Journal Writing Down Under

25/08/2026

What an interesting walk this morning. Consciously, I was reflecting on how my mind was caught up in protecting myself from elements in life I find uncomfortable. But along the way I found myself turning to explore dead tree trunks that birthed new ecosystems.

The first time it happened, I just enjoyed the feeling of a ‘secluded haven’ the sight conjured up. The second time it happened, however, I started to wonder what was going on? I’d almost walked past the second one when I was compelled to turn back.

Something outside my conscious awareness was at play.

I connected these occurrences to the final moments of a ‘Psychology Has It Backwards’ group I’d recently participated in via Zoom. Much of the session had been spent on people talking about the ‘worry thinking’ they had got caught up in. In closing the session, Christine Heath, one of the facilitators, reminded everyone that they had everything they needed inside them. This final comment shifted everyone’s attention away from the content and misuse of thought to a deeper truth about our ‘DNA’d’ nature. It was a moment akin to ‘turning back to notice something’ a deeper part of me was called to - when my mind was elsewhere.

As you move through life, pay more attention to what you notice when you are not noticing. Stop and be present to it. What’s its relationship to what is going on inside you?

There are ‘layers’ of consciousness we can journal write. Capture a deeper one and ponder.



23/08/2026

The perfect poem by Courtney Peppernell (Watering the Soul) as I sit by the fire at The Crooked Carrot in Myalup and write about my weekend experiencing my solo myself exploring what calls. This baby, as well as dolphins, ducklings, swans and pelicans; an hour perusing and conversing with the young woman in Collins Bookshop; and a coffee shop in Bunbury; were the highlights.

12/08/2026

On an early walk this morning, my thoughts turned to someone who I would describe us having very ‘strong’ thoughts. What I mean by that is that their thoughts are well defined … so prescriptive that there is no awareness that they could have different thoughts, lighter thoughts, more flexible thoughts.

I suspect they wouldn’t want them. I suspect they wouldn’t see the need for more openness of Mind or the different perspectives that come with that. I suspect they believe deeply that their way of thinking is the ‘right’ way.

All of us are like this to some degree. The problem with it is that it ‘wires’ the mind and body so rigidly that a person loses their flexibility, their responsiveness, their adaptiveness, their evolutionary source. Peace, resiliency, creativity … wisdom all come from openness of Mind. Accessing that requires relinquishing the stronghold of our thoughts.

As I mused, I noticed this bush - the perfect metaphor for my reflections. Thoughts are like cobwebs in our system. When they become too strong, the system becomes strangled and loses capacity to sprout and adapt. Thoughts and beliefs are useful … until they are not. Be open to the openness of Mind.

02/08/2026

After a weekend overtaken by work, my thinking wasn’t very positive about the working week ahead. I decided I needed to put something in it that was purely for me and not in service to others.

What better start to each day - an early walk in the bushland opposite my home. How fortunate I am. Alarm set for 6.30 am, I ventured out, clad in coat, beanie and scarf to keep me warm.

I took photos to share with a friend. East, west, and something iconic in between.

With my mind buoyed by the morning it started to think about small meaningful moments with friends during the previous week. Those thoughts felt good, testament to a funny little quirk of the mind - it gathers momentum in whatever direction you turn it.

Blessed instead of beaten, I turn to my day.

Do you have moments to notice something lovely in your day? If not, take back time and dedicate it to you.

19/07/2026

Finally taking my journal writing program online. We begin late August!

Inviting women to relate to their spiritual nature through journal writing.

02/07/2026

On retreat at my favourite place.

Noticing the impact of my thinking on the feeling of being.

Will write about the experience and see what it reveals about innate mental health.

30/06/2026

Listen to how many times Fiona stresses the need to have time out for reflection.

Reflection allows us to find our truth.

Truth brings clarity.

We can only discern truth when we give time to listening to ourselves.

Journal writing is a powerful portal to self, truth, clarity, and eventually courage.

https://www.youtube.com/live/BaW72hUtqHA?si=LzOi--OXxZExS87H

28/06/2026

A great free resource for women listening to the nudge to write in a journal.

Download the free Feminine Wisdom guide by Megan Dalla-Camina. Reconnect with your intuition, inner power, and embodied living.

27/06/2026

Human personal growth (evolving) isn’t like an onion.

It’s not a case of ‘dealing’ with layers so that we are ‘grow’.

‘Growth’ or ‘evolving’ is a natural process that unfolds from the inside out.

As we unfold, understanding expands and obsolete understanding falls away.

Attend to the unfolding side of the process.

We are like trees, nourish the soil - our holy grail.

These arrived just in time for my work with my tree metaphor in the Tuesday night journal writing group at The Meeting Place.

25/06/2026

As a tree grows

….. old bark falls away

As a snake grows

…., it’s skin sheds

As a human being unfolds
.,,, ‘baggage’ disappears

What do you focus on? ‘Baggage’ or unfolding?

How do you know the difference?

Write.