Mindfulness: A Journal

I'm not sure if she's using it or not but she loved receiving it! It's a gorgeous journal and a great way to practice mindfulness!

Through my struggle with mental health issues I've gone through a number of classes that either focus on mindfulness or at the very least include it as a core component. I admit I'm not at all skilled with this practice but have always found it interesting and helpful when I do use it in my life. I also love to try out new journals so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try this one out.My first response was just the physical aspect of the book. I was expecting a rather simplistic cover as in the pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that the photo's really don't do the book justice at all. It is simplistic but rather than being boring it's just enough to not be overly distracting and elegant enough to have out on your desk or table. On the front, the flowers are slightly indented and slightly silvery in color - just enough to grab your attention. The copy I have is somewhere between a hardcover and softcover with a flexible front and back. I'm on the fence with the binding itself. It's possible to get the book to lay flat but in doing so over time you'll probably need to break the spine which I'm not overly fond of doing with any book - even journals. I'd prefer something that laid flat on its own for easier writing in the journal itself. This is hardly a deal breaker though as I've come across journals in the past with much tighter binding that have been far harder to write in.The prompts themselves are a mixture of quotes and what I'd refer to as guided instructions. I found myself liking the guided instructions far more than the quotes as it felt easier to stay 'mindful' with a goal oriented prompt. The quotes are also good but my mind wanders a bit more freely when doing this kind of writing than something that feels more 'task' focused. One thing I really do like about the journal is how the author encourages you to skip around. You can go in order of the pages but you don't have to. I appreciated how this created a sense of making the experience entirely my own rather than following some predetermined course someone else had created.Overall I think it's a worthwhile purchase for anyone who loves to journal and is interested in mindfulness. Or if you are interested in journaling but have a difficult time figuring out what to actually write without guided prompts. Mindfulness is something I think everyone could benefit from (even though, as the author admits, it's become a bit cliche). If you are at all curious about mindfulness I think this is a great starting point to see if it's something that you'd like to find out more about. It's also a great tool for those already involved in mindfulness to keep up the practice in daily life or as an addition to therapy or any classes.I received this book free in exchange for my honest review from Blogging for Books. This did not change my opinion of the material in any way and I was compensated in no other manner.

I am a huge sucker for a good journal. Mostly I write my thoughts out in a blank notebook or journal, Most recently I have gotten into bullet journaling and creating my own planner spreads and doing daily brain dumps (like “normal” journaling). I’m not much of a prompt journaler. However I know there are many parts of myself that go somewhat ignored because exploring them is outside of my comfort zone or perhaps I just not in the forefront of my mind. Journals like this are amazing for exploring and discovering things about yourself but they are also amazing at teaching you new traits or enhancing the ones you already have.I am a huge supporter of mindfulness and critical thinking. It is so important for us to always do things mindfully. Mindfulness: A Journal is filled with prompts, and quotes to write and elaborate upon. It teaches to stop skimming over things are really take a look at ourselves and the world around us. I love it!The thing I do not like about this journal is the book itself. I feel, compared to other journals I have owned and enjoyed writing in, that it is small. Perhaps some people would enjoy this as it would fit easily into a bag or purse. I am a person who likes to ramble on when journaling especially when trying to learn and discover new things. I feel as though there is not enough space in each prompt to write the amount I would want to. The book is hard to write inside of. It doesn’t lie flat and I find myself writing much more sloppily than I would otherwise which bothers the organized journaler that I am at times. I wish that the book was spiral bound instead. These are just my personal issues, I am sure many people would have no problem at all with this journal as it’s contents are actually very good and inspiring!Mindfulness: A Journal would make an amazing gift! I believe that any time of journal is a fabulous gift idea. It is like give a person the gift of finding themselves. Go forth and grab this one up for yourself, a friend, family member or co-worker!I received Mindfulness: A Journal through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

My only gripe about this journal is the binding. It’s a soft harcover and the spine must be broken several times in order for it to lie flat to write. Other than that though, it’s a wonderfully simplistic journal with quotes and prompts that are easy enough to take a few minutes to think about and jot down a quick stream of consciousness entry. It’s also nice that you’re able to jump around and pick an entry that speak to you in the moment.The introduction should not be skipped. It is full of information on mindfulness and minful meditation; the tips to get started are excellent, they are definitely helpful in getting started. I had selected this journal intending to pass it on to someone else, but after going through it, I believe I’m going to keep it for myself as I (grudgingly) will admit that I have issues with anxiety and rarely find myself just paying attention to, much less enjoying, the present moment.I received this journal from Blogging for Books for review.

I think it is one of two best mindfulness journals that I have seen and bought. However, I bought a copy for my friend as a gift and unfortunately, it doesn't look good at all. The cover is dirty with some kind of black dots and because it's so light in colour it just looks disappointing! Very unhappy about that! Will have to go to the shops or buy again from another supplier.