Tag: Journaling

Empowering Women In Addiction Recovery Through Writing & Creativity

By Beth Terrence ~ Heal My Voice Author, Facilitator & Board Member

handheart

For the past year, I have had the privilege to work on a pilot Heal My Voice project that brings writing, journaling and creativity to women who are in long-term residential addictions treatment.  This project grew out of my work with the two non-profits that I volunteer with – Heal My Voice and Chrysalis House.  This program developed organically when I shared some magazines with the Chrysalis House that had an article I had written on 7 Ways To Cultivate Love & Compassion For Yourself, based on a post from this blog.  It also featured an article about Heal My Voice founder Andrea Hylen.  One of the clients at Chrysalis House was so interested in the Heal My Voice program that she reached out through her caseworker to Andrea directly.  This empowered step led to Heal My Voice offering a 3-hour writing and creativity workshop at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD in May of 2013.

Little did we know at the time that this one event would open the door to a whole new Heal My Voice program.  The mission of Heal My Voice is as follows:

Heal My Voice empowers and supports women and girls globally to heal, reclaim their voice and step into greater leadership in their lives and in the world.

I have participated in several Heal My Voice writing programs and over the last year joined as a facilitator and board member as well.  After our initial workshop, there was such an amazing response from the clients at Chrysalis House, that we were asked to come back on a regular basis.  This has led to me leading a weekly writing circle in addition to a 3-hour monthly creativity workshop, which is supported by other local Heal My Voice authors.  Adapting the original Heal My Voice program model to a residential treatment program has been an expansive experience.  During this time, I have been working closely with Heal My Voice Founder Andrea Hylen who attends the program when she is on the East Coast.  What has emerged is the foundation for a program model that can brought to other addictions treatment programs and recovery centers around the country.

I have truly been awed by the words that have emerged from the women of Chrysalis House.  Journaling was something that was always recommended but without facilitation the staff found it wasn’t really happening.  By creating a space for writing and creativity, and offering tools and techniques to support self-expression, journaling has become an important part of the each women’s journey in recovery.  This is something that is initiated in the treatment process but offers a powerful tool to support ongoing healing and recovery.

Here are some of the words from one of the women in the program:

My Own Prison

I’ve built my own prison inside of me,
It doesn’t consist of a warden or a key.
The walls are layered with bricks of emotions,
The bars are made of rage,
You couldn’t imagine the hell and commotion.

First a foundation built from addiction,
Then the floors are laid of abuse and confliction.
Every brick in the wall has it’s own tale;
I was warned to change but to no avail.

So I ask myself now,
“Was it all worth all this pain?”
The deteriorating life I tried so hard to sustain.
The very reality of being confined;
Holds no comparison to the shackles on my mind.

I know my day will come when I’ll be released,
But the question still lies, “will I really be free”?
Not free from confinement but free from the chains,
That are linked from my heart to my mind that remains.

The power of these words speaks to the impact of this project and how writing can be a vehicle for freedom through self-expression.  The Chrysalis House program is just completing it’s first year and we are in the process of creating a book of writing from the women who have participated so far.  The message we share with our community at large is :

“YOUR VOICE MATTERS”

This the message we try to bring home to the women of Chrysalis House and so giving them a platform to see their words in print is a way to reflect this message to them.

We invite you to more about the Heal My Voice Chrysalis House Program and if you feel to support this grassroots project, monetary or in-kind donations are always appreciated .  In addition to funding for the administration of the program itself, we continually provide materials for clients to make their own journals as well as other creative projects.  We are always in need of the following items:

Composition Books

Glue Sticks

Packing Tape

Scissors

Markers

Art & Craft Materials

Here are some of the journals created by the amazing women of Chrysalis House:

ChrysalisJournals

 *****************************

bethbro

Beth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer.  She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years.  This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life.  Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible.  Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.

Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions.  Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal.  Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer.  Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace.  Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013.  Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.

