How do you align your body and mind? Of course, the best options would be a soothing massage, a tight hug from a loved one, and someone to read and detangle your mind. But they are only sometimes available to us. How do we compassionately accept our emotions and shift towards a positive reality?
For starters, journal. It is one of the most effective self-care habits to inculcate to keep your mind clear. It’s also an effective meditation technique to control the monkey mind. Meditation is not always about chanting or closing your eyes — it’s about keeping yourself grounded in the present moment. What if we tell you that your skincare routine will also get a boost if you accompany it with mindful journaling? While it may sound gimmicky to some, there is a solid scientific explanation about how it helps. Sequential hand movements activate regions in the brain, like the left frontal lobes, which are responsible for healing and memory. Putting pen to paper calms the nerves, slows mental ageing, eases anxiety, and stimulates creativity.
Simply put, journaling is a tool to check in without expressing and examining what is in your head and your heart. It’s not about beautiful words, exhaustive vocabulary, or even fretting about negativity. It’s about putting what’s on your mind and letting them pass. Here, tarot card reader and meditation coach Urvi Shrimanker jots down journal prompts per your zodiac Sign to make journaling even more effective.
What is a journaling prompt?
Journal prompts are questions, suggestions, or ideas that can help input your thoughts on paper. As a journalist with over two decades of experience writing articles, I assure you that even the best and more experienced writers need prompts to structure their articles. Some of the best insights from experts result from the right questions being asked.
How to get started?
Start by choosing a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed, and get a notebook and a pen. Take four rounds of deep breathing — inhale and exhale — to truly connect with yourself and allow the words to flow. And even if you can’t do this, just show up with a pen in your notebook. “I usually encourage everyone to start with whatever is on their mind — do not focus on the grammar, the handwriting, or logic. Just focus on pouring your heart out. Over time, you will notice patterns, answers to your questions, or sometimes it’s just gratitude. Let the emotions flow. However, the one thing to keep in mind is to ensure that via journaling, you’re creating a safe space for yourself — to be able to just write whatever is on your mind and let it all out,” shares Shrimankar.
Ahead are customized journal prompts to help you get started on your journey to align your body and mind — reconnect with your intuition, follow the path you’re meant to be on, and have glowing skin during the process.
Aries (March 21 to April 20)
Personality: Independent leaders and goal-oriented; they are ambitious and headstrong externally, but internally they face the dilemma of taking two steps ahead and one step backward. These blocks in their plans can be frustrating, and they need to validate that there is movement forward. Make it a practice to reflect and understand what’s draining your energy. Aries are often impulsive but are also known to enjoy life to the fullest!
Prompt: What is holding me back right now? What’s the one thing I must release to move toward my dreams? Am I being impulsive with my approach, or do I truly desire this?
Taurus (April 21 to May 20)
Personality: Steady, tolerant, and loyal, they struggle to face their internal demons. They are the best signs to turn to for advice, but when it comes to themselves, their steadfastness can also result in obstinacy. They need to be in touch with their inner self to tap into practice agility. They find it harder to confront than communicate. Use the journal as a safe place to acknowledge your shortcomings.
Prompt: What is it that truly scares me? What aspect of my current situation can I truly let go? What’s the one thing I can change, which scares me but is the right way to move forward?
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Personality: Communicative, witty, and enthralling; Gemini’s are confident. They manage to hide how deeply it disorients them when they lack focus. They will benefit if they can integrate all parts of themselves — the inner child and where they are today. Credit them both and allow both of them to come to the forefront!
Prompt: I appreciate how far I have come. Here’s more about my biggest victory and how I felt after it. What can I do to replicate success in my current situation?
Cancer (June 21 to July 20)
Personality: Emotional and sensitive, your love for your family is epic. However, your inability to be criticized gets in the way of your growth. You cannot accept feedback that you haven’t been instrumental in driving. They have. You’re stepping into a lovely stage, dear Cancer. Embrace changes, and turn inwards.
Prompt: What can I do to give back to my relationships? What is it about criticisms that truly bothers me? Can I change it?
Leo (July 21 to August 20)
Personality: Generous, strong, and proud, you have an uncanny knack for maneuvering through any situation. Being left out or ignored makes you most uncomfortable, and you can lose track of the bigger picture. When in doubt, Leos tend to become dominating and self-centered. Go ahead with the thought that everything is working out in your favour, and try to ensure everyone involved in the situation wins!
