Spill Journaling

Title: Spill Journaling, as prepared by *Sara Crafton for 2010 KYATA intervention exchange
Materials: 12”x12” cardstock in different colors, stack of recycled magazines, pens, glue sticks, scissors, any other media as desired

Procedure:
1. Choose a magazine, and flip mindlessly through the pages, tearing out pages of interest. Try to avoid over-thinking this process.
2. With the same mindless intention, go through the chosen pages and tear out the word(s), image(s), and/or pattern(s) that attracted you to the page.
3. Now use the selected torn words, images, and patterns to create a collage on the cardstock. Leave as little or as much space as you like for journaling.
4. Journal with, around, and/or over the collage using stream of consciousness journaling (freely writing what comes to mind without judgment or analysis). Spill your thoughts onto the page, and feel free to add other artwork or doodling if desired.

Continue onto step #5 or stop here (depending on time and objective).

5. Repeat the process, only this time, take your time. Instead of tearing, use scissors to cut out words, images, and patterns. This second collage may be more methodical, orderly, and intentional.

Processing:
Compare and contrast the process of steps 1-4 with step 5. How did the final products vary? Was there a common theme between the two collages? Were there any surprises?

Rationale: This intervention helps to identify the essence of a stressor or obstacle. It is freeing, encourages a sense of play, and may help a person to distinguish true desires from outside expectations. It also stimulates the creative “flow,” and helps inhibited individuals approach art more confidently.

Adaptations: Spill Journaling can also be used as an artistic approach to information synthesis. For example, you might read a book or attend a workshop that you want to fully comprehend or identify the take away points. Spilling helps to consolidate and highlight useful information, while discarding less important information in a fun and creative way. Similarly, spill journaling could be used to address a specific concept or ideal, such as compassion or humor, or to reflect on a powerful quote or anecdote.