Before we dive in, I thought I would note, that there’s not a one-way method to keeping a commonplace journal. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, or it can be, the choice is ultimately yours. The systems in which I keep my commonplace journal may look different than others. Whether you’ve kept a commonplace for years, are just getting started, or have never heard of commonplacing until recently, I hope this blog is helpful for you.
What’s A Commonplace Journal?
To put it simply, it’s a place to hold the quotes, lyrics, or notes of others in a journal you write out. It doesn’t matter what kind of notebook you use. You could use a college-ruled spiral notebook or a hardback notebook. It could be a Juniper Grove Journal (as seen in my pictures), or it can be a dollar store journal. It can even be digital if you’re into that sort of thing! The main point is that you use something you’re comfortable writing in. Lined pages, bullet journals, or blank pages, use whatever you’re most comfortable with.
Decide When To Write
I know this may be a no-brainer to some, but if I didn’t intentionally make room for it in my schedule (same for any personal Bible study or reading time), I would often find myself not doing it. Deciding to add it into my week and when made such a difference. I try to add to my commonplace anytime I finish a book, or once a week in the evening. I have a book basket on my nightstand and my commonplace and pencil bag are right there, easy to reach and begin.
Commonplace Contents
Because I read a variety of books, my commonplace categories range from theology to marriage to Charlotte Mason to prayer life and so on. I don’t limit myself from what I add to my commonplace, but I know others only add what they read from books. I’ve added quotes from sermons, mentors, and podcast episodes. I also have a couple of song lyrics written down. There really aren’t any rules to commonplace journaling. However, I do have a separate journal for Scripture passages and Bible study notes.
The layout Of My Commonplace
I don’t like to overcomplicate it, so I simply just write, and then I make sure to end my entry with “Author’s Last Name, Book Title, Page Numbers”. Sometimes I just add the Book Title with page notes. To separate my entries, I leave one line empty from the next entry and add dashed lines across that empty space, or just a couple spaces between each commonplace quote. I like adding this divider to help my eyes move from entry to entry easier when I come back and re-read them.
Category Organization
I created a “Commonplace Index” of general categories which my entries typically fall under. The categories are spiritual life, relationships, schole/mother culture/personhood, seasonal/celebrations, educational life, reading/books, practical tips, and nature/creation. I color-coded these with highlighters and wrote them down on an index card which I keep in the front of my journal for reference. At the top of an entry, on the outside of the paper, I make a little square with the corresponding color that my entry is organized under.
This worked out ok, but I didn’t like how broad my categories were. I still needed another system to organize them further (Again, this is all personal preference. I am naturally drawn to organization and systems). My good friend Crystin, from Delightfully Feasting, showed how she organized her own commonplace journal and shared a genius system using numbers and subcategories. I loved it and implemented it into my own organizing and haven’t looked back since! So within my original color-coding categories, I now have more specific subcategories which are numbered and assigned to my original color-coding system.
Why I Keep An Organized Commonplace
A commonplace has become a quiet discipline in my life. It compels me to slow down, be still and take captive the ideas which grabbed at my heart and nourished my mind and soul from the many books I read. When I organize my commonplace, I already know it is filled with ideas and thoughts that deeply resonate with me. After all, that’s why I wrote them down. However, whenever I need encouragement in a specific area, I’ll often turn to books (second to my Bible and prayer time). However, having a commonplace journal is much like having all your favorite books intertwined in one. You get all your favorite pieces in one binding. It is a true gift– the art of keeping.
Thank you so much for sharing your organization system for common placing. I’ve always jotted down quotes from various places and then can never find them again. I just recently decided to keep an organized common place so I can use it as a reference and a place of reflection.