The Hypnotic Dance of Dictation

Care to join me on a nostalgic journey

Dear Friend

How are you feeling today?

I’m tired, I think I peaked too soon on Monday and Tuesday. I’ll never understand why I keep putting undue pressure on myself to “keep on keeping on”.  I think I’ll take this Wednesday a little slower than usual.

Yesterday I was reminiscing over the memories of my teenage years, sitting in my geography class, not sure why, but it came to mind.  I used to love geography, mainly because my teacher used to teach us through dictation.  Is that a lazy way to teach children? I’m not sure.  But I loved it.

As my teacher’s voice used to fill the air with words, my fountain pen moved in tandem across my textbook.  It wasn’t the information that was being conveyed, not at all, it was about the sheer joy of writing.

For at least an hour, I’d lose myself in the rhythm of it all.  Forever the daydreamer.  I used to love the scratch of the nib against the paper, then lose myself, mind wandering while writing aimlessly. It was so hypnotic.  A trance like state of mind, where the outside world faded away, and all that existed was the connection between my hand, pen and paper.

Did I retain any of the geography knowledge?  Hell no.  My mind was far far away, lost in daydreams while my hand automatically recorded every word.  What a talent. Multitasking so well at such a young age. Looking back it was quite an extraordinary experience, so freeing, so cathartic.  Even now, decades later, I find myself craving those moments of pure, unadulterated writing bliss.

Recently, I listened to the brilliant Helen Garner (my new girl crush), when she mentioned spending hours copying the words of writers.  Her goal? To learn how to string sentences together, to feel the beat through the strokes of her pen.  Oh, Helen, I’m a girl after your own heart. You’ve become my new writing muse, inspiring me even more, to reconnect with the tactile joy of handwriting.

“I had always thought sorrow was the most exhausting of the emotions. Now I know it was anger” Helen Garner

There’s something quite magical about physically writing, especially when journaling, about feeling the weight of the pen and watching the ink flow.  It’s a connection to the words that typing on a keyboard just can’t replicate. 

How is your handwriting?  Do you find writing with a fountain pen cathartic?  It’s all too easy to write on a digital device these days.  I think we’ve lost touch with the simple pleasures of good quality handwriting.  What’s do you think? Each week, I remind my students that it’s never too late to rediscover your handwriting, to lose it would be devastating.

Hey, you might want to practice writing neatly if this substack post resonates? If so, I’ve curated a few prompts to get you going…

1. Write about a childhood memory associated with hand writing.  How does it make you feel?

2. Describe your perfect writing instrument.  What does it look like?  How does it feel in your hand? Do you have a favourite brand of pen?

3. Copy a paragraph from your favourite book by hand.  How does it feel to write someone else’s words?

4. Describe a moment when you lost yourself in the art of writing.  What sensations do you remember?

5. Describe your ideal writing space.  What elements would enhance your connection to the written word?

So dear friend, why not dust off that fountain pen or did out that old notebook?  Try and lose yourself in the nostalgic joy of handwriting.  Who knows what dreams and stories might flow from your pen today?

Until the next time 

Take care and stay safe xx

What’s On 'with ease'

Journal through July - a 30 day journaling challenge over on Substack Notes. Daily prompts and top tips to encourage you to “Rage on a Page”

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with 6 women and there are only 3 spaces left available. Starting from the 9th September 2024

More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop-27th September 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale- there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! 18th-20th October 2024