In several of my books I list journal techniques inspired by the Intensive Journal Method developed in the 1960-70s by Dr. Ira Progoff. He was a psychotherapist who wanted to provide ways for people to work on their own. The journal techniques dig much deeper than ordinary journal or diary writing. The sequence and approach evoke unconscious potentials for one's life. I have used the method for 30+ years. I have explained how in my book Crossroads. I highly recommend the method. It goes beyond therapy into spirituality. Read More
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Contents copyright 2024 by Valerie Harms
My favorite soul book authors
October 16, 2014
While my lifetime mentors have been Ira Progoff and Carl Jung, other authors have stirred my soul. These include: Marie Louise von Franz, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Anais Nin, Robert Bly, David Whyte, James Hillman and more. I highly recommend any of their books.
Progoff's Intensive Journal Method
July 26, 2013
7.26.13
My take on the Intensive Journal Method
The structure and theory behind it were developed by therapist, Ira Progoff, in the late 1960s as a non-judgmental, psychological, and spiritual tool that people could use on their own. Far more dynamic than ordinary diary-keeping, the Journal method is “one of the unique inventions of our time,” Joseph Campbell said.
I agree. It works, and I wish everyone would benefit from it as I have for the past four decades. Read More
My take on the Intensive Journal Method
The structure and theory behind it were developed by therapist, Ira Progoff, in the late 1960s as a non-judgmental, psychological, and spiritual tool that people could use on their own. Far more dynamic than ordinary diary-keeping, the Journal method is “one of the unique inventions of our time,” Joseph Campbell said.
I agree. It works, and I wish everyone would benefit from it as I have for the past four decades. Read More
Cherished inspiration & support
February 16, 2013
Ira Progoff, founder of the Intensive Journal method, wrote this poem I've always cherished:
"If I did not believe
that the wisdom of life
is greater than my own wisdom,
I could not have survived,
It is more than a faith now,
a knowledge.
I know,
that, great as my wisdom is,
--almost as great as my will and my desire --
yet the wisdom of life is greater.
And, as I could not float upon water when I tried to,
now I can float upon life
without trying.
In this is my wisdom
and the wisdom of anyone
to know that I know not
how to carry the weight of my existence.
But the waters of life will carry it for me
In their wisdom.
That is the wisdom of life
from which comes all power
and the ultimate glory.
And the greatness of my wisdom lies
in letting life be wise." Read More
"If I did not believe
that the wisdom of life
is greater than my own wisdom,
I could not have survived,
It is more than a faith now,
a knowledge.
I know,
that, great as my wisdom is,
--almost as great as my will and my desire --
yet the wisdom of life is greater.
And, as I could not float upon water when I tried to,
now I can float upon life
without trying.
In this is my wisdom
and the wisdom of anyone
to know that I know not
how to carry the weight of my existence.
But the waters of life will carry it for me
In their wisdom.
That is the wisdom of life
from which comes all power
and the ultimate glory.
And the greatness of my wisdom lies
in letting life be wise." Read More