Introducing Rebecca Feinberg
I am thrilled to introduce you to the writing of my creative friend, Rebecca G. Feinberg. During the work week, Rebecca is the director of Foundation Relations at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation. She works with faculty, staff, and students to secure private funding for campus research programs and initiatives with particular focus on wellbeing.
As a writer, Rebecca previously published with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. She finds the process of writing instrumental in processing her feelings and emotions, a way to connect through authenticity. Rebecca writes with the intention that her poems and essays allow readers to know that they are not alone in their experiences and that their voice deserves to be heard.
Please welcome Rebecca into the safe space of Starry Starry Kite where her courageous and unique voice will be witnessed, heard, and valued.
Interview with Rebecca G. Feinberg
What is your process for creating something new?
My process is allowing my writing (or other creative project) to emerge when it is ready and in the shape it takes, keeping my hands off the wheel. Allowing the creative work to flow through me, rather than be controlled by me. I never start with a plan of what I am going to create. I wait for the “knowing” and then follow it.
How has being creative influenced the way you see the world?
I experience the world with more curiosity, wonder, and awe. More vibrancy. A slower pace. Making connections–between experiences outside and inside myself. A way to express my journey.
What inspires you? What do you do when you are ‘stuck?’
My inspiration always comes from an experience I have had–more and more from a comment made that resonates deep in my soul to reveal a truth that needs to be expressed—it often feels like an “aha” moment and then a pull forward to release.
More and more in my life, when I feel stuck, I let it all just “be” and trust that this is part of the process and that I will know when to move forward when ready. In the past, I would always try to “figure it out” and push through. Now I notice I am more comfortable with creating space for the “stuckness” and leaving it alone–not needing to “do” anything.
How often do you create or work on something new?
I don’t have a set timeframe. I create when I get a feeling that something is ready to emerge.
Do you have rituals or routines?
I wake up very early (around 4am) and spend the early morning hours enjoying the solitude of the world–savoring my first cup of coffee, listening to the birds, watching the sun rise, taking a walk, meditating, journaling and waking up to my Self.
How has your work changed over the years?
I put much less pressure on myself.
Do you have a funny story or anecdote about being creative?
I am always surprised by the end result of my work. I never know how it will emerge, but when it does, I often find myself feeling something like , “Ah, of course, that’s what it is.”It’s as if I have just been handed something for the first time and also something I have already known forever.
What advice do you have for aspiring creatives?
Trust yourself. Trust your journey. Allow space for the magic to happen. Let go of the mind’s impulse to control. Enjoy the creative process.
Beauty by Rebecca Feinberg
They say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder So I let my eyes… Look in the mirror And see–-sparse wiry strands, a loose cover over my head I feel deep loss of the beautiful thick curls that once filled my crown Then I refocus And see—the beauty within I now see the colorful textiles embellishing my crown Which have become my new signature piece And signify the joy of acceptance Of what the strands are and are not I look in the mirror And see--red polka-dots all over my face I feel sadness over the effect that stress hormones had on my once flawless skin Then I refocus And see—the beauty within I now see the beautiful sparkling green eyes Their ability to view the world so clearly And to stop people in their tracks With reverence, I hold this gift I look in the mirror And see—the loose, crinkled skin hanging from my belly I feel the frustration that my body is no longer taut Then I refocus And see--the beauty within I now see the flexibility of my body The way it stretched to create a life within me And I see the possibilities Of all the things my body may be taught I look in the mirror And see—the faded pink horseshoe-like scar above my right breast I feel the overwhelming pain that I endured—both physically and emotionally Then I refocus And see--the beauty within I now see the proof That I have endured And I see the fading of the once deep red line As a sign of how far I have traveled I look in the mirror And see—me For all I am And, alas, I refocus and see beauty
Letter to a Stranger by Rebecca Feinberg
I can’t remember your name I can’t remember your face But I will never forget Our time together A few hours of my life That altered my path A catalyst for change The way you talked to me As if You had all the time in the world The way you looked in my eyes As if I were the only person on the plane The way you invited me to sit beside you As if It were the only seat available The way you lowered the drink tray for me Anticipating my need The way you hugged me goodbye We both knew the time was special You saw in me More than I saw in myself You knew The potential I had inside You showed me How much more I could feel You taught me How much more I deserved You reminded me How much I had in store for my life You admonished me Not to wait too long Change was imminent The force was unleashed The unknown was now known The woman who stepped off the plane Was not the one who stepped onto it And, after that brief ride, Nothing would ever be the same
Are you a creative person?
Writer, poet, artist, videographer, musician, photographer, sculptor, painter?
I’d love to feature you in a future issue of Starry Starry Kite?
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Lovely, encouraging words in a most difficult time; thank you, both!