Cenizo Journal Fall 2011 | Page 12

The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Scripture • Tradition • Reason Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education and 11 a.m. Morning Prayer or Eucharist Wednesday 6 p.m. Contemplative Prayer Friday 5:30 p.m. Prayers for Evening and the Healing of the World First Fridays 6 p.m. Concert St. James’ Episcopal Church • Ave. A and N. 6th St., Alpine 432.837.7313 Mexican and American Food Famous Beef & Chicken Fajitas • Ice Cream • Clean, Fast Service Rene & Maria Franco, Owners 513 O’Reilly Street • Downtown Presidio 432.229.4409 A magical oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas Off the Pinto Canyon Rd near Ruidosa rustic lodging camping day use 432.229.4165 chinatihotsprings.com under new management Exploring with Journaling by William H. Darby III Mike Murphy Broker/Owner Debbie Murphy Agent I ’ve never kept a journal. That is, a single book of entries that progressively details my experiences with the wider world. That would be impossible, since I seldom operate in a singular or progressive fashion. However, I have been journaling for years. I always grab a random notebook or sketchpad to take along when I travel, and I record random things in random fashion. Most people are reluctant to begin a journal because they feel that it will be too much of a burden. They worry that they won’t add to it regularly enough or that it won’t be “good” enough. Most people mislead themselves. Journaling isn’t done for others – it’s done for oneself. A journal should be as chaotic or crisp, full or sparse, detailed or general, as its keeper. The glorious volume that we all wish we could produce, where every entry is insightful (and quotable) and every sketch is museum-worthy, is unrealistic. Journaling isn’t about the final product, it’s about the process. I have a terrible memory, so I rely on journaling primarily to help me remember things I’ve seen and done. I don’t carry a camera when I travel, so I record sights and thoughts on paper with pen or pencil. Not only does journaling help me to remember what I’ve seen, it helps me to more fully grasp the present – to partici- 12 Cenizo Fourth Quarter 2011