The Healthy Blog

As a writer and a retired teacher of writing, the following research comes as no surprise. I fully understand that the personal benefits of blogging may be great. I have preached employing writing as a release, a voyage of personal discovery, and a catharsis for decades.My students will remember that the willful act of composing involves both conscious and unconscious interaction that often leads to new and important understandings, understandings that help people grow in so many ways.

My class texts included Telling Writing by Ken Macrorie. In the book, he urges students to write "truthfully," that is to approach their composition as truthtelling that represents coherence between what they write and what they feel and know to be true. Macrorie says, "If students would write truthfully, they must listen to the world inside (an obligation to experience) as well as that outside (an obligation to society)  for truth is a connection between the things written about, the words used in the writing, and the author's real experience."

Macrorie says students who produce 

authentic writing must trust 

that words will "come to them" 

as they "ride the waves (of their unconscious), 

letting strange and exciting things 

drift up from the bottom." 

Explaining that writers' emotions often come into play in discovering their "second self," Macrorie encourages writers to engage themselves in personal exploration.

He instructs, 

"To be emotional 

is also to be human....

You can find the rhythms 

of your own life 

if you will only let go."

If a scientific perspective of the process of writing appeals more than a simple metaphorical view, read on. Setting out on a journey of writing activates a cluster of neurological pathways.

Neurologist Judy Willis finds, "The construction of conceptual memory networks builds the most valuable neural architecture a brain owner can have. These networks serve as "nets” to catch and hold new input with similar patterns, and 'work' when activated for creative transfer -- use of the information learned in one context for application in a new context." (Judy Willis, "The Brain-Based Benefits of Writing for Math and Science Learning," edutopia.org)

  
Willis explains, "Concept networks are the valuable tools the brain uses in the highest orders of thinking. When the brain seeks to predict the best response, answer, solution to a problem or make a choice, the executive function control networks in the prefrontal cortex send out messages to the memory association areas, such as the hippocampus and memory storing cortex of each hemisphere. These messages activate stored prior knowledge memories that relate to the new situation."

Writing improves problem solving because the more extensive the brain's collection of memory networks, the more successful it will be in activating the best prior knowledge to predict the best responses, answers, and choices for any new situation. And, the greater the links and cross-connections among networks of stored information, the greater a person's access to multiple storage centers of background knowledge to use in response to the new problem or opportunity.

The "New" Blogging Research

A study in the American Psychological Association’s journal Psychological Services found that blogging can help teens improve their self-esteem and enhance friendships. Moreover, the online activity is especially helpful for teens with social anxiety or difficulty making friends and/or relating to the friends they had. (Rick Nauert PhD, "Blogs May Help Teens Reduce Social Stress," Psych Central, January 5 2012)

Researchers believe this use of social networking is especially suitable for teens who spend a vast majority of their time online. According to the researchers, blogging allows teens to freely express themselves and can be an easy method to improve communication among peers.

“Research has shown that writing a personal diary and other forms of expressive writing are a great way to release emotional distress and just feel better,” said the study’s lead author, Meyran Boniel-Nissim, Ph.D., of the University of Haifa, Israel. ("Blogging May Help Teens Dealing with Social Distress," American Psychological Association, January 4 2012)

Investigators discovered that for troubled teens, online documentation and maintaining a blog was more effective in improving self-esteem and relationship development than journaling in a private diary.

Researchers believe the interactivity 

of an open blog 

is key factor 

toward helping teens

reduce their social anxieties.

Positive social behaviors were expressed by bloggers when compared to teens who did nothing and those who wrote private diaries.

Improvements in self-esteem, 

social anxiety 

and emotional distress 

were noted among the bloggers.

Bloggers who were instructed to write specifically about their difficulties and whose blogs were open to comments improved the most. All of these results were consistent at the two-month followup.

Of course, previous studies have confirmed the therapeutic value of journal writing and blogging about personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. Besides serving as a stress-coping mechanism, expressive writing produces many physiological benefits.

Research shows that it (expressive writing)

improves memory and sleep, 

boosts immune cell activity 

and reduces viral load in AIDS patients, 

and even speeds healing after surgery. 

