The Power of a Pen
Something I have found incredibly helpful is writing my ruminations and emotional sufferings down. Not in a diary, the opposite in fact. I write them down on a piece of paper with the intention of ripping them up, throwing them out, or even burning them as a way to "let go" of whatever is bothering me. This might sound unnecessary, silly even, but it is backed by science and it works.
There is something call the Zeirgarnik Effect. Coined by Bluma Zeirgarnik in the 1920s, it describes the brain's inability to "let go" of something unfinished. The theory is based off of Zeirgarnik's observations that waiters could only remember open food orders but had no memory of completed ones. Experiments of the theory do show mixed results however, the theory does have its place in various theraputic techniques, including in EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and tapping as a way to heal PTSD.
Personally, I believe in it.
Now, what does this have to do with writing things down?
Well, for me, I find that when I write something down, it gives my brain permission to release that piece of information. Whether it's a To-Do List, anxious rumination, emotional hardships, or even trauma, I find when I write it down, it tells my brain that it doesn't need to hold onto that piece of information anymore. Afterall, it’s on paper now. Theoretically, I could keep it forever.
Furthermore, if you can add some sort of lesson learned from the hardship, unpleasent event, or ruminating thought. Even better. Finding meaning in the things that hurt us emotionally is a great way to end the story of that particular pain piece. It is the metaphorical food brought to your table.
Finally, I love to rip or burn (in the BBQ) my grievances, ruminations, sufferings, and heartbreaks, etc. as a way to emotionally and spiritually "let go." It is my way of saying "goodbye. I am done with you." And frankly it is very cathartic.
This added pyro action is something I picked up from Burning Ceremonies I have attended in the past. -- a story for another post.
So Get Writing and Stay Awesome :)
