How do we communicate? By talking? By Writing? By expressing? By actions?
Yes, bit-by-bit all are means of communication. All of us talk, write, express, and act to put our point across. As far as talking, expressing, and acting is concerned all of us are naturally gifted. But we acquire writing as a skill through education/upbringing/ learning. The art of writing is developed through practice and regular writing. I am not referring to writing here which is part of our curriculum or business or job but the one which we undertake to express ourselves.
“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic, and fear which is inherent in a human situation.” ― Graham Greene, Ways of Escape
Self–expression is another important medium of communication with ourselves. Sometimes, when we have no one around to talk to, we should communicate with ourselves. Sometimes, we want to express ourselves. So, what could be better than writing a diary or a blog? Believe me, if you practice this regularly, you will be relieved of the stress and anxiety of daily life.
My writing journey dates back to the time, till my memory goes. I was always interested in writing but if you say it came naturally to me, that was not the case. I worked hard to hone my writing skill. Over a period of time, my teachers started noticing the change and I took off. The flow of thoughts found expression with writing daily diary, essays, features, debates, etc. The journey continued as it became my profession. Now, it has become an addiction…
…would I be able to survive if I stop writing, probably not. Maybe that is the reason for my happy and contented life. It has kept me away from so many mental issues, which are part and parcel of today’s life. Nowadays nobody is bereft of stress or anxiety, but if you are writing regularly, you may be!
That’s why it is said that “writing” is therapeutic. It is particularly therapeutic if you write by hand by using a pen and not a mouse on the computer screen.
Benefits of writing by hand:
- Stress Relief – The act of writing itself can reduce stress, which helps improve focus and attention.
- Creativity – Making writing a regular habit has been shown to increase creativity and deepen thinking, keeping the brain sharp.
- Memory.
- Feelings.
- Gratitude.
“No thinking — that comes later. You write your first draft with your heart. You rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is to write, not to think!” — William Forrester, Finding Forrester
Why is writing so therapeutic?
“By writing, you put some structure and organization to those anxious feelings,” explains a theory. “It helps you to get past them.” Other research by Pennebaker indicates that suppressing negative, trauma-related thoughts compromises immune functioning and that those who write visit the doctor less often.
Writing can be beneficial for all of us because it can be therapeutic. One of the most powerful parts of therapy is cultivating the ability to observe our thoughts and feelings. And that’s what writing helps us do.
Writing therapy, or “expressive writing,” is a form of expressive therapy in which clients are encouraged to write about their thoughts and feelings—particularly those related to traumatic events or pressing concerns—to reap benefits such as reduced stress and improved physical health.
It has been demonstrated, across a variety of investigations, that writing activities yield several intellectual, physiological, and emotional benefits to individuals. These benefits include improved memory function, decreased symptomatology, and greater feelings of happiness.
“I don’t have a lot, but I have a lot of notebooks. They comfort me by reminding me that no matter how hard life gets, I can always write.” – Emm Roy, cartoonist
It allows the writer to take complete control of what they wish to explore, how far they wish to take it, and to stop whenever they wish; a process similar to talking with a therapist but without the financial outlay or time constraints.
No wonder, till we are studying, we are hardly stressed about anything in life. We are happy-go-lucky beings who are dreamy about a happy future. Writing may be one of the reasons which keep us hooked and we have a beautiful channel of expression.
Now, another pertinent question – can everybody write? Yes and No! Yes, if you are naturally gifted, and no, but you can learn the craft. There are many workshops are conducted by mentors/professionals who teach writing and bring out the writer in you. They make you write naturally on various topics which enables you to stretch your mind, quote anecdotes from your life, express leaves from the lives of those around you…
…you are made to revisit your childhood, traumatic experiences, happy occasions, and sad subjects. This way you learn to express yourself freely. If you go on practising writing regularly, you will feel that it is working as a therapy.
You are finding yourself fit and fine. You are spreading happiness and becoming HappyHo.
“Writing is medicine. It’s an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion to any difficult change.” – Julia Cameron, author of The Artists Way
