Path to Ambidexterity

Intersting video

2009-04-16T09:19:00.008+01:00

I found this the other day and thought I'd show you all in case you haven't seen it. Not only does this person write with both but creates a mirror image of the text and even flips it around simultaneously.

Newest update

2009-04-15T18:34:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,

I hadn't planned to return to the blog but saw an article the other day on handwriting tips which spurred me on to take up the challenge again.

I thought I'd write out the opening paragraph to the Ambidextrous wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambidexterity

Let me know what you think.

New message board online!

2008-08-27T10:24:00.001+01:00

Hey guys!

I've decided to make things more interactive and have set up a message board! The link is on the navigation menu to the right. Registration is FREE and is required to post on the forums, however you can browse with leisure as a guest if you would prefer!

http://ambidexterity.proboards104.com/

Thanks!

Back on track... this time with Poilo!

2008-08-22T09:09:00.001+01:00

Hey all!

It's been so long since my last update and I do apologise to those following my progress. I have been very busy with other commitments that I guess I lost track of the blog but now my left hand is back in action!

This extract is from the Wikipedia article on Poliomyelitis, which happened to be today's featured article.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poliomyelitis

Buckethead... awwww yeah!

2008-02-10T12:57:00.000Z

Hey you guys!

Here's my next update on how I'm doing. I've been really busy with university work and all that but still at the old ambidexterity game!

It's Buckethead, that crazy yet loveable guitarist. I saw an article on Ultimate-Guitar.com and I thought I should do a "lefty-piece" on him. Plus I have extended my left hand into the art world... check it out!

Also, changed the skin about... what do you guys think?

Ethnic groups in Eastern Europe

2007-12-26T11:19:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone! :-D (or at least for yesterday)

I was going to do a left handed Christmas piece but decided to go with some of the Eastern European countried and their capitals... obvious choice really!

More interesting facts!

2007-11-24T11:47:00.001Z

First of all, thanks for your emails guys - I just got round to replying to them today. These emails keep me focused on my ultimate goal and keep me motivated. When I read these emails I immediately want to practice with my left hand :-)

Here's my next sample, it is a series of interesting facts - I like the last one.

Cheers guys for all your support and quetions!

Nitrogenomics!

2007-10-20T15:34:00.000+01:00

Hey all!

Well here's my next trial, it's all about nitrogenomics! Now you can not only track my progress but you can learn too! :-)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenomics

In this sample I tried writing slower in the right hand column because, ultimately, I want to be able to write fast enough with good legibility.

This ones a big one! Please note you may have to click on it a few times to get it to the right size.

Lose The Game

2007-09-25T14:38:00.000+01:00

You may have heard of this game before which, regrettably, I have to say that I have lost. It is "a mental game and social phenomenon" which is kinda fun, kinda geeky and thought provoking. The source is www.losethegame.com and I have highlighted the three main rules (using old faithful lefty)

La guitarra

2007-08-28T11:31:00.001+01:00

Howdy folks!

Sorry it's been so long since my last update - a month to be precise - but I have been away on holiday.

During my holiday I actually managed to do a fair bit of left-handed writing and things seem to be getting much better. My pen control and overall flow to my writing, I feel, is improving. Check it out! :-D

Also, thanks to everyone who has emailed me - keep 'em coming!

Random Simpsons facts!

2007-07-27T13:40:00.000+01:00

Inspired by the new Simpsons movie, I decided to write out a few random facts!

The facts were taken from this website:
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/362-the-simpsons-tv-show-facts

I tried to write a bit smaller and took a bit more care this time as opposed to a more flowing movement. It involved more muscle action which lead to a bit of cramping but I feel this is the best way to get the results.

I'm still keeping up the brusing, eating and general mouse control with my left hand and still finding it a bit tricky, especially the mouse movements but it will all add up eventually. :-)

Five miscellaneous facts!

2007-07-09T16:22:00.001+01:00

Hey!

I have written out a list of five miscellaneous, yet interesting, facts - I find numbers three and five quite fitting.

