LeStallion
LeStallion
Visual Journaling Prompts for Self-Expression and Emotional Insight
50 Visual Journal Prompts
Unlock the transformative power of visual journaling and learn how it can revolutionize your approach to self-exploration and emotional expression. Feeling overwhelmed with emotions or seeking to map out your future dreams? Visual journaling offers a creative sanctuary where artistic skill is irrelevant, and self-discovery takes the spotlight. In our latest episode, we promise you'll walk away with an arsenal of imaginative prompts and techniques that will help you translate your complex emotions and life goals onto paper, all while having some fun along the way.
Join us in an inspiring conversation that celebrates the therapeutic potential of creating your personal visual narratives. From capturing the essence of your emotions through vivid weather metaphors to mapping out personal qualities like creativity and growth with vibrant symbols, we cover it all. We encourage you to visualize your aspirations and reflect on past selves, transforming your inner thoughts into compelling visual stories. By the time you finish listening, you’ll feel empowered to embrace this introspective exercise, equipped with the tools to express your evolving self without the restraint of right or wrong. So grab your journal, unleash your imagination, and let's get started on this meaningful journey of self-expression.
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
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Welcome back everybody to another Deep Dive, and today I'm excited for this one. Yeah, me too. It's going to be fun.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You guys sent in a bunch of stuff about visual journal prompts.
Speaker 2:Yes. And I think there were like 50 of them 50 of them, so we're not going to get to all 50. No, no, no.
Speaker 1:But we can definitely explore this, and I'm excited about it, me too, so, and I'm excited about it.
Speaker 2:Me too, so I think it's going to be a really good one. Yeah, visual journaling is something that I think a lot of people kind of shy away from, because they think, oh yeah, oh, I'm not an artist.
Speaker 1:I'm one of those people.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but it's really not about being an artist. It's about expressing yourself and getting your thoughts and ideas out of your head and on the paper, you know, in a way that, yeah, you know, you don't have to worry about making it perfect or anything like that right and their prompts, you don't have to think about what.
Speaker 1:What to draw?
Speaker 2:yeah, you don't have to come up with the idea that's the hard part that's the hardest part so we've got that going for us we've got the prompts already.
Speaker 1:Yeah, all we got to do is just react to them and and put something down on paper and have fun.
Speaker 2:So how are these organized? I mean, is it just like 50 random prompts or is there some?
Speaker 1:No, they're actually broken down into these really interesting categories, which I think is really helpful because you can kind of focus your exploration. Ok so you've got exploring emotions, reflecting on your past, dreaming about your future, exploring nature and exploring your inner world. Okay, so it's kind of like this whole journey of self-discovery. I like that Through visual journaling?
Speaker 2:Yeah, Okay, so instead of us reading all 50.
Speaker 1:Yeah, why don't we?
Speaker 2:just kind of pick one from each category, yeah, and kind of dive into how those could Right, how those could work and how somebody might approach that particular prompt. Exactly Okay.
Speaker 1:So why don't we start with emotions?
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Because I think that's something that everybody can relate to.
Speaker 2:And one of the prompts is draw or sketch an emotion you're feeling today.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Now that sounds pick an emotion yeah.
Speaker 1:Just pick an emotion.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:But what if you're feeling like a mixture of different emotions?
Speaker 2:Right. What if you're feeling happy and sad at the same time?
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Excited and nervous.
Speaker 1:Yeah, or like angry, but also a little bit guilty about being angry.
Speaker 2:You know.
Speaker 1:I mean it can get complex, and I think that's where the real meat of this exercise comes in.
Speaker 2:So how would you approach that? Like if you're feeling multiple emotions at the same time?
Speaker 1:I think it's about trying to find a way to visually represent that complexity. Okay, so maybe you use different colors to represent the different emotions, or maybe you use different shapes or lines or textures.
Speaker 2:I am a very visual person and so like when I think about joy, I see like bright yellows and oranges and like swirling lines and stuff. But anxiety to me looks like like jagged edges.
Speaker 1:Yeah, right, yeah, so. And so, how would?
Speaker 2:you combine those two things into one image. Yeah, that's, that's the challenge.
Speaker 1:That's interesting. Yeah, like that. Okay, all right. So what about reflecting on your past?
Speaker 2:Oh, okay.
Speaker 1:I haven't got there.
Speaker 2:Reflecting on your past. There's a really powerful prompt that I love.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And it's illustrate your past self, showing how you've changed over the years.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:And I think this one's really interesting because it's not just about drawing what you looked like when you were younger. It's about capturing the essence of who you were okay and how those experiences have shaped who you are today okay.
