Words Manifest

This article contends that handwritten words manifest. This declaration is based on experiential data we have witnessed over the years. We also know that as a learning practice/device, physically writing on paper tends to implant, paint, and/or embed our brains schematically with images and other contextual meanings. There is the science that proves this contention (e.g., brain scan imagery tracked to various brain regions - follow this link to the definition and supporting research).

(Note) This article was originally published on July 10, 2018, at Benninghofen Company but has been updated, modified with research, new links, and re-published here.

Background

We believe the handwritten word will manifest. That is the reason that we make writing a consistent practice. We write our ideas, doodling, and anything that comes up in at least two journals: 1) personal and 2) business. Many of you already know the importance of this practice. Others are skeptical.

Moving Away from Old School Writing

Most people have moved on to electronic devices in the current business world. We believe that you lose critical opportunities by the complete move to technology.

Do not move away too quickly.

We strongly suggest that you continue to put pen to paper (i.e., new technology devices approximate the writing experience) and record the essential facts you hold dear to you.

(Special Note) An analysis of this practice suggests what we say here. Here is another recent article.

Scientific data supports the effects of early childhood, teenagers, and adults.

Our Writing Practices

We describe some personal practices that have served our founder and his colleagues well. While writing has been a practice for many since childhood, the benefits of ideation have become more apparent with continued scientific research into brain activity.

Our founder was encouraged to record essential business ideas, challenges, issues, etc., from his days as a Professional Services Practice Manager with Unisys and Siebel Systems.
This practice continued from then and expanded to include business journals dedicated to product/service designs, developmental ideas, marketing, and other relevant topics that deserve their own journals.
His disciplines also include keeping separate folders for working papers, including detailed notes, drawings, scribbles, and the like. Working papers are handy when recalling ideas, sparking new ones, or supporting your copyright defense (your attorney will love these documents).

Happy Circumstances

Our writing experience has been rewarding, revealing, healing, protective, playful, and, yes—creative (to name a few that come to mind), though not necessarily in any order.

Writing was a learning device and technique in lower and higher education. We learned that you retain the written word, and we concur wholeheartedly.

We have filled notebooks, book margins, the backs and fronts of envelopes, and desk pads—fascinating history!!

We Use Technology Too

Today, we also write by keying similar “stuff” into our computers, smartphones, and tablets by pounding or pecking on the keys. We remain true to our original intent using all forms of devices (our pen-to-paper comes first and foremost—we learned not to use a pencil because it smears). But technology is nearing the point of being as effective as handwriting. We ask, “How come?”

There is a connection between your brain, eyes, and hand. Something about this combination of age-old action implants movement, touch, and viewing into our minds—heart and soul—yes? From a learning point of view, definitely. How, then, can we suggest that the words will manifest?

We find our comments understandable and straightforward because they are from our experiences.

Tangible Evidence

We can differentiate the creation of futures, whether a design concept or specific outcomes, because they show up authentically - this requires monitoring and tracking the results.

Also, we sometimes find it hard to explain precisely how and why this occurs, but it does.

We believe we can explain parts of the how and maybe answer one or two ideas about the why.

It doesn’t matter what we believe about it. What matters most is what you think, know, feel, and realize how this works.

Please share some of your ideas with us.