Journaling as Therapy.

Received, quite a while back, an Osmiroid fountain pen body with 9 interchangeable nibs. Also two ink converters. Also a Platignum italic with interchangeable nibs too. I thought at that time that various styles from the nibs could be applied to various written thoughts and feelings. Presentation is a valid link to the ambience of the words written down.

Initial thought number ONE.

Do I attempt to write a naïve review of small considerations applied to personal preferences? A ‘Hallelujah’ shout out to finding a nib or nibs with purpose and intent. In amongst these choices, quirky individual nibs that become little metal equivalents of ‘kindred spirits’. Sometimes even extending to soulmate status. Strange that ‘soulmate’ statement. But if a specific nib becomes the go between carrier and deliverer of your cherished words from my brain thoughts to visible words on paper. Whether in the form of the collective efficiency of the Hikyaku runners. The collectivism of the four B2’s with different choice ink colours and B4 in inky black. All 5 together supporting artistically by developing imagery alongside each other. Then alongside these the elusive, brave and tenacious individuality of the Copperplate and 3 width Italic Nibs akin to The White Mouse, GI Joe, The Marathon Man or John Richards Lapenotiere. Then yes……pen and nibs becoming soulmate/s

Thought number TWO.

On receiving these different Osmiroid 9 Nibs thoughts began to blossom regarding how to use each one with purpose. Could they become ‘Journal Pens’. Pens used in one simple journal with their individual quirks useful for themes. At the same time these arrived, I was already beginning to look at ‘Journaling as Therapy’, it gave me the idea of using them as ‘little nib type individuals’ in application for specific feelings and ambitions. Nibs having their own unique character was useful.

Writing techniques which involved either spontaneity or deliberation got me thinking. The way of wielding a nib comfortably is paramount. Well being should not be subject to fighting against the odds. These 9 bought nibs have 6 different choices. And 6 different personalities. Some personalities we enjoy being in the presence of. Some….less so. 

For myself, I cannot focus on the required discipline of Calligraphy. So, writing with the B2 and B4 Calligraphy nibs would be troublesome. They are truly difficult to wield. I have tried ‘The Artistry of Calligraphy’ in the various different styles on odd occasions over the years. Dipped into the discipline (excuse the pun) with the ‘How to write like this. An introduction to the art of Calligraphy’ from the Rexel Cumberland booklet. 

Rules such as Serifs applied to formal designs, Round form, Width greater than Height, Spacing, Contractions, Expansions, etc., etc. Or styles. Applied to Black Letter, Old English, Roman, Copperplate, French Ronde, Gothic, Commercial Lettering, the Uncials, etc. but find it very difficult. I suppose I just enjoy the tactile and therapeutic nature of simply writing out my thoughts, lyrics, etc. in a spontaneous way. Could the B2 and 4 nibs be used for simple art work maybe? Drawing naively. 

Back to ‘Journalling as Therapy’. 

As a nurse I have always been interested in Complementary Therapies. How a number of various and unlooked for interventions can assist well being. The Therapy of music by listening/instrument playing/singing/chanting/drumming, listening to or creating own storytelling, light therapy, aromatherapy, art therapy, Mindfulness, Mandala creation, etc. Consideration in their individual contribution within a holistic philosophy. That is….how they aid biological, psychological and sociological needs. Even for an ecological environmental improvements contribution. How and why each of the therapies are beneficial. How they individually or collectively create positivities in each of these specific fields. 

In self-journaling it seems it has ‘good energy’. Has positive effects and outcomes. Recently reading around the subject of discipline in committing to ‘Daily Journal Application’ it is seen to assist, in particular, Mental Health Well Being.

Focusing on these nibs I gave each considered thoughts.

Tap on photographs to enlarge.

First: Fine nib: Delicate and threadlike. Recording those patterns of life’s conundrums in the areas of Fragile, Frail or Fearful thoughts. 

Second: Medium nib: Mindfulness/Messages/Meaning. Musing on reflective thoughts. Then recording one’s own naïve philosophical deliberations in a brief analysis to the meanings that allow philosophical or active improvements in your life. 

Third: Broad nib: Boldness, Bravery and New Beginnings. Becoming positive by simply adopting positivity. Being committed and ambitious in seeking to become a better person. 

Fourth: Copperplate nib. Having a flexible dexterity with the nature to provide thickness and thinness, light and dark hues within the word structures. 

For example. A journal entry story about the whimsical imagery of Faerie Dance in the game of hide and seek. Hiding within the shadows and awaiting to be found once caught in the light thrown by candle flames. Blow on the candle flame a little because shuddering and trembling light/shadow dance gives them a more difficult, yet exciting, experience to keep hidden and therefore not found within the darkness.  

The Copperplate is a delicate and flexible nib to be treated ‘with consideration’ to provide Creativity in the Practice of penmanship. In other words. Muck about with your individual letter/word containment’s or go all out flourishes and extensions. 

Fifth: B2 (1 nib) and B4 (4 nibs). Practicing and hopefully ultimately succeeding in creating Oriental and Buddhist cultural imagery and symbolism. Artistry in simple line drawings. Expressing through this imagery using different coloured inks and the directional sweep of nibs producing altered degrees of thickness/depth and thinness/faintness of colour and lines  akin to photography’s ‘framing’ and ‘depth of field’.

Man! I need a coffee and some biscuits. 

Tap on photographs to enlarge.