I was writing in my journal recently and used the word ‘mundane’. For an unknown reason the word itself caught my attention. Made me pause. Which is one of the marvellous benefits of journaling.

I used to write very haphazardly in my journal, then one new year, setting my annual goals I decided that daily writing would be on the list. The key for me was to tell myself I didn’t have to write for long or write many sentences. Just write. What helped was finding a journal that sparked joy by simply looking at it. Bright and spiral bound because I like it to open flat. With quotes sprinkled liberally throughout it for inspiration.

If you have ever wished to journal regularly yet found it hard to form the habit here are two resources, I found immensely helpful. One is Stephanie Dowricks book, “Creative Journal Writing” https://stephaniedowrick.com/published-works/books/creative-journal-writing-the-art-heart-of-reflection/ and the other is Julia Cameron who emphasises the importance of morning pages in her book “The Artists Way”. https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/

When I looked up the definition of mundane, I was mildly shocked.  Google defines mundane as “lacking interest, or excitement; dull”. Hmmmm, that wasn’t how I wanted my day to sound. The second definition on the other hand was enlightening. “of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one”. I had no idea that was a definition of mundane.

I had used the word ‘mundane’ to refer to everyday routine activities. Tasks we need to do for our homes and lives to function. Like washing clothes or buying groceries. Which brings me to mindfulness and the idea that everyday activities might be routine and necessary, however they don’t need to be dull. That’s more about mindset.

Whilst many of us love adventure and novelty, most of us need to include ordinary activities in our day. One technique Stephanie recommends for journal writing is to record what our senses are noticing. What can you hear, see, taste, smell and feel right now? Even typing this I notice the wind rustling the leaves of the tree, the clock ticking in the hallway, the breeze gently caressing my skin, the responsive keys under my fingers, the taste of my afternoon cup of tea……

So back to the daily chores – standing outside in the sunshine hanging clothes on the line becomes a mindful moment, walking to the shop in my lunch break to buy something for dinner becomes an opportunity to move, and expose my eyes to natural light – two activities that I know will energise me for the afternoon, so much better than spending that time glued to a screen.

Bill Moyers (an American journalist) said ‘Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvellous’. Today I challenge you to find meaning, mindfulness or marvellous in the ordinary. What comes up for you? What did you notice? I’d love to hear from you.