The Read Well Podcast: "I Fixed My Handwriting—and My Reading Improved" (EP 94)
Host: Eddy Hood
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Introduction: Connecting Handwriting and Reading
Eddy Hood opens Episode 94 by sharing his personal struggle with handwriting. As a left-handed individual, Eddy has long battled with messy handwriting, which he believes hampers his ability to take effective notes and engage deeply with his reading materials. He introduces the episode's central theme: improving handwriting can lead to enhanced reading experiences.
“I believe it's more important to read well than to be well read.” – Eddy Hood [00:00]
The Impact of Handwriting on Note-Taking and Reading Comprehension
Eddy delves into how poor handwriting has affected his journaling and note-taking over the years. His initial frustration stems from being unable to decipher his own handwritten notes, which often results in wasted journals and lost ideas. This realization prompts him to take action towards improving his handwriting.
“If I can't read those thoughts later, then the journal negates itself, and I've just wasted.” – Eddy Hood [10:45]
Discovering the Connection Between Writing Speed and Aesthetic
Through his research, Eddy discovers a critical insight: speed does not equate to beautiful handwriting. He emphasizes that striving for speed often sacrifices the legibility and aesthetic quality of one's writing. This revelation is pivotal in his journey to enhance both his handwriting and reading skills.
“Speed does not equate to aesthetic writing. It's really difficult to write quickly and to have something aesthetic on page.” – Eddy Hood [13:20]
Practical Strategies for Slowing Down and Improving Handwriting
Eddy outlines practical steps he took to slow down his writing process:
- Mindful Writing: Being conscious of each letter and the overall formation of words.
- Reducing Speed: Deliberately decreasing writing speed to focus on legibility.
- Physical Adjustments: Addressing physical discomfort and hand cramps by relaxing his grip and adjusting his posture.
“First, you have to pull back the speedometer and let your hand pay attention to the lines it's making.” – Eddy Hood [14:50]
Parallels Between Handwriting and Reading Practices
Drawing parallels between the act of writing and reading, Eddy explains how both are skills that require patience and practice. Just as improving handwriting involves slowing down, enhancing reading comprehension necessitates a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to reading.
“Reading is a skill much like my handwriting. And as I write quickly, my hand starts to cramp. That's a normal thing. We are doing something physical here.” – Eddy Hood [22:15]
Overcoming Physical Barriers to Enhance Reading Endurance
Eddy discusses the physical challenges of reading for extended periods, such as neck and back pain, and how he combats these issues by altering his reading environment. He shares techniques like pacing while reading and adjusting his seating to reduce discomfort, thereby increasing his reading stamina.
“I can extend my reading to an hour or two hours if I do that. And it's all just change back and forth between sitting and then walking the room with my book.” – Eddy Hood [19:05]
Bringing Personal Experiences into Writing and Reading
Eddy reflects on how personal emotions and experiences influence both his handwriting and reading. He acknowledges that one's mental state can affect the quality of their writing and the depth of their reading comprehension, urging listeners to be mindful of their emotional baggage when engaging with texts.
“You bring your baggage to the practice of writing and reading.” – Eddy Hood [27:35]
Evolution of Reading Perspectives: From Aesthetic to Ethical to Spiritual
Eddy introduces concepts from Kierkegaard’s philosophy to explain how readers' perspectives evolve over time. He outlines three stages:
- Aesthetic Perspective: Judging books based on surface-level traits like cover aesthetics and plot speed.
- Ethical Perspective: Valuing books for their moral and ethical insights.
- Religious/Spiritual Perspective: Engaging with texts on a deeper, more existential level.
He emphasizes that personal growth and increased reading experience allow readers to appreciate literature more profoundly, moving beyond mere entertainment to a deeper understanding.
“Kierkegaard... when you're in one perspective, the other two don't make sense... you have to go through a real sort of transformation to be in that new perspective.” – Eddy Hood [35:50]
Personal Growth Through Challenging Reads
Eddy shares his journey with Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five. Initially overwhelmed and uninterested due to its complex themes and non-linear narrative, he eventually grew to appreciate the book as his reading skills and perspectives matured. This transformation underscores the importance of revisiting challenging texts with a more developed mindset.
“Reading Slaughterhouse Five... there was a deeper meaning to it, something that I couldn't see before. It wasn't there.” – Eddy Hood [42:10]
Final Thoughts: Embracing Reading as an Evolving Skill
In conclusion, Eddy reinforces the idea that both handwriting and reading are skills that can be improved with awareness, patience, and deliberate practice. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their writing speed and emotional state, advocating for a more thoughtful and engaged approach to reading.
“Just choose to be conscious with it. Choose to slow down. If the book's not making sense to you, pull that speedometer back and let it do its job.” – Eddy Hood [49:30]
Closing Remarks and Community Engagement
Eddy wraps up the episode by thanking his listeners and announcing upcoming milestones, including a live event celebrating his 100th episode. He invites listeners to engage with additional resources on his website and social media platforms to continue their journey towards becoming better readers.
“Thank you for listening to the Read well podcast. As always, remember to read slowly, take notes, and apply the ideas.” – Eddy Hood [50:45]
Key Takeaways
- Awareness and Intentionality: Improving handwriting and reading requires being mindful of the process and intentional in practicing slower, more deliberate techniques.
- Physical Comfort: Addressing physical comfort can significantly enhance both writing and reading endurance.
- Emotional Influence: Personal emotions and experiences can impact the quality of writing and depth of reading comprehension.
- Evolving Perspectives: As readers grow, their ability to engage with and appreciate more complex and abstract texts increases.
- Continuous Practice: Both handwriting and reading are skills that benefit from continuous practice and patience.
Recommended Actions for Listeners
- Assess Your Handwriting: Reflect on how your handwriting affects your note-taking and reading comprehension. Consider practices to improve legibility.
- Slow Down: Whether writing or reading, prioritize quality over speed to enhance understanding and retention.
- Adjust Your Environment: Modify your physical space to reduce discomfort during prolonged writing or reading sessions.
- Embrace Challenging Texts: Allow yourself to engage with complex materials as your skills develop, fostering deeper intellectual growth.
- Engage with the Community: Utilize resources provided by Eddy Hood on his website and social media to support your journey toward better reading habits.
By intertwining personal anecdotes with practical advice, Eddy Hood effectively illustrates the interconnectedness of handwriting and reading, offering listeners actionable strategies to enhance both skills. Episode 94 serves as an insightful guide for anyone looking to deepen their reading habits and improve their note-taking capabilities.