We use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and tons of other electronic devices every day. It seems like we’re so dependent on them that we can’t survive a day without technology. We forgot all about the simple ways of doing things, since we have the impression that technology is the factor that simplified our lives. Have you ever thought how it would be like if we went back to real simplicity?
For the writers of the past, paper was everything. Can you imagine Dostoevsky using a tablet? When we look at his handwritten manuscripts, there’s only one word that comes to our mind: magical. It’s like peeking into the writer’s mind and soul. Contemporary writers have abandoned these practices. George RR Martin writes on DOS-based word processor – that is considered to be a ridiculously outdated practice, given the fact that modern technologies are way more advanced. Pen and paper? That’s ancient.
How Writing Changed People’s Lives
What did people achieve with the help of writing? First of all, they wrote laws that regulated society. They wrote history, too. Through writing, they left traces for future generations. People wrote letters and notes for themselves and for other people. Today, we write emails and we take notes on smartphone apps.
Doesn’t it seem like the magic of writing is gone when we ditch the paper? Electronic letters and notes have no personality, which the handwriting expresses so vividly.
When you start pouring your thoughts and emotions on paper, it seems like you lose touch with the surroundings. It’s just you and the paper, and that’s the moment that helps you unleash your creativity. Somewhere along the way, you’ll find your inner peace.
Practical Tips: How Writing on Paper Will Lead You to Inner Peace
Inner peace is a balanced state of mind and spirit. Being at peace means being free of stress, worries, and anxiety. You find yourself in the state of balance and absolute bliss. It’s the simplest state of being to describe, but the hardest one to achieve.
When we are writing on paper, we focus on the process. There are no distractions, which are usual when we’re using electronic devices with access to Internet. We don’t get interrupted by email and chat notifications. We’re free to express all positive and negative thoughts and feelings we have inside. We are allowed to set ourselves free.
Here are the tips that can guide you to that peaceful state of being:
- Take a Deep Breath. Slow Down. Write
When we type on a computer, we achieve between 38 and 40 words per minute, on an average. That’s great when speed is the goal we want to achieve, but it’s not great about our focus, since we tend to forget the words we’ve written on a hurry. When we’re writing with a pen and paper, the process is much slower and more focused.
Since handwriting is a slower process, it helps you think while setting goals, brainstorming, or expressing your emotions. The process itself is way more personal when compared to typing. Instead of doing it as quickly as you possibly can, you are forced to give those words a deeper thought.
- Isolate Yourself from Distractions, and Write
When you’re typing on a computer or tablet, you’re constantly tempted to watch another cat video and stalk an ex on Facebook, just to relax a bit before you continue doing the thing you’re supposed to be doing. That’s the perfect recipe for losing focus. That’s why writers use different browser extensions that prevent them from accessing distracting websites.
Still, the mind has a peculiar power to convince us that we need to open Facebook anyway. So if the distractions are blocked on Google Chrome, we turn to Mozilla Firefox. If the distractions are blocked on that browser, too, we take desperate measures: Internet Explorer.
When you’re writing on paper, you’re not plugged into the source of endless distractions – the Internet. The elegant simplicity of handwriting is all it takes for you to become more focused on examining your thoughts.
- Unleash Your Creativity
Let’s go back to Dostoevsky’s notes once again. The writer combined his words with sketches of the way he imagined the characters and scenes. He scratched the sentences that sounded wrong, but he still had them visible.
Through handwriting, you have a chance to explore all ideas and your entire imagination. You shouldn’t be “afraid” to write, and you shouldn’t delete anything. You can explore abstract ideas and see how far your creativity can go.
- Focus on Critical Thinking and Conceptual Development
People with a talent for constructive criticism are non-linear thinkers. They consider different ideas and opinions, and they draw connections between them. That helps them come up with unexpected solutions that simplify even the most complex problems.
When you’re trying to come up with a concept or solution to a random problem, turn to the paper. Brainstorm and write down all thoughts related to the issue. Make connections, and the solution will come to you. When you allow your mind to be productive through this method, you will come to the point of balance.
- Unleash Your Negativity
This method will seem strange, but it’s worth trying. Take a piece of paper and write down all that’s been troubling you. Emotions, thoughts, problems, people’s opinions of you… write everything about the burden you carry. Burying those thoughts deep inside your subconscious levels doesn’t bring you to inner piece. They will come out to the surface sooner or later.
When you write about your worries, they suddenly start looking less serious. This practice helps you take negativity out of your system.
- Write about the Good Things
Once you’re done expressing your negative thoughts, turn a new page in your notebook. Now, think about all the good things you have in your life.
Handwriting slows you down, so you have time to feel emotions as you write. Thus, this is an important method for awakening positive emotions and restoring your inner balance.
- Write When You’re Feeling Down
When you’re depressed, you don’t feel like doing anything. Your energy levels are low, and all you want to do is sleep and feel sad. It takes a crazy amount of effort to push your inner state of being towards balance. The pen and paper can help.
Force yourself to write when you’re feeling down. You don’t have to write a structured piece of text. It doesn’t even have to make sense. Just write whatever comes to your mind. The mere act of writing will help you clarify your thoughts and remember the things that happened. Somewhere along the way, you’ll think of the goals you had and you’ll start writing about them. The development of your thoughts will take a new direction; a positive one.
Writing on paper is a unique experience that helps us get in touch with our inner nature. The trick is to use pen and paper; not your computer or tablet. The process is slower and more personal, so it gives you time to deal with your thoughts and emotions.
About
Jessica Freeman is an experienced journalist who also contributes her freelance pieces to AustralianWritings.com. She feels passionate about writing and prefers developing such topics as education, motivation, and career improvements. Get in touch with her on Twitter.
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