Journaling for Spiritual Growth

by Marc Alan Schelske

Spiritual and personal growth is possible. Over the centuries, journaling has emerged as one of the most consistently transformative practices, recommended by leaders across spiritual traditions, therapists, coaches, and others. Why then are so many people intimidated by journaling today, while others try it only to give it up? Incorporating both ancient spiritual wisdom and current neuro-biology, Journaling for Spiritual Growth teaches you how to be present to your life and hear what the Spirit is doing within you.

Through a gentle step-by-step process over six weeks, you'll learn:

* Why diaries and goal tracking can't transform us,
* What expectations undermine journaling's effects,
* What mindsets and questions are most helpful for lasting growth,
* How structure can be a gentle friend,
* How to create a sustainable habit for your life and temperament.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Writing, Journaling, Theology

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Marc Alan Schelske writes about life at the intersection of grace and growth. He hosts The Apprenticeship Way podcast and writes about nurturing a healthy inner life. He serves as the pastor of Bridge City Community Church and lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find him and more writing at www.MarcAlanSchelske.com.

Reviews

[Shauna Viele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for review, but have already preordered several copies to give as gifts. There are many resources available that reference “journaling.” This book is directed at journaling for spiritual growth specifically, and the author stresses in the introductory pages what a journal for spiritual growth is not. Marc then gently leads the reader step by step, and encourages one to use “gracious flexibility” in approaching this activity. He makes it clear that he writes from a Christian perspective, but also hopes that prospective journalists from other faith traditions will find the exercises and reflections useful as well. This is not a “quick read”, it is a text written for lingering, pondering, practicing, re-reading, and reusing again. The author has included many references for further research for inquisitive readers. I will be keeping this book for my own reference and use in the very near future.

[Jessy Gaffney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a advance reader copy of Journaling for spiritual growth from the author.
I was skeptical before diving into Journaling for Spiritual Growth. Most books on journaling are vague or they create a complicated routine that doesn’t always fit in your life. However, Journaling for Spiritual Growth is a game changer.

Marc has truly created an amazing resource that breaks down in clear and focused steps on how to create a lasting daily journaling habit. Not only does it walk you through the first 6 weeks of your journaling journey but, it’s sets you up to create a personalized routine.

If you want to start a journaling habit or take your current journaling routine and take it up a notch—this book is for you.

[Raynna Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid journaler for many years, as well as a teacher to beginning journal-keepers, I can tell you this book delivers on all the levels. I had the opportunity to participate as part of the beta reading team and was encouraged in my own practice, deeply, at that time. Then when I received my advance reader copy I started going through it again in the evenings with four of my children, ages 14-19. This has been a phenomenal tool for us, not only on individual levels, rooting their own practice, but as a family—creating space for important and beautiful conversations—all in bite-size time frames. I love these kinds of books!

Marc has a shepherd's way of care that lends a hand in the difficult parts, as well as giving generous amounts of insight that makes the journey meaningful, cutting through the fluff. As a somatic instructor I really appreciate how he brings in a balance of understanding the way the physical parts of us (particularly our limbic system) interact and are important, to our spiritual journeys. As Marc writes in the intro, “This is not a book for reading, not really. It’s a book to guide you in doing."

This book delivers a gentle, practical, and experienced companionship to the practice of journaling for the specific purpose of spiritual growth. I highly recommend it and am so grateful to finally have such an excellent guide to share with others!

[LK Art Heals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this incredibly supportive book! Marc reveals compassionate and beautifully nuanced layers to consider in developing a sustainable practice of journaling. His guidance opens windows and doors I had not considered in crafting a reflective experience that brings authentic spiritual growth. His writing is indeed a rich companion and guide!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from the author of Journaling for Spiritual Growth. This timely opportunity has aided in advancing my intermittent journaling, to a daily routine.

Different aspects and tools for journaling are presented in each chapter. The author makes it approachable by sharing how these tools have impacted his personal journaling. He closes each chapter with exercises so the reader can immediately start applying those tools.

My heart is very thankful for having this book, as a hands-on resource. I believe this book will assist many others who are facing a road block in their spiritual journaling experience.

[Tatiana Goe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book had been around during a very pivotal time in my life when I was at the start of my deconstructing process and trying to form a new connection to my last shred of spiritual practice with the Bible. I was lucky to have received an advance copy of this book and can tell you it is something special. I found this book clear, focused, and transparent of all its intentions. It became my friend in a way as I explored the prompts which were absolutely great, by the way. It makes room for one's personal story and experience. Give it a try. I hope it gracefully surprises you as it did me.

[Kim Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Journaling for Spiritual Growth from the author. I have never journaled more often, more consistently and with deeper insights than I did while reading this book.

If you want to grow spiritually and you have an interest in, or even just a willingness to try, journaling, I am sure Marc’s book will be extremely helpful for you. He has an uncanny way of being super clear, very interesting, concise and preemptively addressing really every question, concern or hindrance that might come up.

