September 13
Keeping a habits journal – notes about daily practice
Is a habits journal worth the hassle?
I was so excited about getting started with Shiva Nata that I set up a little notebook in which to journal my daily habits, including practices and thoughts from Shiva Nata. I set it up with a few guidelines in mind:
- There are no rules – only suggestions to work with for now, I can change my mind later
- What I am looking for in a daily routine is not rigid – work with how I’m feeling to find a daily routine that matches me real needs, not some imagined ideal that I’ve read about
- It’s about making notes of how I felt about what happened and didn’t happen – not checking I’ve done what I’m ‘supposed to’.
I’ve found this really useful for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it helped me to clarify my thoughts and feelings on my practice. When I commit a word to paper I can tell if it doesn’t feel write. Often after writing an entry I will read it and find myself replacing the occasional word with one that matches better. This way I get clearer results from my practice.
Secondly, it gave me an avenue to ‘share’ my reactions. That’s why I started this blog too – I’ve had so many thoughts start coming through after starting my practice that I had to find a way to start sharing them with more people that just me and my notebook!
And it only takes a couple of minutes – a hassle it is not!
I need more info on keeping a journal…
I’ve adapted a guide on keeping a learning diary which I found thanks to the wonderful Nichelle of Dance Advantage
WHAT TO WRITE
What in particular went well or was difficult? Remember – you want something to have tripped you up completely or you being too easy on yourself!
Habits that you have noticed in yourself. It’s all about the habits!
How you feel about the way you are doing things. Getting frustrated? That’s great! Acknowledge any associated feelings rather than push them away.
What have you achieved today? It’s always nice to see the progress you are making.
Anything else that feels of importance to you – even though you may not understand the significance of it.WHY DO IT?
It helps you to learn from your successes, as well as your mistakes
It makes it more likely that you will use what you have learnt next time
It gives you an opportunity to plan concisely what you want to do, what you want to change
It may help you feel more ‘in control’, more positive, deepen your understanding.
One final idea
I’m too lazy, but if you want you could keep a key dates calendar. Basically, keep a separate note (stuck on the wall if you like) with dates when you’ve got to particular ‘milestones’. E.g. Got through the Level 1 horizontal arm sequence. Then did vertical as well. Then done all the Level 1 arm moves. Basically just keep a note whenever you feel proud! That way, if you ever find yourself comparing how you’re doing with others, you can look at the sheet instead and remember how well you’re doing!