Studio for the Soul
Thoughts solidified in ink.
Why We Journal
There's real science behind writing by hand on physical paper. Psychologist James Pennebaker's decades of research on expressive writing found that putting difficult or scattered thoughts into words — even for a few minutes at a time — measurably eased psychological and physical stress, and helped the brain process what was looping interiorly.
Later research built on his work found something just as useful for a scattered mind: writing frees up working memory. Thoughts we've written down stop taking up mental "shelf space," which is why you’ll often here me refer to my journal as my “external brain”.
None of this requires being a "writer" or Capital-A Artist. All it requires is a pen, some paper, and a willingness to make an honest assessment of oneself.
The Foundations of My Practice
Ignatian Spirituality
In the 16th century, St. Ignatius of Loyola was teaching his followers how to discern their interior movements. His practices of imaginative Scripture contemplation and the Examen are my daily book ends.
Modern Psychology
From EMDR to CBT to ADHD and beyond. Modern brain science has a ton to teach us, and I’m always looking for evidence of God’s fingerprints on the human mind.
The Artist’s Way
This book by Julia Cameron completely changed the way I pray, create, and perceive the role I have in my own life. Morning Pages remain the backbone to my morning routine.
Creativity
Humans were made in the image of a creative God, and we have a unique ability to capital-M Make things. Through creative pursuits, we can process our own emotions, make the invisible visible to others, and add beauty to the world.
Who’s Writing This?
I’m Emily - avid reader, practicing writer, and stationery fanatic.
I am a “scrunchy” Catholic mom of 4 homeschooling in rural New Hampshire. I’m married to my high school sweetheart. I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years back, and I’m honestly just out here chasing the dopamine. I’m so glad to have you along for the ride.
Start Here
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Matters of the Heart is a podcast I started in 2020. It went through a couple iterations and I am not currently adding new episodes, but there are some great topics in this archive that will introduce you to Ignatian Spirituality, guide you through Scriptural meditations, and a whole series on prayer.
I am manually adding the audio players and updated shownotes and transcripts, so bear with me as I get those published here.
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The Studio Blog (coming soon)
Entries will include the benefits of long-form writing, instructions on how to do each of my daily practices, reflections on Catholicism, Scripture, and stuff I notice or think are cool, and tons of journaling and stationery goodness.
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I am currently working on an Ignatian-style creative retreat, the Rhythm of Life course, a guided contemplation/Examen journal, and a handful of downloadable ebooks to help you along the way. Stay tuned.
Rhythm of Life cohorts begin January 2027. Join the mailing list if you would like updates.