Valerie Harms

In several of my books I list journal techniques inspired by the Intensive Journal Method developed in the 1960-70s by Dr. Ira Progoff. He was a psychotherapist who wanted to provide ways for people to work on their own. The journal techniques dig much deeper than ordinary journal or diary writing. The sequence and approach evoke unconscious potentials for one's life. I have used the method for 30+ years. I have explained how in my book Crossroads. I highly recommend the method. It goes beyond therapy into spirituality.  Read More 

Ira Progoff, founder of the Intensive Journal method, wrote this poem I've always cherished:
"If I did not believe
that the wisdom of life
is greater than my own wisdom,
I could not have survived,
It is more than a faith now,
a knowledge.
I know,
that, great as my wisdom is,
--almost as great as my will and my desire --
yet the wisdom of life is greater.
And, as I could not float upon water when I tried to,
now I can float upon life
without trying.
In this is my wisdom
and the wisdom of anyone
to know that I know not
how to carry the weight of my existence.
But the waters of life will carry it for me
In their wisdom.
That is the wisdom of life
from which comes all power
and the ultimate glory.
And the greatness of my wisdom lies
in letting life be wise." Read More 

Ordinary diary-keeping differs greatly from the Intensive Journal method. When people keep a diary, they write what they already know mostly. In the Intensive Journal you do exercises that bring up new material from your creative unconscious. You cover:

1. Persons of inner importance – angry, harmonious…
2. Work projects; short term goals; what started, what completed or blocked
3. Physical condition: health, sensual life, outdoor experiences
4. Social attitudes: beliefs, politics, historical roots
5. Striking events: fateful, mysterious, synchronistic
6. Dreams or images: symbols, insights
7. Inspiring persons from history or mythology, authors, political or spiritual leaders
8. Crossroads of decisions: choices & consequences
9. Experiences of connection or meaning; times of alienation or disconnection

Ira Progoff at Amazon books Read More