Joella, this is a wonderful idea. Journaling is very beneficial, but like you, there are things I really don't want left in writing. I do frequently talk aloud to myself and that is just as beneficial. Perhaps the "aliveness" of fire would be even better. Thank you for sharing.

Phil - this is off-topic, but I am curious. Where in Oklahoma do you live? I'm from Tulsa.

Ponca City right now. Soon I will be moving out to the Clinton area.

I think The Golden Rule is having an effect on you! What a wonderful, positive, lovely thing to share.

Whenever I journal for purposes of exhuming, I very shortly thereafter have a tiny little ceremony whereupon the journal gets burned in a nice little fire in my cast iron skillet, along with any related negative emotions.

On the other hand, if my journal could help ease the pain of another, I keep it or publish it on my blog. Reading The Shack prompted me to do just that!

Thanks for sharing the idea Joella. I think I recall doing this in the past...before meeting the soon to be ex. And now that I have so much emotion to rid myself of, like Paula, I have thought of having a cremation of sorts. Keeping the things you may want certain people to find, but burning the rest.

Sorry...can't help myself for this comment...but I think I need something BIGGER than a candle at the moment! More like a bonfire! lol*

I "have" taken back up with many of the practices I enjoyed, but then gave up, 20 some years ago before I married. Meditation, yoga, more vegetarian meals,and I think the fire talking might be a welcome addition. Thanks again for the suggestion :) Certainly cheaper than my therapist ;^) *L

Very interesting that you would post this Joella. I would say "what a coincidence" but they say there ARE no coincidences! The reason I find this interesting is that I am currently taking an online "class" on journaling! I've tried so many times in my lifetime to keep a diary or journal, I start out strong, and then slowly peter off and stop. I thought maybe I just needed some pointers on "how" to journal. Maybe I just needed to talk to my buddies here on TGR! I love the idea of talking to a candle, so I may give it a try. Any other pointers on journaling and keeping it up?

Potter, is there a campground near you that allows fires? Or even one you could drive to in a reasonable amount of time? I think you are on to something with your cremation idea. Just a small ceremony where you actually do the doing of cremating the ties that no longer bind, a few token items. It just sounds right. Can you see it? Wishing you all the best, and here's to release!