Learn more at www.bethterrence.com or check out her new teleclass program starting July 22nd:

Love Yourself, Live Your Life
Summer Breakthrough Program
With Beth Terrence
5-Session Teleclass
Do you want to live more from the heart? 
Is it a struggle to be gentle and loving with yourself?
Are you ready to step into your soul purpose from a space of the heart?
Does your inner critic keep you stuck? 
Do you want to have a deeper sense of connection with yourself, others and the world? 
In this 5-Session Teleclass, you will: 
  • Learn to connect with your heart on a deeper level and live more from the heart space.    
  • Cultivate love and compassion for yourself using a variety of transformational tools including meditation, shamanic journey work, affirmations, self-reflection and creative exercises.  
  • Uncover limiting beliefs and obstacles that prevent you from embodying greater love and compassion for your self and others and also, keep you from moving forward in your life.  
  • Learn to access your essential self and embody your soul purpose from the space of the heart
  • Begin to facilitate your own process of transformation and healing and create a foundation to continue that process in your life.
Dates: Tuesday, July 22nd – August 19th  
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 EST 
Where: Wherever You Are – Call in by phone or listen online
Audio replays will be available after the weekly call
Basic Package $97, includes
– 5 weekly teleclass sessions 
– an mp3 audio of calls 
– weekly transformational resource handouts
– private Facebook discussion group, plus 
– 2 special audio bonuses 
 Register by July 14th for Special Pricing ~ $77
 
Premium Package $247, includes 
–  Basic Program plus  
–  One 1 1/2 hour Individual Session with Beth Terrence in person in Annapolis, MD or By PHONE/SKYPE
 Register by July 14th for Special Pricing $227
   
Are you ready to embrace the truth of who you are –  
a being full of loving-kindness and compassion?

How much longer do you want to continue struggling?

Do you want the heart to be a guiding force in your life? 
 
The journey begins with you!
 

Journaling For Reconnection Podcast

By Beth Terrence

Heal My Voice Author and Board Member

300x300xBeth-300x300.jpg.pagespeed.ic.1TV4zdIMOmEarlier this year, I was a guest on a podcast hosted by Nathan Ohren of JournalTalk, a wonderful online resource on journaling for passion, clarity and purpose.  The topic was “Reconnection To Self”.  We had a great chat and it really got me thinking about journaling, which has been a part of my life for a long time.  I feel like this conversation is part of what has led me to do some of my recent posts on journaling and writing for health and well-being.

We covered quite a bit during the show and even talked about Heal My Voice and our Chrysalis House project, which supports women in long-term addiction recovery to heal through writing and sharing their stories – journaling is a core part of this program.  For today’s post, I thought I’d share a link to the podcast as well as an overview of some of the questions we covered below.  I hope you’ll take some time to listen and also, be sure to check all of the great podcasts and resources offered on JournalTalk.

Listen To Podcast

Here are some highlights of the interview:

– When did you start journaling

As a kid, I always like to write and play with words, but I really started journaling when I was in 6th grade.  I was introduced to it by a teacher who had us keep a journal and as I had already enjoyed writing, it was a natural fit.  I have kept journals on and off throughout my whole life, sometimes writing daily, sometimes dropping off a bit but always coming back to the page.

– How do you like to keep a journal?  What do you use?

My journal style has varied over the years.  Currently I like to use a large sketchbook which I decorate with collage on the outside as well as on some of the pages. There’s something about the blank page without lines that I love and also sometimes I may add a drawing or sketch an idea out there, too.  I like to write everyday but unlike other times when I was set on morning pages or evening reflections, I like to be organic about when I journal.  I love it when I have a day when I can head out to the café and have an almond milk chai and do some journaling.  Also, sometimes I keep a couple of journals – if I am working on an issue, I may create a specific journal for it and I always keep a separate self-care journal.  Also, there are times I like to keep a typed journal, too.

– Do you ever go back and read your old journal entries?  What have you learned about yourself?

I do like to go through old journals sometimes to reflect.  It is great to see where I have been and where I am now. I find it interesting that in some ways I am very different and in others still the same as when I was younger.  I know I have healed a lot of pain.   And, I have really grown as a writer.

– What are the top 2 or 3 benefits you’ve experienced about journaling?

