Leslie B

Slow Lettering is about releasing emotions and curating calm with hand lettering. A sudden tragedy, a major life change, constant stress at work (burnout), anxiety, depression, insomnia, abuse, and financial stress. All of these can create emotional trauma that can trigger a nervous breakdown. That term is no longer used in medicine, but the reality of the experience is still real. Leslie knows, because she’s been there. Weeks with little sleep, low appetite, body not retaining food, and losing nearly 20 pounds as a result. Concentration was wrecked and trembling uncontrollably, especially at night. I was too frazzled for focused meditation, too shaken for stillness. She had studied the problem framework of issue, cause, resolution, and prevention for years in the workplace. Her discovery of Buddhism revealed clear parallels with this framework, the 4 Noble Truths, and the 8 Fold Path. But focusing on those and applying them while in a state of unrest was not working. So she tried a moving meditation with her hands through journaling, which let her express the pain. But it was hand lettering, drawing consonants, vowels, and words on the page, that let her fall into pockets of peace. Some habits create chaos, others create calm. Every time you pause, pick up your pen, and practice, you’re curating your own calm. Consistency is key, and community supports consistency, so Leslie invites you to practice with her. The peace you seek could be just a few penstrokes away.

Read more