A study in the February issue of the Oncologist reports that cancer patients who engaged in expressive writing just before treatment felt markedly better, mentally and physically, as compared with patients who did not. (Jessica Wapner, "Blogging -- It's Good for You," Scientific American, May 22 2008)

Why would blogging provide even more benefits than journal writing? I believe the answer is that a blog provides an audience, whereas a journal may be writing a person wants to keep strictly personal. The fact that
others will read a blog makes a writer conscious of meeting the needs of an audience in terms of supplying essential subject background and meeting various levels of personal comprehension. Going back to Macrorie's

I have found that audience also makes writers consider purpose. Many times they instill purpose unconsciously provided they supply the reader with adequate detail and facts. As fluency develops, writers find their inner voice driving this purpose or theme; however, upon revision, a writer who has an audience looks for gaps (that always occur) in sequencing and development in order to achieve clarity.

Blogging begs writers to ask this question: "What do you want the reader to do with this understanding you have carved out?" If the writer dredges his subject deeply enough, the answer is usually clear. The capture of words on paper engages introspection, both the writer's understandings and the reader's understandings of any subject. As the writer remains honest with the essential application of dual truth, communication breathes new life into receptive brains.

Another advantage of blogging is that it provides a window for feedback. The audience can relate additional information, clarify points, and beg for continuation through their comments and reactions.

To me, this is the zenith of education: 

developing an arena 

in which people can participate 

without the fear of reprisal 

while exploring their pertinent 

and unique points of view. 

Just about anything worth writing begs greater understanding. In the best learning situation, we all make a commitment to understand. Opening the sensory receptacles -- ears, eyes, mouth, skin, and, yes, even the nose -- to important ideas expands our creative minds.

Some Random Views From Blogs

* In his blog "TechnoBuck," https://www.technobuck.com/, Hector Sanchez says,

"As I was restoring my old posts, I was very impressed, as I could see what was going on in my mind several months ago. It was like playing an old video-cassette movie in the VCR, but for my state of mind at that moment in time. So, that’s why I find very useful to have a personal blog, it helps me put things in perspective and see for myself whether I’m making real progress with my life or not."

* Ryan Cooper in the blog "jitZul," http://jitzul.com/, relates,

"When writing posts for a blog you will often have to do research to best cover the topic you have decided to write about. Through this research you will often learn new things that you may have otherwise never discovered."

* Dr. Ed Pullen, a family physician, http://drpullen.com/, relates,

"My wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer more than a year ago. With little time to make phone calls or write letters, I started blogging to keep our friends and family across the U.S. and Europe updated about Kay’s condition.

"To my surprise, I enjoyed writing the posts, and besides being able to articulate my feelings, the creative outlet became therapeutic for me during a difficult time.

"Coping with Kay's illness was trying, but once she went into remission, I thankfully no longer had anything to blog about on that topic. I soon discovered I missed writing, however, and with encouragement from my readers and patients, I started "DrPullen.com - A medical blog for the informed patient" in December 2009.

* Myrko Thum,  AwakeBlogger - "Personal Development and Spirituality," http://www.awakeblogger.com/, states,

"If you write something down it is a different level of commitment to yourself. You can use this fact to your advantage. Let’s face it, sometimes we all could use a small kick in the butt to get us going into the right direction. By using your journal in this way, you will become your own coach. You can really say something to yourself and by writing it into your journal you can put a commitment on yourself. In this way you can literally lead yourself."

* In Reason4Smile, http://www.reason4smile.com/, Robert A Henru contents,

"This (blogging) is particularly useful for the introverts, introverts do complain on how they’re not so good with words, especially when they have to speak. Writing is much more comfortable because we can think without pressure for the right words to say, and also for the opportunity to undo the statements.

"In a way, I started blogging as a channel for my passion to lead and create, passion for information-sharing, yet I’ve been baffled so many times by my limitation, especially the confidence in speaking and relating with people. Blogging in a way has helped me to use and think about putting the right words, sentences and grammars. As I am getting more comfortable with words, as I write, practically I am more comfortable to speak with words, soon the confidence will follow."