:-)

La Belle Lucie

2007-06-26T13:47:00.000+01:00

Here's my latest piece (again from wikipedia). I have been doing quite a bit of practice recently, finding myself writing notes on the calendar and taking info/messages from calls. In work I find myself stacking shelves (as I work part-time in a supermarket) primarily with my left these days to try to train the muscles up. I also tend to wear my watch on my right wrist, trying to get used to it - still feels kinda funny though.

I've also got a blank jotter in which I am writing out the lyrics to various songs. I find this is much more enjoyable and easier to do with my left since I don't have to constantly look up at the screen or stare into a book.

Saxamaphone!!!

2007-06-05T20:39:00.000+01:00

I've always like the funky sax so I decided to write a little bit 'bout it! This one is is pencil so can be a bit hard to make out. I find it easier using pencil than pen so I'll probably do most of my future entries that way - I'll just lean a little harder :-P

The Smith & Wesson 73, baby!

2007-05-31T13:31:00.001+01:00

I'm back on the ambidexterity wagon after finishing my exams! :-)

I've used the random function on wikipedia once again to bring you an extract of the good ol' Smith n' Wesson model 73!

I did develop a bit of cramp in my hand while writing but I guess it's only natural. Plus I haven't really been using much of my left hand this month, unfortunately.

Now that I'm all free from studying I can really focus on my main goal over the summer - to become fully ambidextrous!

It's thermal reaction time!

2007-05-02T17:45:00.000+01:00

Hey!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I've been real busy with exam revision and such so I wont really manage to get full-on into the ambidexterity practice until around June. I'm gonna be using my left hand as much as I can over the summer holidays! :-)

Here's some info on thermal reactors. This isn't a particular field of interest for me, I just hit "Random Article" in Wikipedia and this came up.

The world of music...

2007-04-16T21:13:00.000+01:00

Here's two quotes I did just there. I tried writing a little bigger on the second one. As you'd imagine it was easier since you don't have to be as precise and is, I suppose, less stricter on the muscles. Still, I guess if developing a fine writing technique requires finely-developed muscles of the hand/arm then writing smaller would be best.

Not to know at large of things...

2007-04-13T12:06:00.000+01:00

Here's one I did just there. I am happy with my progress as I feel I am getting much quicker (although still slow in comparison to my stronger hand). This one's by John Milton.

San Feliu

2007-04-12T21:16:00.000+01:00

Here's a little snippet from a Spanish travel book that I wrote out. I did this one today. From now on all posts are going to be the stuff that I wrote that particular day, not from old examples. :-)

Stuttering issues

2007-04-04T15:37:00.000+01:00

Hey,

I've noticed that I tend to stutter a bit more these days especially when working while talking to the public. I was slightly put off by this and actually gave a hault to the project. I did notice a slight difference once I had stopped but I couldn't resist on continuing so here I am back in action.

I know that some of you guys are also trying to become ambidextrous - anybody else had similar experiences?

Always know when you've pushed beyond your limits (2 extracts)

2007-04-04T15:34:00.001+01:00

Wow, long time since my last update - sorry guys... :-|

Here's two extracts (2 for 1 deal) this time.

The book of wisdom!

2007-03-13T20:54:00.000Z

I just thought I'd share with you the book from which I am taking my samples.

It's called Everyday Positive Thinking (by Louise Hay):

Click on the image to take a closer look or to order the book! Tis mucho good!

Each day, accept everthing!

2007-03-13T20:49:00.000Z

I am starting to feel much more confident when holding the pen. The grip is becoming more natural and it almost feels like I can properly write with my left hand just upon grasping the pen. Obviously I need to develop more of my finer movements to perfect all aspects of writing.

Just a quick note, I have not just been writing small excerpts specifically for my blog entries... I have done much more writing in between posts I just like to post updates to show you how I'm getting on!

Thanks! :-)

Work can be used to justify...

