In this time of think and click communication, whether we share or not share is important to question. We have seen how easy access to ranting on social media can stir up a hornet’s nest of stinging thoughts. We just react and then go about our business while the bite pain throbs where we have been stung. Sometimes the rant continues in our head until we notice that we haven’t been paying attention to what we are doing. Often we return to the social media site, rather than stay with the discomfort. We send more thoughts out into the world to relieve the pressure we feel within ourselves.
This is where, I would suggest reflective writing. Even if you are not interested in joining those of us who keep a personal journal, you can still practice techniques that provide an outlet for strong emotions. They can be written on a blank sheet of paper and later ceremoniously discarded. Here are a couple of suggestions to try the next time a social media post has your internal anger meter filling up like Bruce Banner before he becomes the Hulk .
- Flow-write for 5 minutes. Set a timer, pick up a pen and paper or tap at a keyboard (not a social media site) and let yourself write whatever thoughts are coming into your head. Do not censor or edit–just get it out!
- Re-read what you have written and add this sentence: “When I re-read this, I notice, I am aware of….” Write for another 3-5 minutes.
- Think of someone in your life, who expresses opinions you respect. Someone who usually offers you calm, rational advice. What would this person say to you right now? Write this response.
- Identify what you have learned about yourself in this writing exercise. If there is a lesson here that you wish to share, discuss it with someone you trust before you consider posting it. If your writing contains a message that is of value for others to read, it will only be made clearer by this process. Don’t forget to discard the rant!
