I've written poetry, song lyrics and I've journaled. I consider poetry and lyrics to be "formal" writing though I can still get some good support from them. But journaling when you actually write your thoughts out on paper is really productive. I've never considered it a "gut-wrenching" process, just open and honest and very helpful. That's my take, what you do is up to you.

There was a poet I admired greatly (and still do) whose poetry is wrenching, uplifting, and very personal at the same time very observant about the world around us. Her name is Audre Lorde and she and nikki giovanni and gwendolyn brooks are/were some of the best poets of the 20th century. They push those raw and delicate places in their poetry, and show it's not just about metaphors, flowery language, and abstractions, it can be as real and gripping as prose, and as cathartic I think.

Ms. Lorde also wrote something she called a biomythography-part autobiography, part fiction, part journal, part a lot of other things. I think writing this way gave her the space to do some of the work of journalling but with a little bit of emotional distance that allowed her to put her truths out there without crumbling under the weight of them.

We learn at first by imitation. Look at the poets and poems you admire most and the autobigraphies and memoirs of people you admire, the way they tell their stories may help you find a balance between your poetry and the kind of journalling you feel you need to continue to progress. And nothing says you can't write poetry into your journalling as well.

jasmine, i write poetry all the time-it helps me

I always find that just putting the pen, pencil, markers to paper and let what ever comes just come out. Follow wherever your heart and then your mind takes you. I used to hate the feeling of 2 steps forward and one step back; but have found that those steps backwards aren't really "backwards" but another step forward maybe just in a different direction. It is so scary to hit those emotions. I had so many things to deal with I thought I had to deal with everything at one time. But, have learned the hard way one step at a time. Continue to write however you like - all in good time WHEN YOU ARE READY, you'll un-block what you need to and with good help and support deal with it rationally. Don't just make yourself by doing what you feel YOU have to, follow your HEART and you will do it the "write" ha, ha way. P.S. have you ever done art as a form of therapy.

I have found poetry helped me in my darkest times. Journaling has helped me as well. It's all about what works for you personally.

I would say to write what comes naturally, and explore what you are feeling gradually. If you ease into writing something you aren't sure you are comfortable with, you are more likely to benefit and continue, than if you jump into a frame of mind that could turn you off to the whole process. I believe journaling has gotten me through the last 13 years or so of my life, and yes it can be painful, but more and more it becomes a comfort.

I think we should always write whatever calls to our spirit. I can't write poetry to save my life. I keep a detailed journal, and I'm a novelist by vocation. I even use my fiction to express some of my deeper feelings and work through my issues. It's a healthy way to deal with really heavy stuff for me.

I confess, there was a person that I really disliked and who caused me a lot of pain, so I killed him/her horribly in my last book. *G*

For me is very simple.
For journaling you need to make sense almost all the time, say something that at least sounds clear.

For writing poetry you don't. You can jump over the language barriers and reality constraints.

You can write a poem about your self that not even you can fully understand. Isn't that more accurate and honest that write something in your journal as if you really know what your saying?

just write whatever you feel,it helps to clear out your emotional traffic jam. i write crappy poetry,anger,frustration,questions,and just random thoughts it all helps me to keep the pressure down so i don't blow a cork.

Wow!! Thanks guys, I am touched that you took your time to help me explore this issue, which I think is important for me to figure out, at least in a balance of free thinking, journals, and poems. Dear Holly, thanks for your imput..oddly enough I just went to a local art fair with friends, and may be taking beginning drawing coming up. ;) :) HUGS guys, I pray that the Lord bless and keep you as you continue down the healing journey. :)

I myself was in the same situation u were in and trust me if the only way u can express urself is through poetry than do it... it works... i know first hand

Today

Today I chose to look for Love
The more I looked the more I found

The changing world full of fear is but a dream
The purpose of the dream is the awakening

Awaken to what is always there
Your Self
Love
The Background

Always there is what is searched for by the seeker
Looking outward at movie
When the screen is Life