I don’t “feel” emotions in my hands easily—how can I answer this prompt without overthinking it?

Keep it simple and sensory. Write one fast line using concrete qualities: texture, temperature, weight, shape, and movement. For example: “Anger in my hands is hot, gritty, and tight like a clenched rock.” If stuck, compare it to an object you’ve held (ice pack, sandpaper, rubber band, coffee mug). Then add 1–2 short descriptors: color (“red”), direction (“pushing outward”), or sound (“buzzing”). In Stoic, jot your first sentence quickly, then stop. The goal is contact, not perfection.

How does imagining anger in my hands actually help me handle it?

By giving anger a tangible form, you create space between you and the feeling—what Stoics call noticing the impression before assenting. That space reduces reactivity. Try this sequence: 1) Write the first sensory sentence about anger in your hands. 2) Breathe slowly for three exhales. 3) Ask, “What is in my hands to influence right now, and what isn’t?” (dichotomy of control). 4) Note one tiny, controllable action ( unclench fists, step outside, delay a reply). Use Stoic to capture the sentence and the one action; keep it brief so the practice feels doable.

What if this prompt intensifies my anger or pulls up tough memories—how do I stay grounded?

Set a gentle container: 60–90 seconds only. Keep your eyes on one object and write a single line. If intensity rises, pause the journal, unclench your hands, press your palms on a cool surface, or hold something steady (mug, table edge). Switch to a neutral sensation if needed: “Right now my hands feel the chair.” You can also move to a different emotion (“If I were to feel calm with my hands…”) or write, “Today this feels like too much,” and close the entry. In Stoic, it’s okay to keep it to one sentence—consistency beats depth on hard days.

Journaling Idea - On Feeling your Feelings.

Finish the sentence: “If I were to feel anger with my hands, it would be …”

Capture your first, instinctive answer. If you like, you can move on to other emotions.

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Nov 27, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

Finish the sentence: “If I were to feel anger with my hands, it would be …”

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