Jul
Writing Exercises
In several of my classes, I emphasize the use of the written word. There are several small writing exercises. Most involve making lists. Others might take a different tack. I might have people write out the thought for the day, for instance. Invariably, there will be written exercises.
Why? What does writing do? For one thing, it helps make an idea tangible to the mind. An idea is a thought, and a thought is intangible. Writing it down makes it tangible. It assigns a place and a form to the idea. The mind has an easier time dealing with a concept that it can visualize, even if it is in written words on a piece of paper. This shortens the time it takes to understand the idea.
Another reason is to face facts. A thought in mind can easily be excused. When it is written on paper, it is harder to evade. There it is, in ‘black and white’. It is right there where you can look at it. That piece of paper will not evaporate like a thought. A little tangibility makes it easier to face facts.
Of course, there is always the notion of adding action to an idea. Writing is action. When you write it down, you physically deal with it. Your hand is imparting tangibility to that idea. It becomes more personal.
When you find it difficult to “wrap your mind around”, an idea or concept, try writing it down. Write down the name of the thing. It may be a single word or a few sentences. Write it and look at it. Set it down for a moment, and look at it again. That little bit of penmanship can be a great help in going from abstraction to understanding.
As one man said, “Your eyes are as quick as your mind! “