Speaker 1:So yeah, I actually did try to do that one time, uh-huh, and I got so caught up in trying to make it look realistic I can see that happening that it just became like a chore.
Speaker 2:Right right.
Speaker 1:You know, and it wasn't fun.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think that's a common pitfall. I think we get so caught up in trying to make things perfect especially when we're talking about art, yeah that we forget that it's really about the process.
Speaker 1:Okay, so and the expression. So what advice would you give? To somebody like me who wants to make it look perfect every time.
Speaker 2:What if, instead of focusing on realism, you tried using symbolism to represent different aspects of your past self?
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So, for example, maybe you could draw a closed book to symbolize a time when you were shy or hesitant to open up to new experiences, and then you could draw an open book overflowing with colors to represent your current openness and willingness to embrace new things.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know. So it's about finding those visual metaphor. Okay, that really speak to the changes you've gone through.
Speaker 1:I like that a lot better. Yeah, that feels it's less intimidating. Yes, it's less intimidating, yeah, okay, what about dreaming about your future?
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What kind of prompt do we have for that?
Speaker 2:For dreaming about your future. One of the prompts that I thought was really cool is to create a map of your future adventures.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:And this one, I think, is so fun. That sounds fun Because it lets you really get creative and imaginative with your goals and aspirations.
Speaker 1:So it's not just a to-do list.
Speaker 2:No, it's not a to-do list. It's a visual representation of where you want to go and what you want to experience.
Speaker 1:I can get behind that.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, so do you think it actually helps people achieve their goals, or is it more?
Speaker 2:That's a great question, just a fun activity I think it can actually help, because when you create a visual representation of your goals, it makes them feel more real and more attainable and it also helps you to kind of stay focused on them, because you're constantly reminded of them yeah every time you look at your map I like that. So it's like. It's like planting a seed in your subconscious mind and then watching it grow.
Speaker 1:I like that Okay.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So we're not just expressing ourselves expressing yourself actually shaping our future shaping your future. Okay, I like it. Yeah, Um all right, exploring nature.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:I'm sensing a theme here with all these.
Speaker 1:Yes, there's definitely a theme of self discovery and personal growth running through all of these prompts.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So exploring nature.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:One of the prompts that I thought was really beautiful is draw or paint a scene in nature that brings you peace. Oh, and I think this is such a powerful prompt because it encourages you to really connect with the natural world and to find those places that make you feel grounded and centered.
Speaker 2:I can already feel myself getting relaxed just thinking about it. Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 1:Nature has this amazing ability to soothe our souls and to remind us of the beauty and wonder that exists all around us. And there's like tons of research. Oh, absolutely that shows that being in nature yes Is like.
Speaker 2:It reduces stress hormones. Yeah, it boosts your mood, it improves your cognitive function. I mean there are so many benefits, wow, to spending time in nature.
Speaker 1:I like that yeah.
Speaker 2:So incorporating that into your visual journaling practice. I think it's just a brilliant way to to enhance those benefits.
Speaker 1:OK, yeah, all right, last one, exploring your inner world.
Speaker 2:Ok, that sounds kind of this one's a little mysterious, right yeah.
Speaker 1:And maybe even a little intimidating.
Speaker 2:It can be intimidating. Yeah, yeah, because it's like who am I really?
Speaker 1:Right, you know Right.
Speaker 2:What is my inner world?
Speaker 1:Yeah, where do you even start?
Speaker 2:Yeah, where do you even begin?
Speaker 1:With that.
Speaker 2:Right, so yeah. One of the prompts that I think can be really helpful OK For this category is create a visual representation of your inner self.
Speaker 1:So, instead of drawing what I look like, I'm drawing what I feel like.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's like a visual self-portrait. Okay, but instead of focusing on your physical appearance.
Speaker 1:You're focusing on your inner landscape, okay, so what would that look?
Speaker 2:like. Well, think about the qualities, values and beliefs that make you who you are. What are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, what are your fears, what are your dreams, and then think about what images or symbols come to mind when you think about those things. So, for example, if you value creativity, maybe you would draw a paintbrush a pair of hands reaching out to help someone you know. So it's about finding those visual metaphors that really capture the essence of who you are on the inside.
Speaker 1:I've always been drawn to like images of trees Like I, like their deep roots and their ability to weather storms. Beautiful and they're just constantly growing.
Speaker 2:Yes. So, I love that.
Speaker 1:Maybe that's something I would explore with this.
Speaker 2:Absolutely yeah. I think that's a perfect example of how you can use visual metaphors.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:To represent your inner world.
Speaker 1:Okay, this is so fascinating. Yeah, I'm starting to see how these prompts can be so much more Right Than just it's not just about art. Art it's about self-discovery. Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about personal growth.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about healing.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I like it, yeah, okay, so what should we explore next?
