Letter-writing, my Love Language
When all else fails, it’s time to snail mail.
Hello.
Through this essay, I’d like to talk about a passion of mine: Letter-writing.
Letter-writing, to me, is akin to an art form; a slow, soothing channel of communication. As a deeply introverted adult, I find myself turning to the craft more often than I did when I was younger. Letters can be powerfully potent in the way that we can connect and reconnect with old + new folks in our lives on a sacred + soulful level. I write with intention, and I feel like I leave in my letters pieces of me that are fleeting (as we are ever-evolving), and through my correspondence with another, a wispy thread forms, shooting out into the Universe — making me feel a sense of connectedness with the world around in a very tangible way.
The Language of Letters
Letters come in a variety of forms, shapes and sizes, and its language is such that it speaks to me via the writer’s: a) Handwriting; b) Distinct communication style; c) Embellishments and flourishes (read: doodles and/or stickers); d) Closing signature, and what they leave me with, message-wise. The exercise of writing to someone is intimate when you consider who you are writing to and what you hope to convey. I do like to make sure my letters are luscious, long and heartfelt… I like the envelopes to arrive, chonky! Because I work on my ‘snail mail pile’ over a couple of scattered sessions, there’s usually always more to include.
Writing a Letter
There is not one way to write a letter, and as an adult, armed with life experiences and tools and what have you — it’s easy for me to tell you to grab some paper, and go ham! You could do that, but it’s not as simple, is it. Especially if you are new to letter-writing. Exercise-wise, letter-writing is meditative in the way that you can get into a tranquil state, prior to writing, and then, let the words pour out of you, as you sit down to write. That would be easier to do when the person on the receiving end is someone dear and known to you. When it’s someone new or a stranger whom you’re corresponding with, it’s natural to employ a measured approach, initially… Gradually, as the letter builds, and you begin to sink into the process, it should ideally feel like your pen is illuminating the path ahead.
What you can ask yourself, prior to writing is: Who is it that you are writing to, and what is your intention for correspondence? One way to approach it, should you be hesitant, is to write as you would a journal entry — this helps you consider what subject material you might like to include. The weather (an oldie + a goodie)! Something that excited you. Something that made you sad. A chat you had with a stranger. A recipe. How letter-writing is so foreign to you! (Wink, wink.) How you’ve been coping. The books you’ve been reading. Something you’ve been meaning to express. Closing thoughts: Let your heart lead the way, and allow yourself to be guided by the exercise and moment.
Disclaimers, and Dear So and Sos
Intimate as letters can be, as well as fleeting, in terms of the ‘content and context’ aspect, I would encourage you to keep the information you include — friendly and light, as much as is possible. Offloading can certainly be cathartic, and it’s wonderful to feel a sense of camaraderie and ease to share our joys and sorrows with someone dear, stranger or otherwise — in the way of humanly connecting. Even so, it’s rarely unwise to be careful and discerning when it comes to deeply personal tingz you might want to share, and that being said, please consider if it’s something better suited for your private journals, and/or to keep to yourself (for the time being). Lines get blurred, sometimes, and not everyone may receive you as you come. I speak from my limited experience, and everyone has their own lessons to learn on this Earth, and yet I felt called to say it because it can feel discouraging to put a piece of yourself out there and then be received as otherwise from what you might’ve intended. That being said, it’s okay, it happens, and I hope it won’t scar you when it does… Just think of this para as my word to the wise, if you will. (Thanks for listening.)
Letter-writing in the Time of Llorona
The Times (I’m writing this in 2021) are particularly discouraging and distressing, to say the least. To be able to yet have the means to connect with the world (as postal services permit), with each other is to feel less alone. We might have our partners, families, friends, pets and such, we might even find ourselves experiencing all of this on our very own, yet whatever it is — it is deeply human to want to feel that thread of connection with another and each other. While we are deeply advanced, technologically, and I have little to no grouses against electronic mail and internet-friendly mediums of communication (it is cheaper than stamps), there is something about the ‘snail mail movement’ that delights me like no other. I would even say that it is a hobby I hope to continue to indulge and partake in when I’m old and wilting. Por siempre.
Ending notes, and quotes –
- Lest you believe otherwise, letter-writing isn’t just for introverts to have and to hold. Extroverts, now is a good time as any to tap into your softer side — should you feel curious to explore connecting, in this manner. Things are heavy at this point, I know, and what better way to forge intimacy as we learn to communicate in startling new ways.
- This time is historical. What we plant now — seeds of hope; what we’re navigating and how we do — births and deaths; what we create or make during this time — time capsules, for the World of Tomorrow. Gifts for the children that are already here, and for the ones to come. Rays of hope, and Miracles to come. Potent portals into a Time that once was, however sorrowful, however sweet.
Thank you for reading.
A note: Let it be known that much as it’d be sweet, that you feel welcome here, experiences and views expressed on Rosewater. are deeply, truly, madly personal. (Unless stated otherwise.) Should they strike a chord with your own musings and reflections, that’s lovely, and if not, that’s cool too. This collection contains no facts, solo personal musings and truths.
