I’m happy to welcome back Marc Schelske to the Podcast.  If you haven’t listened, do now (The Wisdom of Your Heart: an Interview with Marc Schelske).  I continue to recommend and share copies of his book. I’ve also used it as a resource while preparing for our Vulnerabilities episodes.
This interview explores journaling, a practice Marc has found helpful in personal and spiritual growth. It complements the work of “The Wisdom of Your Heart” while being a practical guide on building a journaling practice.  
Most of us have tried or at least thought about journaling. I’ve tried a few times, but it didn’t last. Now that I’ve dived into Marc’s book and spent time talking with him, I understand better why my attempts didn’t last and weren’t as fulfilling as I wanted.
Marc is a coach in helping you explore journaling. He does a fantastic job encouraging thoughtfulness and experimentation without being overly prescriptive or demanding. For example, he writes, “Spend as much time as you need within the confines of the time you have.” This book doesn’t get stuck in presenting a rigid structure, nor does it leave you guessing what to do.  Marc deeply understands brains, habit formation, human behavior, and personal experience. About Marc

The following is from Marc’s website.

I’m a reader, a thinker, a writer, and speaker. Sometimes I’m a chef or a songwriter, always a dad and husband. I’m the teaching elder at Bridge City Community Church in Milwaukie, Oregon, where I bang the drum for inside-out living and have the privilege of inviting people into a life of following Jesus more and more.

Learning to live from the inside out have saved my faith. That, and God’s grace.  I  know they can do wonders for you, too. I want you to come to know deeply that you are included, beloved, and free. You always have been.

In my writing, I focus on what it takes to nurture a healthy inner life, something found at the intersection of grace and growth. Jesus’ teaching in Luke 10:26-28 shapes my view on what a whole, integrated spiritual life looks like where we love God with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind.

marcalanschelske.comHere are some highlights from our conversation:

* Getting to know Marc –
* Marc’s Experience with journaling and why he wrote the book
* Challenge of learning a new practice from someone who may have forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner.
* What is the cost of not journaling? Why do it? Sharing about meta-cognition (thinking about thinking)
* What Marc means by spiritual growth “I want to become a person who is….)”
* Why do we need to look with curiosity at our reality?
* What is the structure of the book? How do we do it?
* Expectations versus reality: How our ideal standard undermines our success
* Overview of “set of practices” that go into journaling
* Marc turns the tale on Chuck and asks him what roadblocks make past journaling difficult
* The heart of journaling and why it’s effective (Capturing the butterfly)
* Learning about the “spine” silence, reflection (inward & Godward), prayer (who are you going to be for the day?)
* Marc’s Summary

Important Links
Marc’s website – Books, podcast, posts, resources – Back to Episodes