Keeping a Commonplace Book: A Practical Tool for Organisation and Reflection

Apr 4

3 min read

I was inspired to write this article following a post by fellow psychotherapist Lori Firtzgerald (facebook.com/therapydenonline) who posted recently about keeping a Commonplace book, and truth be told, I had no idea that's what my collection of journals was called!

As a counsellor specialising in grief, I've found that maintaining a commonplace book has been a valuable practice in my personal and professional life. I always have a collection of pretty journals on the go, but have always been aware that they're never really organised in any traditional sense. It helps me manage the wealth of information I encounter daily and provides a structured way to reflect on my experiences. In this blog post, I'll outline what a commonplace book is, its benefits, and how you can start your own.

What is a Commonplace Book?

A commonplace book is a collection of quotes, ideas, and observations gathered from various sources such as books, conversations, or articles. Unlike journals, which often focus on personal reflections in chronological order, commonplace books are thematic and serve as reference tools. Mine are decidedly unorganised, and vary in theme, topic and even structure. Historically, they were used by scholars to organise their thoughts under specific headings, so knowing generations of great minds have used this as a tool feels good enough for me to keep one too!

Why Keep a Commonplace Book?

I find several benefits in keeping a commonplace book:

Inspiration: It helps me remember quotes or ideas that resonate with me. Instead of losing them, I can revisit them when needed.

Saving Time: When preparing for sessions or projects, having a bank of references saves time.

Making Connections: By capturing different snippets of information and thoughts, I might discover new insights or ideas.

Focusing Learning: Over time, my commonplace book has become a lens through which I approach new information with intention.

How I Keep My Commonplace Book

Here’s how I approach commonplacing:

1. Choosing a Format

I prefer using a notebook for its tactile nature, but I also appreciate digital tools like Evernote for their portability and searchability.

2. Organising Entries

I divide my book into sections based on themes that matter to me—such as creativity, nature, or mindfulness. I number pages for easy referencing and use colour-coding to differentiate between types of content.

3. Making It Personal

My commonplace book is functional and personal. I include anything that resonates with me, whether it’s a quote, a poem, or a scientific fact.

4. Building the Habit

I set aside regular time to add entries from what I’ve read or heard recently. I don’t worry if I miss days; I just pick up where I left off.

5. Revisiting Entries

Revisiting past entries helps me see how my thinking has evolved and can reignite forgotten inspiration.

Tips for Keeping Your Commonplace Book Engaging

I find it helpful to write in a consistent environment, whether at home or outdoors.

I don’t overthink what I jot down; anything that resonates with me now is worth capturing.

Final Thoughts

My commonplace book is a practical tool that helps me navigate the complexities of life and work. It’s a way to slow down and reflect on the ideas that shape my life. If you’re interested in starting your own, I encourage you to explore different formats and find what works best for you.