And a super bonus…the APPENDIX is so full of great information. I was thinking of skimming it but I am glad I didn’t and I sure hope others read it also. I think appendix are often skipped over or thought of as “if I need specific info I will look it up here.” But i think the info in the appendix of Journaling for Spiritual Growth is as important as the rest of the book. Seriously, I would like to see a neon sign blinking on the front that says “BE SURE TO READ THE APPENDIX” - it has SO much great info!

[Shelley W · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received an advanced copy of this book, I frankly had to push down a lot of feelings of failure in the two areas it most aims to address: regular journal-writing, and consistent focus on disciplined spiritual growth. Because friends and family know I love to write, I’ve received countless gifts of blank journals with fancy themes and covers. I never filled a single one, daunted by the prospect of “pouring out ones soul” which journaling seemed to command. Similar failures occurred during the many “Bible reading plans,” or other spiritual-growth programs I tried, since dogs, cats, and children also need daily feeding, and those meals are followed by the rest of our demanding lives. Marc’s book quickly put those worries to rest by discussing what journaling is and is not in this context. That discussion in itself was a pivotal revelation. Instead of promoting a rigid regime, this book shifts the focus of spiritual growth away from the “oughts and shoulds,” and gives readers the freedom of many approaches in order to find which work best to build maintainable habits.

This book is not another “goal to reach” or “task to finish,” but rather the toolbox to help us address a mostly unmet need— genuine, reproducible, consistent progress and insight into our spiritual selves and our growth as human and spiritual beings. Marc has thoroughly researched so many approaches (as the full resource and appendix section attests) and that research serves to remove guilt and remind us that there is no either/or absolute to spiritual growth. He presents many paths, inviting the reader to try them on for size. Frankly, the book reminded me a lot of one who invited us with the words “take up my yoke and follow.” This is a guide that comforts, encourages, inspires and reassures readers. Those of us looking for new handholds into their spiritual journey may find this just exactly the resource we needed to find a pace where the load “is easy and the burden is light.”

[Sue Conyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very thankful to have received an advance reader copy of this incredible book from the author. If you have a goal to make time to slow down, reintroduce yourself to who you are, and create a new spiritually healthy habit for growth forward, this is an excellent guide with many tools to help.

I have not journaled much in the past, but when invited to participate in this pre-launch review, my engagement was immediate. It came at a time of personal reflection and priority setting. Ironically, I wasn’t sure if I would have the time, but once I began, making the time became my priority.

The author provides many resources to guide in this practice, which allows the space and creativity of everyone to construct the process that works best for them. It is thought provoking but uncomplicated. It is written for a wide range of ages, as well as beliefs.

The Appendix section is worth the read as well, as it contains additional recommendations to lead the reader to a successful outcome.

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. This is the second book I have read from this author. The first was called The Wisdom of Your Heart: Discovering the God-given Purpose and Power of Your Emotions. (I purchased both the audible version and the paperback.) From the Wisdom of Your Heart book I gained a new perspective and deeper understanding of my own emotions and the emotions of those closest to me. As for the author’s most recent book, Journaling for Spiritual Growth I highly recommend it. The author’s format for this book is broken down into six weeks of five short reads with questions to think and/ or write about. The pacing of the book, the author’s depth of insight and the words of encouragement for the reader has added to strengthening my own faith journey.

[Karen Bonelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started working through this book and then my life took a few spirals with my aunt dying from an accident to my dad commuting suicide. The one thing that I had that helped me keep my faith throughout this time was Journaling for Spiritual Growth. Marc's wisdom and words were so helpful during this time. I feel that this book is something that anyone can use in their life, whether it is just to help you start to journal again with such great questions and references throughout the book. Thank you for this opportunity to get an advance copy. I cannot wait to receive my book and share it with others.

[Tara J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book, and am grateful to have a valuable new resource I know I will use multiple times in the future. This approachable, slim, beautiful book is not bossy or prescriptive, it is gentle and encouraging.
Most approaches to journaling are so directive, THIS IS THE WAY. Not only that but they are frequently achievement based if from a spiritual viewpoint, or productivity based if secular. I have not done the exercises yet, I couldn't stop reading! I have been reading through the book slowly, chewing on it, not feeling rushed or pressured. I am loving every page, and look forward to going back and doing the exercises, and seeing what becomes.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. I am a very big skeptic of anything religious nowadays, but I have been following Marc since his book called Wisdom of the Heart, which really touched me deeply. I am even more of a skeptic when it comes to books about journaling, they are usually written so poorly in my opinion.

Marc has once again blown me away. He has created an amazing resource that I will actually use. He has created clear and focused steps on how to make journaling a habit.

Thanks again Marc for following Spirit and creating something that once again just speaks to my very soul!

