My passion of writing, originated in a simple habit: 'journaling'. I'd use to write every now and then when I was a kid, let that be about fictional stories I'd invent about World War I & II, space travel, time travel, and other interesting topics. Also, I'd dive into my day to day, memories I cherished, and goals I had for my future self (which I now am in the present). As I grew up, I let go of writing for a couple of years, until it came back to me. More thoughtfully, I came back to writing. It would call me every single time I'd read anything. I'd read such a well written book, article or poem and destine a moment to think. "What a beauty it is to write, and be able to see within ourselves, within our imagination, within our convictions, within our and others' opinions. What a beauty."

Nowadays, in contrast with what I'd write as my younger-self, I write more in a journalistic style, writing blogs, about productivity, ways to think about things, ways to do things. More practical and tangible subjects.

Through time, I realized the powers of journaling, as it opens the gate of visualization towards the past, present and future. It is an entrance to a state of trance where you can visualize your thoughts, emotions, intentions, convictions...everything that makes yourself, 'you'.

Nonetheless, journaling can go beyond only visualizing memories or desires for the future, it can bring attention to detail. That is, in my opinion, the ultimate benefit of journaling. Attention to detail. It brings awareness and conscientiousness to the author. Therefore, in a deliberate way, the author can begin exploring the distinct angles to his/her memoir. It gives the author the power to become an omnipotent god for a small moment, within his/her own world, whilst holding a pencil or pen. While being able to experience life through our own experience and perspective is valuable, it is also important to view life from as many angles as possible. Journaling opens the doors of perception, grounding the possibility of experiencing life from the eyes of the 'other'.

In ethics, the 'other' is every single element that conforms our environment: conceptual things, phyhsical things, living beings, anything that isn't part of our being, really. I'd encourage you to read the works of Edmund Husserl, Emmanuel Levinas and Jean-Paul Sartre for more insight about it. Very interesting work. Also, read Aldous Huxley's "The Doors Of Perception", one of my favorites.

There are also practical benefits to journaling, beyond those already mentioned:

  • Enhancement of Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is what obligates us to think 'by' ourselves and 'for' ourselves. Journaling brings that at hand for us. It is immensely benefitial, as it gives you the ability to cuestion ideologies, let those be your own, or others'. Moreover, critical thinking is the base of our autonomy as individuals. Individuals are guided by their level of critical thinking, being able to distinguish concepts, ideas, things and intentions from one another. Thanks to critical thinking, you are able to view the grey area between the black and white.
  • Internal Synchronicity: This is a concept related to critical thinking. Before journaling, the first step is to look inwards. 'How do I feel about x subject?' 'What do I really think about this situation?' 'Why is x thing the way it is?' 'What emotions arise internally in x moments?' One of the powers of journaling resides in that the author is in constant communication with his/her own being. It reinforces your relationship with your own metaphysical world, synchronizing your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Therefore, you'll become more coherent and congruent.
  • Facilitates 'Lay of The Land': This habit makes it easier for you to plan ahead, structure your routine, structure your internal congruence, structure your desires and goals, etc. Journaling is the stream of information that connects you and the outer world.  While you journal, you'll facilitate viewing the 'lay of the land' that there is in place in the present, and what 'lay of the land' you might want to see in the future. This is tied to being self-aware about your needs, emotions, desires, regrets...anything that has to do with your vision of the present and future, and if you'd like to restructure those, or not.
  • Promotes Productivity: When we journal we promote self-awareness at its finest, bringing conscientiousness about our current state of being. If you journal day to day, or at least frequently, you will begin to realize how your thoughts shift from productive and positive thoughts some days, to negative and pointless thoughts other days. This is normal, as human beings aren't able to think in a linear fashion, therefore, we consistently vary the theme of thoughts every single day. The point is,  if you journal, you can identify weak spots (let those be in regards to your mindset or your habits), thus being able to optimize parts of your routine and state of mind will be a possibility.  

Take advantage of any writing channel. My favourite, is journaling. Try it, and you'll see within.

I write these blogs weekly. Not only that, but every morning, I write 2-3 short thoughts in a small notebook I have. I write everyday, I'd invite you to do the same.

Hope this article helps you out, and encourages you to write in any way, shape, or form!