Why Pens, Anyway?

We all know there’s something to this whole “writing things down by hand” idea. 

It helps us learn and recall more actively, enhancing our memory better than the act of typing. There are many theories as to why. Is it the speed? Writing by hand is inherently slower than typing. When we slow down, we remember better.

Writing with a pen is a uniquely tactile sensation in a world that is increasingly homogenized in the sensory aspect of communications. You’ve tapped on one glass-fronted tablet, you’ve basically tapped them all. But pens? Pens are different. Unique. Pens feel distinct from one another. Even those who don’t particularly care one way or the other about which pen they use probably have a favorite, if they stop and think about it for a moment.

I think that’s another element of why writing by hand matters. It’s the stopping and thinking. It’s the intentionality of selecting a pen that pleases you. If you write things down by hand – taking notes on a call, scribbling a grocery list, penning long letters, sending cards to loved ones on their birthday – you are making an active choice, even for a moment, to go analog. And if you then take the next step and select your pen, paper or both – you are acting mindfully. You are intentionally choosing something that brings you joy.

There are options available to you. You might never use a pen. You might pick up whatever pen is randomly lying around. You could use a crappy pen that you don’t like and pisses you off every time it hard starts.

But if you pick up the right pen? The pen that fits your hand perfectly and is balanced just so. One that starts reliably, lays down the perfect amount of ink and gives you the exact feeling you want from your paper … when all of these forethought choices come into play, an otherwise mindless moment becomes intentional. And this mindfulness is cumulative – building upon itself to create more joy.

I’m not even factoring in the times you actively revel in your pens. Journaling, ink swatching, making swirls, copying verses, sketching… whichever way you enjoy your pens that just makes you feel good. Those moments are exquisite and intentional. But these other little unintentional moments can also lead to happiness.

And significantly lovelier grocery lists.