2007-03-12T10:40:00.000Z

Here we are again (much quicker than usual I have to say)! :-)

Sometimes you need a good scream!

2007-03-09T17:48:00.000Z

Hahaha sometimes I feel like this when I feel that I am not making much progress!

These are your times

2007-03-02T20:41:00.000Z

Hello again,

So, what do you make of this then?

I have decided to scan all of my future entries rather than taking a picture. I think you'll agree that the quality is a lot better.

Left and right brain control

2007-02-25T13:28:00.000Z

I have found this interesting picture whilst browsing the net...

Source: http://www.lefthandersday.com/tour2.html

The image highlights how different fields are controlled by different areas of the brain - the right side controls the more scientific approach whilst the left delivers a sense of creativity... what'dya think?

It's easy to get lost...

2007-02-23T23:21:00.000Z

Here's my next addition to the blog. I am actually fairly happy with my progress.

What'dya guys think? Feel free to post some comments on any of the posts. Just click on the comments link below the post to say what you feel! :-)

Gosh, I really should start updating this more, it has been too long since my last post.

Ciao

New email address update

2007-02-19T15:05:00.002Z

Hey,

I've had a few emails coming through regarding my blog and I'm delighted to see that! However, I have changed over my email account. You can now reach me at:

cadanoche@gmail.com

Thanks!

Getting better?.. yes?

2007-02-13T20:02:00.000Z

Not too bad but still shakey - a long way off but I still think things are on the way up! Hurray!

Second attempt...

2007-02-01T00:06:00.000Z

Yup here we go again... can't really say there's much difference but that's to be expected...

First attempt...

2007-01-28T16:08:00.000Z

Well here's my first real attempt at writing with my left hand. This (writing) will be the main focus at the moment. After mastering this skill I hope to move on to other activities like throwing a ball, batting, cooking etc.

So what actually is ambidexterity?!

2007-01-28T15:52:00.001Z

Basically ambidexterity is the ability to use both hands equally well.

The word "ambidextrous" is derived from the Latin roots ambi, meaning "both," and dexter, meaning "right" (as opposed to left) or favorable. Thus, "ambidextrous" is literally "right on both sides".
Source: Wikipedia

True ambidexterity is something that you can't really learn - as it tends to be something learned from birth. However it is possible, through practice, to build up a stronger ability to be able to use both hands effectively. As I write this I am using my left hand to control the mouse - it felt funny at first but after a few weeks it becomes something I automatically do whenever I sit down at the pc.

Benefits of ambidexterity include:

If you're writing or drawing with one hand for some time then you're likely to get tired - now you can simply switch to the other hand to finish the job!
Certain tasks (e.g. sculpting) require skilled use of both hands.
If you suffered from an injury to one hand/arm then you can still perfom basic, everyday tasks (e.g. writing).

Here are just a few people who are ambidextrous (or were considered to be ambidextrous):

Leonardo da Vinci
Albert Einstein
Ludwig van Beethoven
Fatty Arbuckle
Marilyn Monroe
Dick Van Dyke
James Woods

So there ya have it - hopefully you're clear (if you weren't before) about the concept of ambidexterity. I'll now leave you with a series of interesting links related to the subject!

External Links:

Cross-dominance on Wikipedia
Ambidextrous people are brain damaged
The point of ambidexterity
Ambidexterity exercise

Welcome... the journey has just begun!

2007-01-28T15:51:00.001Z

Why hello, there!

I see you've managed to stumble across my blog... in doing so I take it that you're interested in my adventure to, one day, obtain ambidexterity. Either that or you're just curious... either way enjoy!

So what actually is ambidexterity? Well, you'll find all you need to know here.

I suppose I decided to try to become ambidextrous after reading about it. I always knew it exsisted but it was only until I plowed through wikipedia and other sources on the net did I really become interested in the skill. My main reason for doing so is really just for personal challenge but also to see what kind of other benefits being able to use both hands brings.

Thanks for taking the time to read my short introduction. If you'd like to contact me then please send a message to cadanoche@gmail.com.