I would say the benefits to me are having an avenue for self-reflection, self-awareness, and letting go of what’s in my head ~ it creates a space to see myself more clearly.  Also, it enhances creativity and has helped me to explore writing and my ideas.  It’s kind of like my own sacred space!

– Typed? or hand-written?

Both, but more hand-written for journaling.  For other writing, more typed.

– What’s your favorite place to write in your journal?

Anywhere really. I like to go sit out in nature sometimes, or just on my deck when the weather is nice.  Also, I love to go to cafes to journal and write.

– What else is interesting about your journaling style?

I would say that my style varies between free-writing or stream of consciousness and list making, such as feelings, ideas, self-care reviews, etc.  I also really use my journal as a working tool in my life for self-direction and for discovering how to flow with my work as well.

Happy Journaling!

bethbroBeth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer.  She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years.  This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life.  Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible.  Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.

Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions.  Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal.  Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer.  Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace.  Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013.  Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.

Learn more at www.bethterrence.com or check out her new teleclass program starting July 22nd:

Love Yourself, Live Your Life
Summer Breakthrough Program
With Beth Terrence
5-Session Teleclass
Do you want to live more from the heart? 
Is it a struggle to be gentle and loving with yourself?
Are you ready to step into your soul purpose from a space of the heart?
Does your inner critic keep you stuck? 
Do you want to have a deeper sense of connection with yourself, others and the world? 

 

In this 5-Session Teleclass, you will: 
  • Learn to connect with your heart on a deeper level and live more from the heart space.    
  • Cultivate love and compassion for yourself using a variety of transformational tools including meditation, shamanic journey work, affirmations, self-reflection and creative exercises.  
  • Uncover limiting beliefs and obstacles that prevent you from embodying greater love and compassion for your self and others and also, keep you from moving forward in your life.  
  • Learn to access your essential self and embody your soul purpose from the space of the heart
  • Begin to facilitate your own process of transformation and healing and create a foundation to continue that process in your life.
Dates: Tuesday, July 22nd – August 19th  
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 EST 
Where: Wherever You Are – Call in by phone or listen online
Audio replays will be available after the weekly call

 

Basic Package $97, includes
– 5 weekly teleclass sessions 
– an mp3 audio of calls 
– weekly transformational resource handouts
– private Facebook discussion group, plus 
– 2 special audio bonuses 
 Register by July 14th for Special Pricing ~ $77
 
Premium Package $247, includes 
–  Basic Program plus  
–  One 1 1/2 hour Individual Session with Beth Terrence in person in Annapolis, MD or By PHONE/SKYPE
 Register by July 14th for Special Pricing $227
   
Are you ready to embrace the truth of who you are –  
a being full of loving-kindness and compassion?

How much longer do you want to continue struggling?

Do you want the heart to be a guiding force in your life? 
 
The journey begins with you!
 

Journaling For Health And Well-Being

By Beth Terrence

Heal My Voice Author and Board Member

Member-JournalingJournaling or reflective writing is a practice that has been around for a long time.  Whether someone is a “writer” or not, really matters little when it comes to personal writing.  Journaling is simply a way to express and explore our life experiences and ourselves on a deeper level through the written word or even through art or imagery, too.  It doesn’t have to be for anyone but ourselves.  And, it is an exciting time as we are now seeing the scientific evidence supporting the benefit of this simple practice for our overall health and well-being.

University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker has done extensive research on the benefits of journaling.  He has found that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes.  Other research has indicated that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  Pennebaker believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thereby reducing the impact of stressors on your physical health.  He recommends writing for 20 minutes per day.

Additionally, the benefits go way beyond your physical health.  Scientific evidence has discovered that the act of writing actually accesses your left brain, which is the analytical and rational part.  When you begin writing, your left brain becomes engaged freeing your right brain to create, intuit and feel.  So, in a sense, writing takes you out of your head and into your heart.  This allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you.  The act of writing is helping you to access your creativity on a deeper level.

