The Value of Journalizing
© 2002
>> Although I'm still very early in the practice of IIH, what I can say is that recording dreams will improve your memory, if only slightly. The continual probing of dreams will occur during the day which will increase your level of attention to detail (in waking life as well as sleep). <<
It does have some impact upon one's global (i.e., over all) memory, but it's main benefit is to a subtle component of the over all memory. This has to do with the memory of mental states wherein the normal awareness is shifted in some way. Dreaming is one good example, but so are the altered mental state one experiences while doing the IIH exercises, introspection, meditation and even trauma. All of these require a slightly different type of 'memory' than normal waking events do. For most of us, this type of memory was not intentionally strengthened as we grew, whereas our normal waking memory was. In fact, development of the normal waking memory is highly focused upon and things like trying to remember your dreams are not taught.
Journalizing is one of the best ways to strengthen this type of memory. *This is one very important reason why Bardon recommended it in regard to the IIH exercises.*
With meditational and dream experiences, the normal waking awareness is diverted or suppressed, thus disengaging you from the normal memory. However, the sub-conscious mind remembers EVERY thing and does so in minute detail. So, when your dream or meditation is over and you transit from this altered state to your normal waking awareness, the connection to the sub-conscious memory lingers and this is a prime opportunity to capture its contents with your *conscious* mind. As you repeatedly do this act of writing down your notes about your exercises or your dreams, the connection between your conscious and sub-conscious memory grows stronger *and more permanent*. Eventually, journalizing becomes unnecessary and a continuity of memory develops. In other words, you simply remember your dreams and your meditational experiences, in vivid detail and without having to "try".
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
10 Sep 2002