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Much like how colouring became all the rage because of its mindful benefits, brush lettering classes in London offer the same rewards. With the digital world at your fingertips have you noticed that you are writing less by hand? It’s easy to be disconnected from the act of writing even though we actually write - or type - all the time. Typing is faster and convenient, but there’s something more charming about handwriting, and learning calligraphy can stimulate your brain in beautiful ways that tapping on a keyboard simply cannot.
If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing with productive things to do at home, a calligraphy starter kit is a great way to start. Learning how to write calligraphy with an online craft class can help you unleash your creativity to create beautiful lettering art.
As much as we might like to abandon them, computers are here to stay, so let’s not allow handwriting to become a dying form as a result of this! Since it is no longer essential for communication, handwriting can now take on new forms of creative expression, and be considered an art in itself.
From the beginning of time, humans have strived to communicate, whether that be by etching images onto surfaces like rock or sand, that eventually transformed into letterforms continued by us today. Calligraphy is rooted in the same artistic expression. By using our hands to physically recreate what’s in our minds, we connect our body and mind together. Brush lettering is a perfect embodiment of this, so if you’re stuck on what to do this weekend, here’s how it can benefit you.
About mindfulness and why we should practice it
The act of mindfulness allows us to be more present, it’s unbelievably easy, and arguably subconscious to rush through life overwhelmed and without noticing much. Paying more attention to the present moment, thoughts and feelings can improve your mental wellbeing. Running on ‘autopilot mode’ and being caught up in our thoughts is easy, but incorporating awareness and mindfulness is a simple addition to our daily lives.
Becoming more aware of the present without judgement can help us enjoy the world around us and understand ourselves better. It will help us to freshly experience things we might once have taken for granted. If we start to understand our unhelpful thought patterns, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts begin to take over, and stop them from controlling our emotions and behaviours.
Your first steps to embracing mindfulness can be as easy as reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and the world around you. Remember to be kind to yourself, not just others! The benefits of mindfulness are endless, allocating time each day can make you feel considerably calmer. It’s more than a practice, it’s a way of living! If we are more patient and less stressed, you become more connected and focused, and able to enjoy life more.
Why brush lettering is the perfect way to practice mindfulness and improve your wellbeing
The act of calligraphy promotes mindfulness as it allows you to be in touch with your senses and surroundings. Notice your fingers holding the best calligraphy pens, your hand resting on paper, your arm moving, and the weight of your body sitting down. Think carefully about what to write, and let your creativity flow. It’s one of the easiest and fun things to do at home to practice mindfulness.
Research has shown that calligraphy enhances our cognitive abilities, as it is both stimulating and relaxing. Not only are there mental benefits to practising brush lettering, but physical benefits too. It can decrease our heart rates, and increase our skin temperature. These effects in turn are similar to the calming effects of people who practice mindful meditation.
Calligraphy kits require concentration and allow you to keep focused on the present moment, in turn reducing stress. It’s more about the process of making it, than the outcome on the page. After all, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time.
Pay attention to the experience of writing and the senses it heightens. Put your judgement at bay, embrace imperfections and enjoy the process as this is what matters the most. There’s absolutely no pressure! Not only are you concentrating, by focusing your attention on writing meaningful, uplifting words, but you are also spreading positivity!
Brush lettering is more than just traditional handwriting, and more like drawing, as there is an element of movement and precision to each letter you write. It is slow and deliberate and enables you to push away those excess negative thoughts. Dedicating time to your day to brush pen calligraphy can be one of the simplest ways to incorporate some self-care into your everyday life.
Examples of lettering art are all around us, though easy to overlook, if you take care to notice, it’s everywhere - from website headings to billboards, packaging and publications. Join the movement, participate in a live online class and get stuck in now to brighten up your surroundings and improve your mental health.
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Brush lettering is first and foremost inspiring! A perfect way to write powerful, positive and thoughtful affirmations or inspirational quotes to get you by. Find and develop your own unique style and frame your own calligraphy, express yourself and display positive reminders around your home. A London brush lettering workshop or calligraphy class offers the perfect opportunity to learn these time-honoured techniques from a local lettering artist. You'll be guided through every part of the process, and you'll rest assured that you're in good hands, as your experienced guide will be on hand to offer inside tips and tricks to help your handwriting be the best it can be.
Let it be an ideal gift to give to your loved ones, inspiring them as well as yourself. Or combine calligraphy and art by making a masterpiece! Take pride and flourish in what you make. It’s a minimalistic practice, requiring things you are bound to have at home already, all you need is paper and brush lettering pens.
Brush up on your skills and start to write in calligraphy more frequently. Productive things to do at home, involving brush lettering could include: creating a bullet journal, add creative flair by handwriting invitations or greeting cards for any occasion for family or friends, maybe even write your significant other a fancy love letter, or anyone a handwritten note for that matter (a rare occurrence nowadays!). Make ordinary things extraordinary with brush lettering calligraphy! It’s the perfect escape, and an easy way to have a creative outlet, in turn benefitting your mental health and wellbeing.
You don’t have to do it alone either: take a group class together with friends or family and enjoy a quiet and relaxing indoor activity, keep connected and regain confidence in writing. It’s so much more than handwriting, and is proven to be a thoroughly enjoyable tranquil experience, with something to keep for yourself afterwards, created by you! It’s the ideal antidote to the digital age.