Speaker 2:Well, I think we should dive into the benefits of visual journaling a little bit more.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Because there's a lot of research and anecdotal evidence that suggests that this practice can have some really incredible effects on our mental, emotional and even physical well-being. Okay, this is getting good all right, so listeners stay tuned keep with us we'll be right back okay, so we're back and ready to dive a little bit deeper into the benefits of visual journaling yeah, because you know it's easy to think like, oh, it's just like a fun little hobby right but. I feel there's more to it.
Speaker 1:there's got more to be more to it than that. Oh yeah, Right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and I think one of the key things to remember is that, yeah, we spend so much time in our heads Right trying to process our thoughts and emotions with words.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And sometimes words just aren't enough. That's Sometimes we need a different language, a more visual and intuitive way to connect with ourselves.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I know like when I'm feeling stressed, yeah, sometimes I'll just like doodle or something and that seems to help.
Speaker 2:Right, and there's. There's actually a growing body of research that shows that expressive art therapies, like visual journaling, can have significant therapeutic benefits.
Speaker 1:Like what so?
Speaker 2:for example studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can actually reduce cortisol levels.
Speaker 1:Cortisol.
Speaker 2:Which is the hormone associated with stress.
Speaker 1:Okay, so like when you're feeling stressed.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And you do something creative, it can help reduce that stress, exactly, wow, okay.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it's not just about feeling better in the moment, it's about actually changing your brain chemistry for the better.
Speaker 1:That's pretty powerful.
Speaker 2:It is powerful.
Speaker 1:Okay, so are there other benefits too, or is it mainly just like the stress reduction?
Speaker 2:Oh, there are tons of benefits.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So there are studies that suggest that visual journaling can enhance cognitive function, boost creativity and improve problem solving skills.
Speaker 1:So it's like a workout.
Speaker 2:It's like a workout for your brain for your brain and your emotions. Okay, I like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it's, and it's like a workout. It's like a workout, it's for your brain, for your brain and your emotions.
Speaker 2:Okay, I like that. Yeah, and it's like you're unlocking this hidden potential within yourself.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know you're tapping into this wellspring of creativity and insight that you might not even have known was there.
Speaker 1:Okay, I'm convinced, like, how do we get people to do this?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:What advice would you give to somebody who's brand new? I?
Speaker 2:think the most important thing is to just start.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, don't overthink it.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Don't worry about making it perfect.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Just choose a prompt that speaks to you, okay.
Speaker 1:Grab a notebook.
Speaker 2:Yeah, something to draw with and just let yourself go.
Speaker 1:Easy enough.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, but what if they get stuck?
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:I know.
Speaker 2:That's where the prompts come in handy.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Because they give you a starting point.
Speaker 1:Go.
Speaker 2:You know they spark your creativity. And remember, it's not about creating a masterpiece.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's about the process of exploring, experimenting and expressing yourself authentically.
Speaker 1:Embrace the messiness.
Speaker 2:Embrace the messiness. Yes.
Speaker 1:Okay, yeah.
Speaker 2:Any other tips for beginners, I would say create a dedicated space for your visual journaling practice.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It doesn't have to be fancy, just a corner of your desk Right, a cozy spot on the couch, yeah, wherever you feel comfortable, okay, and you can relax and focus.
Speaker 1:So you're creating like a little sanctuary.
Speaker 2:Exactly, I like that. Yeah, a little sanctuary for your creative self, I like it. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques. Oh yeah, you know you can use colored pencils, markers, paint, collage, found objects, whatever you have on hand. Okay, the possibilities are endless. Okay, and most importantly, have fun. Yes, allow yourself to play, to be curious and to let your imagination run wild.
Speaker 1:Yeah, sometimes we forget to do that.
Speaker 2:We do. We take ourselves way too seriously, so just have fun with it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay. So now I'm thinking about all those prompts we talked about before. Right and how we can actually use those.
Speaker 2:Yeah, let's dive back into those prompts and really explore those benefits and what they can do for people. Exactly Because, as we delve deeper into the how of visual journaling, we'll see how these prompts can become powerful tools for self-discovery and transformation.
Speaker 1:Sounds good to me, let's do it All right. So we talked about what it is and why we should do it.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Now let's talk about how. How do we actually use these prompts to get those benefits?
Speaker 2:So let's go back to that first prompt, about drawing an emotion that you're feeling today. But instead of just drawing the emotion, what if you thought about it as a weather pattern? Oh, okay. So, for example, if you're feeling anxious, maybe you would draw a stormy sky with dark clouds and jagged lightning bolts. I like that. Or if you're feeling joyful, maybe you envision a bright, sunny day with warm rays of sunshine spreading out in all directions.
