“Research shows writing about emotional experiences can have health benefits.” Review by Vive’ Griffith – Office of Public Affairs – resource link – here
The title should not surprise any who reads this blog. In October of 2008, I began a writing journey that continues. I had no knowledge of the studies which show there can be benefits to writing about emotional experiences. My original intent was to inform others, relatives and friends, of my experiences while inside Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The first offerings included simple explanations of the group’s leadership and the group dynamics which many considered absurd. As I began the process of sorting out my experiences, the first benefit was simple- clarity. The traumatic nature of many events inside WOFF served to cloud the time frame and context of the scenes. By writing and purposely remembering the players, the sights, the smells and words spoken, clarity has come to many a confused memory. It has given me further confidence that many a memory has been confirmed by other survivors from WOFF.
From our resource article:
“For nearly 20 years, Dr. James W. Pennebaker has been giving people an assignment: write down your deepest feelings about an emotional upheaval in your life for 15 or 20 minutes a day for four consecutive days. Many of those who followed his simple instructions have found their immune systems strengthened. Others have seen their grades improved. Sometimes entire lives have changed.”
I challenge survivors of WOFF and those with family members still inside to take the above assignment and see what comes of it. I challenge those inside WOFF to do the same thing! Only this time, the writing will not have to be read to your spouse, your children or even to Jane Whaley. Yes, I started writing knowing others would read, but I have writings about my past that no one has seen and which were never intended for any one –except me. The assignment can provide an outlet for the deepest emotions, the deepest confusions and the deep questions which echo through the chambers of the soul. The questions which give material for our dreams and may be robbing you of the sleep you need.
More from our resource: (The resource is a link to an article reviewing the book by Dr. Pennebaker.)
“Emotional upheavals touch every part of our lives,” Pennebaker explains. “You don’t just lose a job, you don’t just get divorced. These things affect all aspects of who we are—our financial situation, our relationships with others, our views of ourselves, our issues of life and death. Writing helps us focus and organize the experience.”
I can heartily agree. Having survived family drama, health crises and employment uncertainty- writing down the experiences helped sort out the often conflicting details.
Dr. Pennebaker gives some tips for writing from “Writing to Heal”
– Find a time and place where you won’t be disturbed
– Write continuously for 20 minutes
– Don’t worry about spelling or grammar
– Write only for your self
– Write about something extremely personal and important to you.
– Deal only with events and situations you can handle now
Dr. Pennebaker says it is not necessary to show anyone your writings and in fact destroying the copy right after writing it can still bring some benefit. So, there you go. What excuse do you have? What would it hurt to try? When we were children we sometimes dared one another to do something strange or risky. Well, we are not all children here. However, we still can benefit from taking a challenge. When will you start? What do you have to lose except 20 minutes? Will it be a loss or an investment in your future? You will never know unless you step out and begin. The process of writing and the benefits can open up a whole new world. Excuse me; I need to get back to writing my story.
Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.
Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.
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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted. (Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 489.