"I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark"

Henry David Thoreau's quote speaks with the power of composing to assist us process our ideas and feelings. It recommends that when we are struggling to sleep, writing can be a way to express our emotions and understand our lives. By positioning a notepad under his pillow, Thoreau was able to access his ideas and feelings in the dark of night, when his mind was most active. Composing in the dark can be an effective tool for self-reflection and understanding, permitting us to explore our innermost ideas and feelings without the diversion of the outside world. Thoreau's quote encourages us to utilize composing as a way to process our emotions and acquire insight into our lives. Composing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth, and Thoreau's quote advises us of its capacity.