Words Manifest

This article contends that hand-written 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, 2010, 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. For us, we write our ideas, doodling, and anything which comes up for us, down in at least two separate 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

In the current business world, most people have moved on to electronic devices these days. 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) There is a recent analysis of this practice, which suggests what we say here.

Scientific data support effects 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 come to the forefront with continued scientific research into brain activity.

1. 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.

2. This practice was carried on from then and expanded to include business journals dedicated to product/service designs, developmental ideas, marketing, and other relevant topics that deserve their journals.

3. His disciplines also include keeping separate working papers folders including detailed notes, drawings, scribbles, and the like. Working paper comes in handy when trying to recall ideas, spark new ones, or support your copyright defense (your attorney will love these documents).

Happy Circumstances

Our experience of writing has been rewarding, revealing, healing, protective, playful, and yes – creative (i.e., to name a few which come present), though not necessarily in any order.

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

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

We Use Technology Too

Today, our writing also takes the form of 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 pencil because it smears). But, the technology is nearing the point to be as effective as handwriting. We ask, “How come?”.

There is a connection between your brain, eyes, and hand. There is something about this combination of age-old action that implants the 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 it be a design concept, or specific outcomes because they show up in authentic ways - this requires monitoring, and tracking the results.

Also, we sometimes find it hard to explain exactly how and why this does occur – but it does.

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

It’s not really important what we believe about it that matters. What matters most is what you think, know, feel and realize how this works in your life.

Please, share with us some of your ideas.