Okay,
But really?
Why non-dominant handwriting?
Why focus on this method of journaling when you could write in a more free-flowing way?
Why would I write something I can't even read?
There's a place for journaling with your dominant hand too,
Don't get me wrong.
Sometimes I need to do some stream of consciousness writing that spills onto the page without effort.
Non-dominant handwriting is a gift because it supports that journaling practice too.
Non-dominant handwriting boosts your brain activity.
If you normally write with your right hand,
The left side of the brain controls that activity.
When you start using the opposite hand,
You activate the other side of the brain.
This actually strengthens the connections between your two brain hemispheres.
Essentially,
You're having to think extra hard about using a hand that you don't typically use.
And overall,
You're strengthening brain activity in both sides of your brain.
Everyone wins.
Non-dominant handwriting means having to think more carefully about each word,
Even each letter,
That you write down.
It is an act of mindfulness.
Perhaps the greatest thing about handwriting is that the very act of doing it forces you to focus on what's important.
It is,
In essence,
A moment of mindfulness,
According to meditation site Headspace.
Non-dominant handwriting forces you to slow down even more and think about each small movement.
And that's where the magic and science starts to happen.
Mindfulness is quite the trend these days.
Intentionality exercises,
Anything from breath work to yoga to meditation,
All do a great job of slowing you down.
In these types of practices,
You're forced to focus on just being in your body.
Because you get out of your head,
Away from distracting thoughts and erasing mind,
Your ego also quiets down and falls away into the background.
This kind of activity allows you to be with your authentic self without your chattering,
Demanding ego getting in the way.
You can be fully and wholly in your body because you're activating the parasympathetic system.
That's the same part of your nervous system that allows you to calm down and rest,
Breathe more deeply,
And fully digest your food.
On the flip side of that is the sympathetic system.
The one that activates your fight,
Flight,
Or freeze response and keeps you alert and anxious.
Because the act of writing with your non-dominant hand activates your parasympathetic system,
You're slowing down.
By being more fully in your body,
You allow a different type of wisdom to shine through while you write.
This is wisdom that comes from your own truth,
From your own authentic self.
That's why non-dominant handwriting is also one of the most effective ways of connecting with your spiritual self.
Any act of mindfulness,
Like meditation and non-dominant handwriting,
Is a highly effective way to communicate with your guides,
Whether that's God,
A higher power,
Your ancestors,
Or your angels.
Non-dominant handwriting is powerful because it creates the space for this kind of connection and communication,
And it creates a foundation for self- affirmation that will support you for the rest of your life,
Especially if you're practicing it on a regular basis.
Now it's your turn to try.
