SELF-DISCOVERY WITH THE EMOTIONAL DIARY, KNOWING YOUR OWN EMOTIONS

 Dear Readers and Friends,

Today we continue with another article on Emotional Psychology. Leaving aside all the theoretical definitions and theories, we'll examine, at least for now, the more practical aspects. Having seen and discussed various journals and exercises, because the goal is to improve oneself with consistency and effort, today we'll add another journal to the many described previously: the Emotions Journal. In our case, we can also transform it into a comprehensive journal, recording emotions, situations, thoughts, actions, and reactions. A very useful tool for self-discovery and self-improvement.

Before we can manage our emotions, it's essential to understand them. Emotions evolved as adaptive mechanisms that helped our ancestors survive. They aren't simple reactions, but rapid and effective action programs designed by evolution.

One of the most effective and accessible tools for cultivating self-awareness is the practice of journaling. The act of writing about our feelings has a profound effect, forcing us to pause, to break free from autopilot, to reflect, and to give structure to our often chaotic thoughts.

The diary becomes a private and safe space, a personal laboratory for exploring our inner world without judgment or external pressure. There are no fixed rules for how to keep it; the key is freedom, honesty, and consistency.

Control without understanding is a form of self-deception that distances us from an emotionally honest experience.

There are no hard and fast rules for journaling; each of us can adopt our own preferred routine. You can adopt the routine of recording how you feel every day. Write down the most significant emotions you experienced during the day. Try to delve deeper and identify the specific situations, interactions, or thoughts that triggered them.

With practice and dedication, we can all become more aware, balanced, and empathetic.

This tracking practice will help you discover patterns you weren't aware of before. You may find that certain people drain you of energy, while other activities revitalize you. Your journal thus becomes a true mirror of your emotional life, reflecting your strengths and weaknesses.

It's been observed that the act of handwriting, in particular, can have a direct and measurable impact on our brain. Some studies suggest it can reduce activation of the amygdala, the region of the brain that acts as an alarm center for fear and stress.

Keeping an emotional journal is a powerful tool for self-knowledge. Writing forces you to pause and reflect, structuring your thoughts in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

As mentioned, the "old-fashioned" journal is therapeutic and very useful for self-discovery. We've discussed it as cognitive behavioral therapy, as shamanic work, as coaching, and we've always come to the same conclusion: a useful tool to write about daily.

Using self-awareness to understand why we act a certain way. Our behaviors are driven by deep emotions. 

Each of us writes our own journal as we choose. Practicing mindfulness is hard work, sometimes enlightening, sometimes truly disappointing. Yet shamans called it the warrior's path because, ultimately, our worst enemy is ourselves. Being aware and attentive to the thoughts and emotions we think and feel is the path to improving ourselves and the world around us. So, writing a traditional journal isn't about being old-fashioned, but about rediscovering the pleasure of a more genuine connection with ourselves.

A poet wrote: “How I love the smell and the music produced by the dance of a pen on a blank sheet of paper. Witnessing the magic of creation in your hands is an ecstasy of senses and wonder.”

With the hope of a deeper understanding of yourselves and a beautiful diary, I ask you to leave a trace of your passage in the comments.