Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle

As a Rabbi, writing has been a more significant portion of my career, from writing sermons, articles, and letters, and often writing my thoughts due to the cathartic impact. When we write, we allow our thoughts and minds to pause and ponder…a type of self-care practice for our mental wellness. When one writes, that journal becomes a safe space for emotional expression and self-reflection, encouraging the writer to release all the data our brain consumes. Each day, we digest a wealth of material for when we incorporate journal writing; this practice helps our psyche process data at a pace of ease.

Journaling is not a new phenomenon, a practice I recall during my days of youth as a form of therapy to reflect in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Writing is a habit that takes time to explore, but I challenge you to partake in some of the ten journaling topics as referenced. Please treat yourself with the patience you deserve and allow yourself the time. 

1. Reflect on what writing can do for you and how it helps you in life’s journey.
2.  Explore what makes you, you.
3.  Write what hope means to you.
4.  Reflect on how you judge others and challenge yourself to change the lens.
5.  Describe a situation that brings you stress and write down how you may approach it thoughtfully.
6.  Reflect on a moment of gratitude for the people, experiences, or blessings in your life.
7.  Write about a time when you were courageous and how that altered you.
8.  Describe a place in nature that brings you peace and reflect on the feelings you gain.
9.  Think of a significant life lesson you learned and how it influenced you thrive.
10.  Write a letter of gratitude to yourself, celebrating what makes you resilient. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require guidance or support. If not me, I encourage you to connect with a professional or someone whom you can trust and confide in. When we look for support, it is often our bravest form of self-care. Lastly, I would like to thank my assistant for helping me curate these journaling leads. Together, we advocate the significance of mindfulness as a crucial resource to general health care.