Chapter 1: The Magic of Nondominant Hand Journaling

Isn’t it intriguing to consider trying something new? Journaling with your nondominant hand might seem unusual, but the potential benefits are remarkable!

By Eric Maisel

This series titled “Journaling for Men” aims to guide everyone, especially men who may be unfamiliar with the practice, in harnessing the power of daily journaling to enhance their overall well-being. It integrates concepts from two of my recent works: Redesign Your Mind, which discusses upgrading your mental space, and The Great Book of Journaling, co-edited with Lynda Monk, featuring insights from numerous journaling experts. I hope you find this series beneficial and consider incorporating journaling into your daily routine for greater self-awareness and self-care.

Lucia Capacchione has long advocated for the benefits of engaging our nondominant hand. In her contribution to The Great Book of Journaling, she shares her personal journey:

"In 1973, I faced a series of crises that culminated in a mysterious illness that baffled doctors. As my condition worsened, I was bedridden without the distractions of modern technology, spending my days reading various books, including Anais Nin’s Diary. It was a challenging period filled with relentless fatigue, anxiety, and uncertainty.

As an artist, my sketchbook was my refuge, a place where I fused inspiring quotes with my own imagery. During my illness, I began to express my thoughts and emotions through writing in my sketchbook—an unexpected shift for me. Soon, I began to draw alongside my words, creating strange and unfamiliar images. These drawings felt disconnected from my usual artistic style, resembling works I had encountered during a college art department visit that left me questioning my sanity.

Despite my confusion, I continued journaling out of necessity. To my surprise, each session brought a sense of relief. A friend remarked that my journaling resembled art therapy, while another recommended a therapist, Ms. Bond Wright, who specialized in creative healing methods. Once I felt strong enough, I sought her guidance, leading to a pivotal breakthrough.

Under Ms. Wright’s direction, I used a large crayon on newsprint with my nondominant hand, facilitating a connection to my inner child. Although it felt clumsy, the experience was transformative. This method unlocked feelings, energy, and creativity in ways I had never experienced before.

One day, while journaling, my left hand instinctively drew a stick figure of a young girl, resembling a child's artwork. Then, this drawing began to express its emotions through bold letters. A dialogue emerged between my two hands: my dominant hand echoed the critical inner voice, while my nondominant hand voiced the assertive inner child. Ultimately, the inner child triumphed, leading to a profound reflection written with my dominant hand, revealing insights about my illness and its underlying causes—self-judgment.

This experience felt like a rebirth. Within six months of starting this journaling practice, my health was restored. I continued exploring two-handed drawing, finding it calming and beneficial for my well-being.

Why not give it a try? It truly feels magical! Journaling with your nondominant hand could lead to surprising discoveries.

The first video, Learning How To Write With My Left Hand for 30 Days | The Hobbyist, explores the journey of adapting to using the nondominant hand, showcasing the personal growth that can stem from this unique practice.

The second video, Left Right Handed Journaling Exercise: A Therapeutic Tool for Insight with Dr. Kate Truitt, delves into how this exercise serves as a therapeutic approach for gaining deeper self-insight.

Get your copy of The Great Book of Journaling today! Explore more insightful articles from The Good Men Project on Medium:

• What You Don’t Know About Male Anger Can Kill You or Someone You Love
• Your Past is Not a Problem, it is Just a Perspective.
• How to Stop Being Uncentered

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This article was previously published on The Good Men Project.