Mastering the Weak Hand: A Journey to Improve Handwriting and Mirror Writing
Back in 2012, I embarked on a personal quest to engage and exercise my mind through a variety of activities. One of these activities was handwriting, which has always been somewhat of an area for improvement, especially since I am naturally left-handed. This journey is my attempt to explore the benefits of engaging in these practices and to document the methods and outcomes of my training.
Handwriting with the Non-Dominant Hand
My journey began with the realization that, although I was naturally left-handed, I had used scissors predominantly with my right hand. Consequently, I decided to re-engage with my left hand in cursive writing. This activity allowed for the pen to remain on the paper more, making the connectedness of the letters more natural. Moreover, I found the idea intriguing that handwriting could stimulate the brain differently compared to typing, hence serving as another inspiration for this endeavor.
Initial Challenges and Improvement
My first attempts at using my right hand for handwriting were far from perfect. It was quite awkward and not very coordinated. However, I persevered, and it took me approximately 2-3 months to start feeling that my handwriting was looking okay. During this period, I also experimented with mirror writing, both for left and right hands.
Exploring Additional Writing Styles
Aside from cursive and mirror writing, I also delved into writing upside-down both with and against the natural flow. This exercise allowed me to explore a total of eight different writing orientations. As I practiced, certain patterns and tendencies began to emerge: the more fluent one became in a particular orientation, the larger the writing typically grew. Additionally, the proficiency in a specific orientation could be gauged by how much brain energy one had available in that moment.
Consistency and Regular Practice
The dedication to these practices ultimately led me to develop a consistent daily handwriting practice. In recent years, I have incorporated various motivational exercises and challenges such as writing at least X pages a day or filling a notebook within a set timeframe. The process of learning the different orientations has not been without its challenges. Some, like upside-down writing, still need more practice compared to others, but that only adds to the satisfaction of seeing improvements.
Interleaving and the Serpent Writing Style
To simplify the practice process, I started interleaving the different writing styles, eventually adopting a swerving serpentine style of writing, which is reminiscent of the boustrophedon style used by ancient cultures. This method allows me to practice four of the eight orientations while alternating hands every page. This approach provides a structured yet flexible way to continue improving and retaining the new skills.
Reflections and Future Prospects
Reflecting on my journey since 2012, it is fascinating to see the transformations in my handwriting, especially as I have incorporated more and more challenges into my routine. Periodic reflections on my earlier efforts remind me of the progress made and the joy of continuous learning. I am delighted with the occasional enhancements that manifest, such as newfound ease in creating certain serifs or simply not being aware of which hand I am writing with because they both feel so natural to me now.
My journey with handwriting and mirror writing is an ongoing process. It is a testament to the power of persistence and the benefits of dedicating time to cognitive exercises. As I continue to hone these skills, I remain inspired by the potential for further growth and the sense of accomplishment that comes with each new improvement.