Journaling

[Akita Suggagaki]

I never thought of myself as a writer. But when I was about 40 I thought about how so much of my life just passed like water under a bridge and mostly now lost in oblivion. I decided that if my life is really a gift of value it seems worth while to document it. That was 31 years ago.

I found that a lot of times it is just boring reporting of my observations. But then sometimes I add thoughts and feelings about my observations. Sometimes I even venture into verse when the mood strikes. And I like to record thoughts, images or moods that I don't want to forget. It has been fun.

 

[Sif]

I have begun journaling recently. Specifically, in regard to my reading to the Stoics (Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus) as well as my readings in Daoism (Lao Tzu and Sun Tzu (focusing on Daoist ideals influenced his book Art of War)). I find it has been helpful and helped me focus on the teachings of Stoicism and Daoism (as philosophies). I've also begun to included readings from the Old Testament wisdom books (Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach).

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Interesting. So you write about thoughts and feelings in reaction to the readings?

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Have you listened to Ryan Holiday podcasts?

Jim Mattis and Ryan Holiday

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and bestselling author Ryan Holiday discuss the war in Iran, its potential impact, and how Stoic virtues can inform military leadership in a conversation recorded at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

www.pbs.org

 

[Sif]

Have you listened to Ryan Holiday podcasts?

Jim Mattis and Ryan Holiday

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and bestselling author Ryan Holiday discuss the war in Iran, its potential impact, and how Stoic virtues can inform military leadership in a conversation recorded at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

www.pbs.org

I have listened to a few of Ryan Holiday's podcasts and plan on listening to more. I will certainly watch the one with (retired) General/former Secretary of Defense Mattis.

Yes, my journalling has been focused on what lessons or ideas I see in the Stoics I read for the day. I have created a "schedule of readings" and I try to include a Daoist reading and one from the wisdom books of the Old Testament.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Kind of eclectic, like me.

I like Taoism, at least its basics. But it has been a while. Cant go wrong with Lao Tsu.

 

[peaceful-forest]

I started journaling a few years ago to try to get my thoughts and emotions out about a particular guy that I was never going to end up with.

I rarely write in it anymore.

In fact, I had wanted to write down something profound that God showed me last week. But I'm in no mood to do it.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I started journaling a few years ago to try to get my thoughts and emotions out about a particular guy that I was never going to end up with.

I rarely write in it anymore.

In fact, I had wanted to write down something profound that God showed me last week. But I'm in no mood to do it.

Ya, mood is a big part for me also.