The Sacred Pen & Zen

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.

The pen that you use everyday may be significance to you, or not. We all have so many pens we don’t give them much thought.

Writing started around 4000 BCE with just scratches on tablets. Around the 6th century BCE, they introduced the quill pen. It was a daunting process to write as the quill had to be sharpened to hold the ink.

As time past many versions of pens were made, until around 1800 when a similar pen you use now was created.

Early on, it was a gift to be able to understand language and write. This art-form was cultivated by scribes who honed their craft and by doing so they gave us beautiful styles of writing along with their insight.  

In this modern time, we take this sacred instrument for granted. The pen is not used as much. We have computer and tablets that took it’s place. The pen is now placed right along with the No.2 pencil. It’s there when you need it, but not the first thing you reach for. We have even started debate about keeping cursive writing in school. 

Our pens have become disposable, so we treat them that way. We have so many that we toss them in our purse, our desk draw, on the counter and everywhere else. We give them very little thought.

So much thought goes in the use of words, too bad it didn’t go in the instrument used to write these words.

Pens are so inexpensive that we use them for other reasons besides writing; they are now advertising instruments.

How many pens do you think you have? You might be surprised cause they hide in the strangest places. Most of us have over 75. How many have advertising on them?

It is funny how we don’t even notice the advertising or the pens anymore.  

It is time to really ‘look’ at a pen.

Try this mini-exercise.

Find a pen that you like. Look at it as if you have never seen it before. Look at the shape, the way it fits in your hand, the texture, the movement as it guides you to write. Notice the flow of ink.

It is such an interesting instrument, complex yet simple in it’s shape and form.

Pen & Zen…

• Using a pen increases the hand-to brain connection. The repetition of writing can change your mindset and alter your thought process as it works on the subconscious level.
• Pens bring clarity of words, joy and ease at which to express these thoughts.
  The best way to do this is to write mindfully and with a slow hand. This slows down your thoughts and brings out the creative process.
• If you press really hard on the paper with your pen, we can cause scars on the paper below. Words cause damage too. Be compassionate and kind with your writing.
• When a pen has ink that flows with ease, it makes your writing and words flow too.
• The pen is a tool, the thoughts that move through the pen is the essence of our expression; be grateful for the ability to bring these thoughts to fruition. 

The beauty of the written word has captivated people for a very long time. Writing with our pen is an art form that should be appreciated; it is a sacred item that is used in our ordinary lives.

Peace, Hugs & Purrs,

KT Cat Paws