Benefits of Learning Calligraphy

Today, I want to talk about the reasons why one should give calligraphy a try. Most of us are constantly on the go. There’s barely any time to just stop and breathe; and technology, though has done wonders in the world by making things quick and easy, we’re busier than ever. Have you ever wondered why this is the case? We have Artificial Intelligence like Siri and Alexa, Google Home but do we even have the time to make complete use of it? Ironic, isn’t it?

Technology was supposed to make our lives simpler but the only thing it has done is glue us to the screens – be it a laptop or mobile phone. We have forgotten the joy that simple things like a pen and paper bring us. If we have to make a note, we bring out our phones, if we have to send our resumes, we send an email, if we have to buy groceries, we open apps and order online and so on and so forth. I’m no saint, I do the exact same things.

There were times I didn’t know what to do apart from constantly scrolling through my phone in my spare time. I was working, earning well then there’s no harm in doing this right? But I was on the lookout for something more, it was more like a yearning. And I’m so glad I re-stumbled upon calligraphy (read this blog to understand why I say re-stumbled). Calligraphy has turned my life upside down and for all the good reasons! Next time when you’re out, just take a moment, look around, observe the home nameplates, banners, advertisements, even movie scenes and introductions, all will have some or the other form of calligraphy on it. It’s beautiful and captivating.

Let’s talk about the benefits I experienced from learning and practising calligraphy:

1. Improves Your Mental Health – It truly does! We’re so busy all the time with work, family, travelling, chores, etc. that we hardly ever get time to just take some time off and focus on taking care of our mental health. Most of the times we don’t even have an idea of the state mental health is in. Calligraphy has truly helped me and several people across the globe to just take a step back, relax, focus on the present moment just by the simple act of putting pen to paper, by creating the different strokes required to master the art.

2. Improves Memory – When you truly relax and start being mindful in everything that you do, the clutter from your mind starts clearing off, it brings to the forefront what’s really important and enables you to remember things that actually matter.

3. Helps to Slow Down and Fully Engage with Our Thoughts, Calming Effect – In order to improve your strokes and create beautiful calligraphy, it’s very important to take things slow and when you do that, you are only focusing on the stroke you’re trying to create. At that moment, all you’re engaging with is that one thought of getting that particular stroke right. All other thoughts just tend to disappear and you feel a sense of calm.

4. Helps Build Heaps of Patience – Patience is a virtue and what better way to cultivate it than to learn and practice calligraphy. Each stroke has to be created slowly and steadily if not, the end result will not turn out the way you envisioned it.

5. Anyone Can Learn & Practice It – I never in my wildest dream think that I’d be an artist because I was far away from any kind of art. However, Calligraphy gave me confidence and helped me believe that anyone can be an artist if they just put their heart and mind to it.

6. Create Handmade Gifts for Your Loved Ones – I’m someone who has always struggled to find the perfect gift to give my loved ones. I always look for ways to personalize things. With calligraphy, I don’t need to struggle anymore. I can quickly create a card, write a note or letter, or even personalize the gift itself by writing on it in Calligraphy!

Now, as I write this, I have arrived at the fact that these are simply 6 of many reasons why you can give Calligraphy a try. In this fast-paced world, we all need a moment to stop, pause and reflect on ourselves and where our minds drift away. With Calligraphy, no wandering, simply being and changing your life around for good. Be creative. Be happy.