There is something quite powerful about journaling. When I first started journaling, I used the computer thinking that it would be so much faster. What I came to realize is that it became very distracting. In the middle of journaling, I'd inevitably think of a bill I needed to pay or a client I needed to follow up with. Once I started writing in my personal journal (one that I keep with me nearly everywhere I go) I could finally slow down and complete a thought without trying to edit myself. I frequently jot down ideas in the moment (even in the middle of the night) and refer back to them later to I can explore further.
- Handwriting can help us slow down and fully engage with our thoughts.
- Being able to write effortlessly enables the mind to focus more fully on a topic.
- The brain engages differently when we write something by hand as opposed to typing it on a keyboard or by touching a screen. Studies show that writing improves memory too!
- Engaging the body in writing by hand helps make writing a more holistic activity. There is something uniquely physical and multidimensional about putting pen to paper to form words and sentences. What are your thoughts on this?