On a beautiful Friday afternoon in July, a diverse group of 20 individuals gathered in Montauk, N.Y. They came from a range of professional backgrounds, including a sports coach, a television executive, and a public relations company owner. As they sat around a table filled with healthy snacks and fruit, their instructor, Laura Rubin, began a discussion about the art of journaling.
With glasses of white wine in hand and the peaceful harbor as their backdrop, the group explored their preconceived notions of journaling. One man shared that the last time he wrote in a journal was during a trip to Tibet in 1988, prompted by his mother’s advice to document his experiences. Ms. Rubin responded, challenging the idea that journaling should be reserved for travel and emphasizing the importance of savoring every aspect of life.
Another participant confessed that they had abandoned journaling since childhood due to their mother reading their private thoughts. Ms. Rubin acknowledged this experience as a common “journaling trauma,” highlighting various reasons people steer clear of the practice, such as perceiving it as an activity only for teenage girls or associating it solely with moments of crisis. However, she assured the group that she could change their perspectives. Her confidence stemmed not only from her tried-and-tested teaching methods but primarily from the fact that journaling works, guiding individuals towards personal growth and self-discovery.
At 50 years old, Ms. Rubin, a Sag Harbor resident, founded Allswell Creative in 2015. Her company facilitates journaling workshops worldwide, with a particular focus on reaching individuals who may not naturally gravitate towards journaling. She aims to bring journaling to environments that defy the stereotype of cozy relaxation and bath products, targeting corporate America and high-pressure industries like wounded veterans. With her extensive corporate background running a marketing communications agency representing major fashion companies and foundations, Ms. Rubin understands the unique challenges these individuals face. She emphasizes that she is not a typical “yoga teacher from Topanga” but rather someone who bridges the gap between the corporate world and the benefits of journaling.
Having journaled for most of her life, Ms. Rubin recognized that the benefits of journaling should not be limited to those already invested in wellness practices. In fact, busy individuals may benefit even more from this reflective habit. Journaling allows individuals to ask themselves vital questions and evaluate their emotions and time management. Studies have shown that journaling or writing therapy can aid in reducing anxiety, stress, depressive feelings, and even facilitate faster recovery from injuries. As a testament to the impact of her workshops, Ms. Rubin has collaborated with companies like Netflix and Nasdaq, with some workplaces hiring her to support employees’ mental health.
Nikki Seidlin, a human resources director for Endeavor, attested to the effectiveness of the workshops in combating stress and anxiety prevalent in the entertainment industry. Employees at all levels, including agents, executives, executive assistants, and mail-room staff, participated voluntarily in these sessions. Similarly, other companies, such as a digital marketing agency, sought Ms. Rubin’s assistance to combat burnout resulting from excessive screen time. A private foundation even engaged her post-George Floyd’s death to provide employees with a safe outlet to express their emotions during a challenging time.
One such workshop sponsored by the surfing brand Whalebone took place in Montauk. Eddie Berrang, Whalebone’s president and publisher, expressed his desire for the event to be a moment of collective slowing down. During the two-hour session, Ms. Rubin guided participants through various journaling exercises. For example, they spent four minutes writing about their observations, senses, and surroundings. They also brainstormed ideas for slowing down and listed things they enjoyed. At the end of the workshop, Ms. Rubin inquired about any shifts in the participants’ presence, receiving affirmations from many. Encouraging them to continue this practice at home, she described it as a “microdosing method of journaling.”
In conclusion, Laura Rubin and her company Allswell Creative are revolutionizing the perception and accessibility of journaling. By bringing this practice to corporate America and other high-pressure industries, Ms. Rubin aims to guide individuals towards personal growth, stress reduction, and a more mindful approach to life.
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