Thumb Twiddling - a Lost Art

                      Thumb Twiddling - a Lost Art

Thumb Twiddling, a lost art, an activity that seems to be mindless, yet it stimulates patience, passivity, prudence, and production but uses little energy, therefore qualifying as a “green” activity, using no depreciable resources.

Who can twiddle? Most seem to think it lies only within the abilities of the senior citizen group, but it can be used by any age, to great advantage. Twiddling should be taught as early as possible to instill a love of motion and mindless activity. Note, however, that it may be very difficult for those under 5 and those over 105.

         Hence – the Twiddling techniques, or how-to, if you may.

         Location – anywhere hands are allowed.

Materials – hands of any size or shape, preferably with opposable thumbs, clean or unclean. Be warned, however, that fast twiddling with unclean hands could result in throwing off skunk-like odors, as well as hurling miniscule debris into the air.

First, make sure nails and cuticles are cut and filed smooth, as injury could occur when the thumbs overlap. Applying lotion liberally before twiddling also cuts down on the friction.

Second, place the hands close together, fingers intertwined, thumbs overlapping. Then slide the fingers apart so that they lay side by side, as do the thumbs. This is most comfortable if the hands rest on an ample stomach. If that’s not available, a lap area will do. Begin to rotate the thumbs around each other.

The thumbs should touch slightly. More pressure slows the thumbs, giving more physical sensation, which can be quite pleasurable. Clockwise and counter-clockwise motion should be tried until the twiddler decides which motion works the most smoothly.

Caution should be exercised when twiddling fast, as friction injury could be caused to the stomach or lap. Therefore, a fast twiddle should be done an inch or two away from the resting area. A fast start to a twiddle will often generate mental activity, so the twiddler would do well to think about the state of mind desired before beginning.

Of course, once one becomes experienced, it’s easy to switch between the slow and fast twiddle, without any detrimental mental effects, such as confusion, uncontrolled laughter, or babbling.

The novice twiddler would do well to watch the thumbs, noting the change in rhythm when speeding up. Then practice not watching, in order to feel the rhythm. Feeling the rhythm is the goal of every twiddler. Once that feel is perfected, the twiddler is able to start/stop and change speed without possible injury to self or those close by.