Prompt: What can I do today to ensure that everyone involved in the situation wins? How can I take this to a bigger level and make this larger than life? How can I add my signature touch to the current situation?
Virgo (August 21 to September 20)
Personality: Reliable, precise, and intuitive, Virgos are the best sign to have on your side. They veer towards stability and have an eye for details. But when tipped, they also can be equally harsh on themselves and become overly critical of the situation. They need to practice compassion to achieve a work-life balance. The biggest weapon in your armor is your love, dear Virgo! Open your heart to new experiences and new things that bring you joy. You believe what you can see, so visualize.
Prompt: What can I do to truly let go of the details? Describe your most relaxing day to the tiniest details.
Libra (September 21 to October 20)
Personality: Amiable, empathetic, and aesthetic, Librans thrive in harmony. Their excellent communication skills help them form long-lasting relationships. However, disharmony shakes their inner core as balance drives all their actions. They can bend backward to avoid confrontations and compromise on their inner peace to put everything in order around them. They must learn to put themselves first and allow themselves to feel angry!
Prompt: How can I ensure that I am feeling balanced today? Do I need to release or welcome something positive to feel balanced and grounded today?
Scorpio (October 21 to November 20)
Personality: Passionate, fierce, and possessive, Scorpios are the directors. They have the power to make others vie for their attention but also can be moody. They tend to get uneasy when they value their plans’ safety over their heart’s desires. Use journaling to take charge of the situation and make things work out exactly as you want them to.
Prompt: What is the first step I must take for my dreams to come true? How would life unfold if I was writing it?
Sagittarius (November 21 to December 20)
Personality: The last fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius, is represented by the archer and is known for their quest for adventure, fun and boundless energy. It’s difficult to bind them to geography and emotions; they are carefree and the most adorable of the signs. Their need for instant results and their chances of being inconsistent is often at loggerheads and needs to be clarified. They must focus on taking small steps and doing the boring, mundane stuff.
Prompt: What’s the one thing I can do today to light me up from within? What can I do today that will bring in some patience for me?
Capricorn (December 21 to January 20)
Personality: Capricorns are organized, confident, and self-motivated. They are fastidious and stubborn. They have high expectations of themselves and those around them, so being with them can feel like being in a classroom. Their mental agility is learning to get out of their comfort zone and be easygoing. Pouring their heart out doesn’t come easy to them, whether it is in person or on paper. Taking a quick walk outside is recommended to gather their thoughts before they check in with their thoughts.
Prompt: How do I feel as I step out of my comfort zone? What’s the one thing that I can do to ease myself into this?
Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)
Personality: Progressive, honest, and independent, Aquarius runs the risk of appearing aloof and temperamental. Considered the most humanitarian sign of the zodiac, Aquarians are dedicated to making the world better, provided it’s as per their rules. The Universe supports your journey to create something different, to do something outside the ordinary. Choose an airy place as you sit to write, to allow the stagnant energy to leave your mind as you replace it with something new!
Prompt: Ground yourself. Describe your ideal place. How does it look? What makes it safe and comforting? What is currently calling out to me? How can I explore this and make it fun?
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Personality: Pisces are storytellers, great at fantasizing, creating, or daydreaming. It’s symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the division of Pisces’ attention between fantasy and reality. Pisces feel centered when they sit near a water body as the waves cleanse their minds and inspire their next action!
Prompt: What is the wish you are hiding or holding close to your heart? Write it down; let there be no secrets. Is there a difference between my head and my heart? How can I reduce that distance? These prompts are customized for every zodiac sign — do give journaling a shot and begin your journey inward — to gain clarity and follow the path that the Universe is co-creating with you!
About Urvi:
Urvi Shimanker is a tarot card reader and a meditation coach, working with people to enable them to get through all that is blocking them from reaching their goals and living their dream life, and instead helping them work through their limiting beliefs. Urvi also conducts immersive journaling workshops to bring out the best in you!
Her vision: To help everyone hustle with joy and bring in the wealth, abundance, and freedom they desire! For more, check out her page
https://www.instagram.com/tarotbyurvishrimanker