[S. Elie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journaling for Spiritual Growth is an accessible guide for building a reliable and deepening self-reflective practice. Where other texts of this kind are rigorous and overwhelming, Journaling for Spiritual Growth leads with flexibility and realism. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and am so grateful for the process it has spurred in me.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am so grateful I did! Marc walks you through the steps to build journaling as a habit with kindness, conviction, and knowledge. He takes into account the unpredictably of life, the difficulty of creating healthy new habits, and encourages grace towards yourself as your work to understand God/spirituality.

[Bernhard Gildemeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me to do what I had attempted several times: to journal. I was one of the fortunate ones who were able to be the beta readers for Marc Alan. Thanks to Marc’s insight and gentle encouragement, I started to journal on December 1, 2021. It has been great, and I have learnt a lot over the past year. I hope you give Marc’s guidance a try, you will not be disappointed.

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good! I like his balance of practical and personal. And his templates seem worth exploring.

[Julie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book changed my life! It was easy to read and instructions were clear to follow. I'd never wanted to journal enough to stick with it. However adding the physicality of putting pen to paper soon enriched my meditation and prayer life like nothing before. I feel a visceral connection to the Divine that is changing me day by day.

[Aaron J Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc has written an accessible and exciting book about journaling as a tool for growing spiritually. While written from a Christian bent, it could be of use to any one seeking to grow spirituality. Marc doesn't lay out THE way to journal. Instead he is gentle with suggestions and his own experience and insight. This is a map of the terrain of journaling, not a course to find a goal. I highly recommend. While I did receive an advanced copy, I would our has this book for myself (and did) and for friends.

[Susan Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Marc Alan Schelske’s Journal for Spiritual Growth. This book invites you to a reflective and meditative life of spiritual growth and health. This gentle, intentional, step-by-step guide makes the abstract practical and doable. If journaling feels intimidating to you, or if you’ve tried and failed to develop this practice in the past, this grace-filled guide removes the stumbling blocks, equipping and encouraging you in a sustainable life of journaling. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you’ll find space with Marc to bring your life before God through reflective listening and learning. In this listening and reflection, as you grow in the practice of being present to God and yourself, you’ll find the transformation and renewal you seek.

[Maranda Knighten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book.

I start this by saying I was a little skeptical at first, when I say I have tried to journal over the years, I mean, I have tried EVERY way possible to create a journaling habit. Every different type, different purposes…all of them. I wasn’t sure this would be different, I had doubts it would, just from my own history of failing.
When I started reading this book, I had a feeling this would be different. The reasons for my “failures” were addressed in a way that I understood why I wasn’t successful before. It walked me through how to create the habit of journaling, and addressed the issues I had faced, like it knew me. I had hope that this book could help me grow, and organize myself to be successful in creating a habit to journal. It’s very easy to follow, and not overwhelming at all. It felt natural, and most importantly for me…doable.
The other part of my skepticism came from the spiritual part of it.
The last few years of my spiritual journey has been challenging. I was raised religious, but lifestyle choices have put me in a vulnerable place. I sometimes feel a “chafing” when facing my feelings about my spiritual life. From the first page of this book, I felt seen. And felt hope for the first time in longer than I even realized. The author is gentle, and for me, it was a great first step in finding my way back to a daily relationship with God. I feel that, in any level of your relationship with Him, you can find growth here.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 6 week journaling program that I finished in about...6 months. For me, developing a daily habit of journaling is not a priority, but I did want to learn more about journaling and make some time for it in my life. I have been journaling 1-2 times a week and that works for me. In this book, one of the big focuses is on journaling often (4-5+ days a week), and the author spends a lot of time talking about how important it is to make it a habit and a regular part of your routine. If you're going for that, this book is really helpful! I don't really feel like it is necessary to journal that often to see benefits from it, but maybe at some point in my life I will try to do that. For now, using the templates in this book has been helpful and I think I'll continue with that.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had done journaling before, for purposes of spiritual growth, but it had been a long time. The habit petered out when our family moved and just about everything changed. Perhaps I would have done better if I had had some of the practical advice in this book about altering the journaling practice as needed in a new season of life. I also don't think that I had realized previously that the practice of silence was not just another spiritual practice I had been taught but that it had an impact on whether the journaling would be fruitful. It will be some time before I see how much benefit there is from the renewed practice, but the book was a good catalyst to get started as well as a helpful guide.

[Cami Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focused more on building the habit of journaling, which is not really what I was looking for as i already journal consistently. I was hoping for prompts or readings with questions, which he did provide in the appendix (which was great). Just be aware this focuses more on creating a sustainable journaling habit.

[Taylor Fazand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve journaled with intention since 2010. However, this was a refreshing way of reshaping the habit with more intention and with the goal of more fruit from my endeavors. I really enjoyed the layout and it has helped grow my practice.

[Teena D Lykins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful for beginning the habit of journaling.