Recently I’ve been developing a more direct relationship with the Universe. It’s pretty clear to me that we’re co-creating Jamie Ridler Studios, not to mention this grand adventure of life, and so I’ve been wanting… well… I didn’t know what.

And then at Art Picnic, the wonderful Amy Sedgwick shared that she’d been keeping a prayer journal. Daily she writes with clarity and intention her prayers for herself, her business and her loved ones. I was immediately curious and asked about it. And promptly bought a dedicated journal on the way home.

But then I got stuck.

What do I say? How do I say it? What can I ask for? Can I really ask for anything?

It’s kind of like anytime you begin a conversation; you kind of have to find your way together. I figured the only thing to do was start.

I had just been on a virtual retreat with Susan Piver and in our practice we begin by making an offering and requesting blessings (You can hear Susan talk about that here).  This feels beautiful and meaningful to me so I decided to loosely structure my journal around that practice.

Make an Offering

My offering to the Universe is the practice of writing my prayers, of showing up to the conversation, again and again, with an open heart and mind. In addition, beside each page of prayers, I decided to add a beautiful picture as an offering. It seemed to me that was like putting a beautiful flower or shell as an offering on an altar. I intend it as a gift. I’ve even glued in perfume sample pages from magazines to include another sense offering to the Universe.

What will your offering be?

Ask for Blessings

On the first page of the journal, I set out my intention for the pages within and made clear whom I am writing to. For me, I address the Universe, offering up this prayer journal practice and asking that I be heard and receive blessings.

We all have different traditions and beliefs. Who will you ask for blessings?

Journal Your Prayers

And each night, give or take, I sit down and write the desires that are in my heart. I’m still finding my voice, my way of having this conversation. Sometimes I just share with the Universe like she’s my friend saying, “You know, sweet Universe, I would just love to go on a painting retreat next year.” And sometimes I make a direct ask, “Universe, please help me find just the right person to work with on my website.”

I often feel like I’m getting it wrong, like there’s a better way to ask or share, but then I think of the Universe beaming at me with love and I’m pretty sure she gets what I’m saying whether or not I get it right. In fact, I probably think she hears what I don’t yet know to ask for just because we’re in the room together.

Note: I’m sharing this practice in response to requests at last month’s Creativity Coffee. If you’d like to attend this month’s coffee event (November 20), be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get all the info.

Tagged as: journaling

Enjoyed it? Share it.
Email It | Tweet It | Stumble It | Digg It | Save to Delicious