41409603 – small gray kitten on a white background

My writing teacher keeps emphasizing substituting feeling language for thinking language in the personal essay I’ve been working on throughout her class. “Too cerebral,” she says.

I know she’s right. I shared my piece with a good friend who agreed, and suggested engaging my senses before I sit down to revise.

“Taste or smell something to ground you in your body. Touch something soft, listen to a piece of music, or look at a piece of art. If you want to get in touch with your feelings, put your fingers on something that has texture.”

Knowing that I’d be coming to the Writers Room today to work on my 4th draft, I searched my apartment for something to bring along that would create a soothing sensation when I touched it. A velvet scarf, furry earmuffs or a plush stuffed something. I came up empty-handed. I could not even find a cotton ball!

What a message! While I live an incredibly abundant life, it doesn’t include engaging my senses as abundantly as I could. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. I did notice that the pockets of my new winter coat are lined with a very soft, cushiony fabric that feels warm and pleasantly squishy when I put my hands in. I’m going to allow myself a few minutes to indulge in that comfort before I start pecking away at the keyboard this afternoon. Maybe even listen to Mozart on Spotify too.

To get in touch with my feelings, I actually have to touch something and allow the sensation into my body it. I’ll let my fingers and heart connect and see what happens on the page.