paint. My co-facilitator for 2020 is the amazing Molly of The Found Art Walk.
Together we plan, coordinate, and facilitate the monthly MN Visual Journal Collective meetings.
The meeting topic for February 2020 was Self-Care and Journaling. You can see the rest of the 2020 topics listed here.
If you are an adult interested in keeping a visual journal, you are welcome to attend a meeting when it meets your interest and your schedule. We ask that you pre-register via the Events link on the Wet Paint site. Here's the registration link for the Monday, March 16th, 2020 meeting.
February 17, 2020 Meeting Summary
Meeting Topic: Self-Care and Journaling
Facilitated by Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com
We started out the meeting by introducing ourselves and how long we've been participating in the collective and/or keeping a journal.
We love it when new people attend the meetings. Welcome new folks!
Briana prepared a handout about self-care and journaling that was given to participants. If you are in the MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group you can also find the handout in the Files section.
Briana went over the idea that most of us were not raised to know what self-care is or how to bring more of it into our lives.
Self-care is ultimately doing the things you need to do (and understanding what you need to do) to maintain your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and participating in activities that enhance your well-being.
Self-care is also . . .
self-compassion
self-acceptance/self-love
AND
self-connection
A visual journal is a wonderful tool and resource for connecting with the deeper parts of yourself, and your somewhat mysterious inner world.
Journal page by Lisa Marie (LMNOP)
After Briana went over the handout, she also shared some peeks into a variety of her visual journals kept over the past 18 years.
Photo credit: Jenny Maroney
Next, the group participants were invited to share how they use their journals for self-care.
We were so delighted to see so many brave souls step up to the camera and share their journals with us! Thank you, thank you!
Above is Jenny Maroney and her journal
Above is Lisa Marie and her journal
Above is Sue Rowe sharing her journals
After this initial sharing, the group had a chance to create a journal page around the subject of self-care. 
We had a second round of sharing after our work time in our journals. Again, thank you to everyone who shared, created with us, and listened so well as others spoke from the heart.
Jodi shares her page (below)
Catherine (below) bravely shared her current struggles with health changes and challenges. (Thank you, Catherine! We hear you!)
Beth shared her page spread from the night with us, too. (Viva la Frida!!)
Ann shared how she is feeling called to get out in nature.
Here's Heather sharing what she did in her journal, leaving boxes to later fill in with some journaling. People in the group really liked this idea.
Jodi shared her lovely page (below) that included some notes from the evening. She even cut part of the handout and collaged it onto her page! Great idea, Jodi!
Kari shares her journal page. A couple of people shared how they find solace by being out in nature.
Louise shared her journal page (below), featuring a photo of her and her husband from awhile ago, as well as her grandchild, who is now 12.
Angie back for a second meeting, sharing about how she was inspired by the flaps in other people's journals. Also, I loved how she wrote "This is for me."
Altered calendar planner by Margit (above)
Journal page by Sue (above)
Isn't it just so wonderful to see these peeks inside of people's personal journals? I feel so, so lucky that I get to do this once per month at the MN Visual Journal Collective meetings.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the meeting in person or in spirit!
Visual Journaling for Self-Care Tips
Why use a journal for self-care?
- A journal is a safe place to express and process your feelings
- A journal is a space to work in without judgment
- A journal is a tool that can help you relax and feel a greater sense of calm in your mind, body, spirit, and soul
- A journal is a place to take a break from the challenges in your life, and have a little fun!
How to use a journal for self-care
- Do stream of consciousness writing exercises; writing longhand connects your heart and brain like no other activity, and has a healing effect.
- Make a list of things you can do when you're feeling overwhelmed.
- Document what brings you joy.
- Make a gratitude list.
- Make a simple collage of words and images from magazines you love.
- Write words of affirmation and encouragement to yourself.
- Doodle and make repeat patterns to get yourself into a meditative state.
- Scribble to release difficult emotions you are holding inside.
That's the summary, y'all! I hope you found something inspiring or helpful from this post.
Take a class with me! (Click here)
Briana has several upcoming classes happening around the Twin Cities, as well as online.
Your participation is how I make my living. I would be so, so honored and grateful to receive your support.
I also offer small group sessions for you and a few friends. You provide the space and snacks, I will bring all of the supplies and inspiration. Send me an email to set something up!
With Gratitude,
Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com