Speaker 1:That's a cool way to look at it.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Because you know, when you think about anxiety it does feel kind of stormy and dark.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And joy, is very bright and and warm yeah, okay it's about tapping into those physical sensations that we associate with different emotions. Yeah, okay, I like that all right.
Speaker 2:What about that prompt about illustrating your past self? Okay, remember you were saying you got stuck on trying to make it look realistic yes so what if, instead of focusing on the whole timeline of your life, you just picked one specific memory or turning point that represents a significant shift?
Speaker 1:Like a before and after kind of thing.
Speaker 2:Exactly so what would that be for?
Speaker 1:you, I think for me it would probably be the day that I decided to quit my corporate job Wow and pursue writing full time.
Speaker 2:That's huge.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I remember feeling terrified, but also incredibly free.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Like I was breaking out of a cage.
Speaker 2:Powerful imagery right there.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So you could represent that cage.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:With harsh lines and dark colors. Okay. And then you could use brighter colors and flowing lines.
Speaker 1:Okay. To I like it, the creative path that you chose.
Speaker 2:Yeah, okay, I could do that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it's not just about drawing what you remember, it's about drawing what you felt Right In that moment.
Speaker 2:Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's talk about the future now. Okay, that prompt about creating a map of your future adventures.
Speaker 2:That one was fun, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:This is where you can really let your imagination run wild. Okay, think about the places you want to travel, the experiences you want to have, the goals you want to achieve.
Speaker 2:Oh my gosh, my list is so long, I bet I don't even know where I would start.
Speaker 1:We'll just start with one thing.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What's one place you've always wanted to go.
Speaker 2:I mean honestly. I've always wanted to see the pyramids in Egypt.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That's amazing yeah.
Speaker 2:So maybe I'll draw myself, like standing in front of the pyramids. Yes, you know feeling the awe and the wonder of it all.
Speaker 1:That's perfect.
Speaker 2:And you know, I can add in some writing goals too, absolutely Like maybe some books or a pen or something. Yeah, and remember, your map doesn't have to be geographically accurate. Okay, you can use metaphors and symbols to represent your aspirations. So, maybe a winding road symbolizes your journey of personal growth. Right or a mountain peak represents a challenging goal.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:That you're striving to reach.
Speaker 1:It's like a vision board.
Speaker 2:It's like a vision board, but more interactive because you're actually creating it.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:With your own hands.
Speaker 1:Okay, I like that.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's move on to exploring nature.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That prompt about drawing a scene in nature that brings you peace.
Speaker 1:That's a good one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah. What comes to mind for you when you think about peace?
Speaker 1:I'm thinking like a beach somewhere.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:With, like the ocean and the palm trees. Beautiful, I love that this is very calming.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and as you're drawing that scene, really try to pay attention to the sensory details. Okay, what colors do you see?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What textures do you feel? Yeah, what sounds do you hear? You know, really immerse yourself in that experience.
Speaker 1:It's like a meditation, almost it is like a meditation. Yeah.
Speaker 2:And that's one of the beautiful things about visual journaling is that it can be so meditative and therapeutic.
Speaker 1:OK and last but not least, ok, exploring your inner world.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:I'm still a little scared of this one.
Speaker 2:I know it can be intimidating, yeah, but remember there's no right or wrong way to do this.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:Just start by thinking about the qualities, values and beliefs that make you you. What images or symbols come to mind?
Speaker 1:when you think about those things. Okay, well, you know I value creativity and curiosity and connection beautiful and I'm also really drawn to the idea of growth and transformation. Okay, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, I love that, yeah so how could you represent those things visually?
Speaker 2:Maybe you could represent creativity with vibrant colors and swirling lines.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Curiosity with an open eye or a question mark. Okay, connection with intertwined hands.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:Or a network of branches.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And growth, with a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Okay, I like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's like I'm creating a visual emerging from its cocoon. Okay, I like that. Yeah, it's like I'm creating a visual map of myself.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Okay, I can do that, and remember, your inner world is constantly evolving.
Speaker 1:That's true.
Speaker 2:So, don't be afraid to revisit this prompt over time and see how your representation changes.
Speaker 1:This has been so insightful.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I feel like I have a whole new perspective on visual journaling now.
Speaker 2:I'm so glad.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's really cool.
Speaker 2:It's powerful stuff, it is yeah.
Speaker 1:So what's our takeaway message for the listeners today?
Speaker 2:I would say just give it a try. Yeah, pick a prompt that speaks to you. Uh-huh, grab a notebook and see where it takes you.
Speaker 1:You never know what you might discover.
Speaker 2:Exactly you might.