Journaling helps you to:

  • Clarify your thoughts and feelings.
  • Know yourself better.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Be healthier.
  • Solve problems more effectively.
  • Resolve disagreements with others
  • Practice good self-care
  • Access your creativity
  • Release and Express Held Memories & Emotions
  • Set Intentions

You may be saying to yourself, “But, I’m not a writer, so how can journaling work for me?”  There are many ways to explore journaling and many types of practices.  Writing offers an opportunity to explore who you are, what are your likes and dislikes, and your strengths and weaknesses.  It is a vehicle to find your voice and explore ways you can flow more easily with life.

Here are some ways you can explore writing and journaling:

  • Stream Of Consciousness ~ Just put the pen on the paper and let whatever words come to mind flow onto the page
  • List Writing (e.g. Make a list of Feelings, Choices, Losses, Things You Enjoy, Topics for Writing, Triggers, Self-Care Toolbox, Favorites, etc.)
  • Gratitude – Make a list of everything you are grateful for – this can be a powerful daily practice
  • Affirmations & Intentions – For the day, month, year or as you feel to
  • Prayers/Blessings – Write for yourself, family, friends, the world…
  • Meditations – Pick a topic like peace, love, happiness, etc.
  • Poetry – Explore haiku or free verse.  Write a poem or read a poem and write what it means to you.
  • Just For Today I will… – Write 
  • Letter Writing (e.g. To Self, Family, Friends, Higher Power, Past/Future)
  • Holistic Exploration – Do A Check-In or Self-Care Review For Body, Mind, Emotion & Spirit
  • Morning Pages – Do three handwritten stream of consciousness pages first thing every morning (from The Artist’s Way)
  • Or, try Dr. Pennebaker’s Basic Writing Assignment:

writing_pull1

Here are some books on journaling and writing to explore, too!

I hope you’ll take some time to explore journaling for health and well-being.  If you don’t have a journal, you may wish to browse around for a journal that feels meaningful to you.  Or, just pick up a composition book or blank sketchbook and you are ready to go.  If you want to, you can decorate it and use the words or images to inspire your writing.  Maybe you want to make one journal dedicated to self-care or gratitude practice.  Be creative, explore and enjoy!

If you have any journaling practices or tools that you’d like to share, feel free to drop us a note in the comments below.  We love to hear from you – YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

 

bethbro

Beth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer.  She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years.  This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life.  Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible.  Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.

Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions.  Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal.  Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer.  Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace.  Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013.  Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.

Beth is available for Integrative Transformational Healing Sessions & Programs by Phone/Skype or in person in Annapolis, MD.  She offers a variety of classes, workshops and trainings on Holistic Healing, Transformation, Writing and Creativity in the MD/DC/VA area and virtually.  Beth also writes regularly on her own blog, The Heart Of Awakening: Searching For A New Paradigm, an online resource for transformation and healing. To learn more about Beth’s Integrative Transformational Healing Services, visit http://www.bethterrence.com.

Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer:

20% Off All Sessions By Phone/Skype Or In Person In Annapolis, MD Summer is a the perfect time to relax, reflect and renew.  We’ve passed the Solstice so the days are beginning to get shorter once again but the Fire energy of summer is still very strong through July 22nd.  The intensity of this Yang energy can take a toll on our system – it is still very expansive but a part of us is beginning to pull within. With the outward energy of summer, increased social activities and extreme heat and humidity, our systems can more easily move out of balance.  It may not be uncommon to experience fatigue, headaches, and intense waves of emotions during this time.  I invite you to come for a healing session to support your overall balance and ease of well-being.  Take A Break ~ Relax, Reflect & Renew! Integrative Healing Sessions may include Shamanic Healing, Bach Flower Remedies, Zero Balancing, Body/Energy Therapies, Meditation, Holistic Self-Care and other holistic resources to support transformation and healing on all levels – body, mind, emotion and spirit. Learn more about Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer and Integrative Transformational Healing Services in July’s Discover The Healer Within E-News…

Where To Connect With Beth:

Website: www.bethterrence.com

Blog: http://theheartofawakening.wordpress.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bethterrence

Twitter: @BethTerrence

Contact: beth@bethterrence.com