Baldwin has a poetic style of writing, but is practical and permissive in her recommendations for journal writing.  More than a "how to" book, she leads by example by providing some of her own journal entries and also the anonymous journal contributions from friends and other writers.

The result is a lovely book that inspires as well as enlightens.  She points out that we are all embarked on a journey.  Just by virtue of being alive and experiencing what we experience, we are moving through different passages of life.

She writes:  "Marking passage is an ordinary process.  The journey is already ongoing; it's simply a matter of acknowledging it.  And the journal is an adaptable practice that can absorb as much or as little attention as you apply to it.  It will fluctuate cheerfully, without complaints.  The journal takes you and your journey as you are."

This was in the back of my mind today as I began my day with a brief journal entry.  I was feeling crowded by a too full schedule which I had created, and was feeling the need to get on with it.  No time for much reflection.

And three times today I heard myself suggesting to clients that they set aside some time for some quiet reflection and communion with the self.  And that they use their journals (blow the dust off) as a means of doing so.

What is it that makes this an effective tool for psychological change?  And what is it that makes journal writing a spiritual practice?  As Baldwin pointed out, we are already embarked on the journey.  And it will take us where ever it does.  But we have a choice about whether we want to make the journey in consciousness and whether we will form it with clear intention.  The journal is simply a means of observing ourselves and our lives.  And for taking responsibility.

The alternative is to drift unconsciously, repeating old patterns from blueprints that we inherited or learned in our formative years.  Continually reacting to circumstances and playing out the little dramas that captivate us.  Unfortunately, this is all too easy, and leaves us feeling vaguely disappointed and empty while wishing for more.

So I'll leave you with the challenge that I gave myself at the end of my too-long day.  And that is to clarify my intention to take some chunk of time daily to pause, breathe deeply, to read something inspiring, or to meditate, and to make a journal entry which observes and marks my journey for that day.