By Laura

Tapping into Your Unconscious forces

As I mentioned in the Jungian Dream Interpretation article, dreams are windows into our unconscious, a way for the conscious and unconscious mind to communicate. Dreams serve our waking mind as a guide to achieve wholeness. Dreams offer us a solution to problems we're facing in our daily life. It isn't easy to gain insight into unconscious forces in our minds when we're awake. One great mode of introspection that can provide powerful insights into daily problems is a stream of consciousness writing technique.

Stream of Consciousness Writing Technique

Stream of consciousness writing is uninterrupted, unedited and unstructured. The writer begins writing without intention and waits for words to take form on the page. It is important that you don't try to make sense of your words, you don't focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation. Keep writing and ignore any questions or commentary from your rational mind. Don't worry if you feel ridiculous, the point is to write uninterrupted for a certain period of time.

Best Practices

Usually it is helpful to set a timer for around 10 minutes and make a regular routine of stream of consciousness writing. Perhaps commit to 5 days a week at the same time of day. If you get stuck and don't know what to write then write a filler words, like "I don't know what to say, my mind is empty." Until something comes into your head to write.

Try different journaling approaches. For example, pick a topic and writing all about it. It can be something random, like quartz, shoes, almonds or UFOs.

Interpretation

Reread your writing. Look for patterns, insights or other personal symbols. Like dream symbols, writing patterns and sentences often contain powerful insights into our unconscious. Also like dreams, it is best to interpret your writing yourself. It can help you solve problems or learn about your hidden motivations. Stream of consciousness writing is another powerful tool to use on your spiritual and personal growth path.