Throwing Words Into Spaces

In the past year or so, I have posted 423 times. Writing a blog is pretty lonely business, but I am inclined to indulge in solitary fancies, so I guess the composition habit fits my personality. People normally don't read the posts, so I find I basically entertain myself by increasing my understanding of different topics and issues.

To be honest, most would find this exercise quite fruitless and needlessly laborious. I understand their point of view, respect it, but continue to write, anyway. By this time, I am pretty stubborn about pounding out letters and words that seldom find human touch. Call these exercises "shots in the dark" or "echoes from a stoney canyon." If all they do is rattle around for a few days, then they seem to be worth the production.

Every writer knows about the importance of audience and the benefits of readership. Some writers must have a daily injection of feedback to operate efficiently; others see writing as more of an obligation to self. I am of the latter school of thought. Although I would love to share my posts with many, I still treasure what I learn about myself when I press the keyboard. A personal satisfaction flows from each piece I write.

If you have never felt this kind of release and recovery from your personal writing, you may question this pleasure. I can assure you, writing your own words is addictive and often time consuming; however, writing can cause a catharsis through releasing emotions.

Great minds since ancient times have debated the value of purging and cleansing emotions. For example Plato contended that poetry encouraged men to be hysterical and uncontrolled. Yet, in response to Plato, Aristotle maintained that poetry makes them less, not more, emotional, by giving a periodic and healthy outlet to people's feelings.Aristotle employed catharsis as a medical metaphor. He stated, "It is the human soul that is purged of its excessive passions."

"In real life," Aristotle explained, "men are sometimes too much addicted to pity or fear, sometimes too little; tragedy brings them back to a virtuous and happy mean." (F.L. Lucas, Tragedy in Relation to Aristotle's Poetics) Tragedy is then a corrective; through watching tragedy the audience learns how to feel these emotions at the proper levels. Some modern interpreters of the work infer that catharsis is pleasurable because audience members felt ekstasis (Greek: ἔκστασις) (ecstacy) (literally: astonishment, meaning: trance) from the fact that there existed those who could suffer a worse fate than them was to them a relief.

I find writing most enjoyable when fluency pushes the process toward discovery as emotions help fill the sails, thus making stronger the movement of the vessel. I seldom know where the journey will end. Still, new discoveries along the way sometimes feed my mind and alter my course. My perceived destination becomes secondary to the journey as I pick up small treasures along the way. In truth, this initial adventure never ends...I merely stop at some appropriate place. I wait there for others to comment and increase my own comprehension of the chosen subject.

Yes, I know "it's all been said before." Writing, like my other passion -- music, is basically practice copied from those who have mastered style and expression, and I am guilty of patterning composition. When I am fortunate enough to add something coined uniquely by my limited talents, I feel very blessed.

To me, creating ideas is really like hitting a baseball: the missed swings only remind me that I am one step closer to a sweet connection. To drive the pitch for a single or, very less often, for a home run increases my self confidence. The challenge is most exciting when the pitches are the toughest, and, of course, the rewards of swatting these balls are the most satisfying. Yes, I know about the .300 hitter and the number of times the Babe struck out. Hitting an idea squarely is never easy and no one is content to strike out.

Well, it's taken a long time to say exactly what I intended to say in this post. I don't know if a summary is necessary, but I feel the need to re-emphasize. If you want to process priceless, rich information, go to the library and check out the classic authors. Build your insight from the ideas of professional wordsmiths who excel at the craft. Push every understanding a step beyond simple comprehension. And, use your knowledge to make the world a better place.

If, however, you want to wander some twisty paths, occasionally enjoy the adventures of getting lost, and communicate with other humans like yourself, read blogs. As common and worthless as they may seem, blogs represent the faults and flounderings of  "word people." Some are explosive and loud with content. Others, like mine, exist mainly for self interest and for an occasional reader to stumble upon.

Better yet, start your own. I have earned a whopping $8.26 for my work on the blog. Now, let's see -- that is less than $0.02 an entry. So, you're probably not going to get rich writing a blog. Yet, I can at least say that I have got my two cents worth.