Image Journal Prompts

 

I chose this picture as it contains a lot of symbolism. Hopefully, it will make it easier for you to project your own thoughts and feelings onto it.

 

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4a. Exploring the Image

 

Questions to reflect on:

• What feelings do you experience as you look at the image? In the picture above, I get a sense of anticipation and adventure. What do you feel?
• What elements do you see in the image? I see a door, a padlock, spiral staircase.
• What part of the image are you most drawn to? I feel drawn to the door.

 

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4b. Writing From a Different Perspective

 

Using an Element From The Image

 

Try becoming one of the elements in the image (e.g. the door) and write from that perspective. For example, ‘I am the door. I am open and welcoming. I allow passage up the stairs so you can see the surrounding countryside from a different angle. I could really do with a fresh perspective on the latest project I am undertaking. I feel I am too close to it that I am not able to see the full range of opportunities available to me.

 

This example shows how you can start from one perspective, only for it to open up to something that you are facing right now. In this case, I was the door, but I ended up realising I could do with stepping back and reviewing things with fresh eyes or getting someone else’s advice.

 

 

Write as if You Are Inside The Image

 

Using your imagination to step into the image can be an interesting way to use an image for journaling. Here are some suggestions if you are not sure how to start:

 

• Take a deep breath and relax your body.
• Imagine yourself stepping into the image.
• What can you see, hear, smell, and feel?
• Is there anyone else there, or are you alone?
• Is there an action you want to take e.g sit down, walk, dance, etc?
• What happens next?
• At the end of this exercise, retrace your steps, step out of the photo, and back into your body. Don’t leave out this step, as it is important to ground yourself back into the here and now.

 

An Example:

 

‘I step into the image. It is a comfortable temperature, the birds are singing, and I feel at ease. I am facing the staircase, and there appears to be no one else here but me. There is a padlock on the door, but it is unlocked, and I have a sense of being welcomed into the tower. It is as if the tower is offering me something and wants me to climb its steps.

 

The stairs look steep, and I know it will be a long slog up them. I take it one step at a time, urged on by a feeling that there is someone waiting for me at the top. I made it, and the perseverance has paid off. I am welcomed by a wise guide, who points out the incredible views from the top. It is a clear day, and I can see for miles.

 

The guide offers me encouragement about a project I have been putting off. They point out how I made it to the top of the tower by breaking down the task one step at a time. That is what I need to do to reach my goal. The guide explains that just like the tower view, the effort the project requires will be worth the perseverance and planning.'

 

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4c. Write a Story

 

Try writing a story related to an image. I will use the same image as in the previous section. You can also use this or choose one of your own.

 

When writing your story, remember this is only for your own journaling. It is a medium for tapping into your deeper self. It doesn’t have to be:

 

• polite or ethical.
• technically correct (grammar, spelling, ect).
• interesting for others to read.
• a novel-length piece.

 

If you are not sure where to start, here are a couple of ideas:

 

Write the sentence ‘once upon a time, there was …. who came across …… (the image)'. [continue from there].

 

For example, ‘once upon a time, there was a lonely rabbit who came across a stone staircase. The rabbit was intrigued as to what it would find at the top of the tower. Yet the steps were too big for the rabbit to hop onto.’

 

Another idea, if you are stuck, is to try answering the following questions. Then start writing your story:

 

• Who is in the story?
• What is going on in the picture?
• Where is this place?
• When is this story set?
• Why does the image play a role in the story?
• How does the story begin?

 

 

Reflecting on your story

 

Read your story back to yourself. Then journal:

 

• Any emotions you experience as you read it?
• Is this a familiar emotion?
• Do the characters in your story remind you of anyone you know?
• Are there any aspects of yourself that are a bit like one of the characters?
• Does the story reflect issues or successes from your past or present?
• Does the story capture any of your hopes or dreams?
• Does your story give you any creative solutions to a current problem?

 

If not, that is okay. You might not be ready to see something yet, or it may just have turned out to be a random story. It can take a bit of practice to let go and allow your writing to flow spontaneously.

 

You could try leaving the story for a while, and then revisit it with fresh eyes at a later date.

 

In my example of the rabbit. As I read the story back, I experience excitement followed by disappointment. I want the rabbit to experience what is at the top of the tower, but it seems impossible for it to get up the steps. The rabbit reminds me of myself when I set a goal too big. I get the initial excitement that turns into frustration when I’m not making any progress. This story reminds me that I need to make the steps smaller or ask for help, so I can start to make my way up them.

 

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5. Resources

 

• Beginner's guide for starting a reflective journal for well-being

• Reviews of journaling books
• Journaling for making difficult decisions

 

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6. Cation on Journaling With Images

 

Journaling with images can be a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness. It can be used alongside therapy or alone as a form of personal development. However, journaling may bring some difficult feelings or issues to the surface that were previously pushed down and denied.

 

If journaling with images feels overwhelming, stop, and revisit it at a later date or try journaling without images. If you need support, reach out to a friend, family, or a professional.

 

If you have any questions about counselling or would like to book an initial session, please get in contact.