Felt in the Body

[Your Voice - XVI]

A PE teacher’s words are instructive. “Get in line.” “Run a lap.” “Stretch your hamstrings.” A yoga instructors words are also instructive. “Relax your left should as your lean, and breathe through your naval.” Both are talking about physical activity, but the yoga instructor's words can be felt in the body. 

A cafeteria employee prepares and serves meals. “You can have the pizza or the burrito. And one milk.”  It’s clear and instructive. A chef prepares and serves a meal, too. “You can smell the wild onion aroma on these chanterelles before they hit your pallet. Pause between each bite; allow the the layers of flavors to release slowly in your mouth.” Both are talking about food, but the chef’s words can be tasted—felt in the body. 

Your voice should be felt in the body. It doesn’t need to be flowery language, but it must go beyond the listener’s (or reader’s) ear.