Travelling, packing and journals

Right now I am travelling.  Apologies for my silence but I have been drinking in the beauty of Europe, the joys of meeting old friends and family and listening to new places. 

As you know I’m a believer in journaling.  The process of learning as you put pen to paper, making a note of what you have seen and heard, then reflecting on what that might mean.  It gives me the added ability to sit above what I might be thinking or feeling and recognise them as my thoughts or feelings. 

I had planned to journal often as we travelled but I haven’t been drawn to it as much as I usually am.  

It may be the journal I’ve brought with me.  It’s a travel journal designed more for recording where you’ve been each day.  I’ve done that, as the book instructs, but haven’t written much more than that – so the process is not as rewarding for me.  

I was going to bring a collection of my journals – the one for travel and another for reflection and the one I have just completed for reviewing some of my professional development notes but space was at a premium.

On this journey to date, we have boarded eleven trains with our luggage in tow.  So we packed light.  Just two bags and mine was the carry-on size.  So numerous journals were out of the question.

It has led me to reflect on what really does encourage helpful journaling.  As Rachel and I are reviewing the layout of our guided journal, Finding Home Abroad we're thinking about what is really important. 

So please tell us – what do you like in a journal?  Blank pages?  Lines?  An outline?  A page per day? 

We would love to hear from you in the comments below.  And if you have any packing tips please let me know!