I recently discovered the power of writing with my nondominant hand. It can be used as a way to connect with your inner child, which is how I came across it. The last time I was writing this way, I noticed it was forcing me to slow down and be more intentional with each word I was writing. This insight gave me the idea to write for the blog using my nondominant hand. I thought it might help me say more with less words, as I am someone who tends to overexplain to make sure I make sense to others. I am sure my inner child is not as worried about making sense as I am, which has become very clear to me as I have started writing for the blog this way the past few days.
I also recently read a quote that said, “The less you say, the more weight your words will carry”. I have seen this ring true in my own life because there are many environments where I don’t say a lot, so when I do speak it’s seen as a big deal. Writing with my left hand has been teaching me the importance of slowing down. I have to take it one word at a time, so it keeps me present and not eight steps ahead of myself. We are all so busy these days. Keeping busy is a great way to not have to think about how we’re really doing. It may work, but only temporarily. There will come a point where all you have been escaping will pile up and become too much to handle.
We need to slow down, or we are going to miss our own lives. Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean you are avoiding something, but for me I think staying busy was a coping mechanism for being in survival mode all my life. I no longer want to live a life where I am just surviving.
I have been slowing down these past few days and letting myself truly be present in each moment. I have intentionally been eating most of my meals without the tv on, which has been a great change of pace. It’s been giving me the time to let creative ideas develop in my mind, and the space to discover them. I’ve had more time in each day to do the things I actually want to do. I feel like I am actually living my life now because I’m not getting invested in the lives of Rory and Lorelei Gilmore before I even get my own day started. Television definitely has a time and a place, but I’ve learned it’s just not the best way to start my day. Slowing down has given me the opportunity to actually live my life. I am learning what I value and have been trying to live more in alignment with the Lindsay I want to be and know I am deep down.
The journey to yourself starts with slowing down.
Just like writing with my nondominant hand is uncomfortable, slowing down will be at first. It will take you some time to get the hang of it. It’s a habit that needs to be formed. Like weight-training, you have to take it one step at a time. It’s learned and takes practice.
Comments