Cursive Writing

Studies from various research institutions have explored how long-hand, aka “cursive” writing, supports brain healing after trauma because the left and right hemispheres work together when we write. As our hand moves across the page to form words that express our thoughts and feelings, the left brain engages with the right brain’s reflections and big-picture perspectives on these thoughts and feelings. Long-hand writing is the perfect unifier of analysis and physical engagement with reflections and intuitions that lead to the wisdom and insight we need to grow beyond our current limitations.

Put another way: Long-hand/cursive writing helps to unify the hemispheric actions of the brain so that the left brain’s language, logic, calculations, and analysis become more creative and grounded in the right-brain’s awareness of larger patterns, influences, and contexts in which the specific and individual events occur. This powerhouse combination strengthens the bonds between the mind, the body, the heart, the spirit.

What to do if you don’t write in cursive?

Spend time every day writing your thoughts in a journal. Many sites online teach correct cursive letter formation, and this is the place to start. The more you write in long-hand, the more your creativity will emerge. Flourishes, unique capital letter styling, size, shape, and slant will take care of themselves. Remember, no one is grading your writing. Using cursive writing consciously forms a direct conduit between your cache of wisdom and broad perspectives and your experiences in the day-to-day world. These two realms are meant to work together to bring meaning and even joy.

Happy writing!