Sometimes we have trouble relaxing and floating through life due to a fear of the future, or from losing connection with our higher Self / God. You can use writing as a way to reconnect with yourself, and with your sense of Higher Power, if you have one.

       Start by doing a quick form of meditation. Now, start writing without editing, a sort of "stream of consciousness" approach. Your mind will gradually move from the inconsequential to the meaningful. If you want, add poetry and make drawings. Another ideas is to write letters to your disease or your body. How about having a heart-to-heart dialogue with your "internal" career counselor? You could also have a written conversation with someone who is absent, alive or dead. Explore your past, present and future and see how they interconnect.

       Use your journal to clarify who you are, what you value and believe, and what you want to do with your life. What gives you meaning and a sense of purpose? What are your strengths? You can also use a journal to document your spiritual journey. Can you see the spiritual gift within the challenge or problem? What are your hopes? Where is your passion? What brings you joy?

       Write about your significant spiritual 'stepping stones' -- events that moved you forward or set you in a new direction. Document the coincidences that happen in your life, and see if they are really "coincide-ness" (events coinciding) or "co-inside-ness" (the result of two people communicating from inside themselves). Describe your dreams and what you think they mean. Document your "Ah-Hah!" and "Duh!" experiences. Keep a Joy Journal -- only documenting what you are grateful for and the things that bring you joy.

       Three of my favorite books that involve writing and sprituality:

• Shira Block's "Step-by-Step Miracles"
• Henriette Anne Klausser's "Write It Down, Make It Happen"
• Laura Day's "Practical Intuition"

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