The kinesthetic system relates to our bodily sensations and physical feelings. These sensations are distinct from the emotions we label; emotions are usually our brain’s interpretations or judgments of these bodily sensations, often shaped by experience.

Sources of Kinesthetic Sensations

Kinesthetic feelings come from three main sources:

• Proprioceptive Sensations: These arise from sensors in muscles, tendons, joints, and the inner ear. They inform us about the position and movement of our body parts, helping us maintain balance and navigate our environment smoothly.
• Visceral Sensations: These come from internal organs and tell us about internal states such as hunger, thirst, mineral balance, and hormone levels. Often, we are unaware of these sensations until they become uncomfortable or painful.
• Tactile Sensations: Our skin contains nerves that pick up on touch, pressure, temperature, texture, and pain. This system connects us directly to the outside world and others through physical contact.

Characteristics of Kinesthetic Processing

Kinesthetic processing tends to be slower compared to visual processing, which can capture a lot of information simultaneously, and auditory processing, which is sequential like a moving train. It is considered one of our more primitive processing systems, and sometimes conflicting sensations can occur simultaneously.

Despite this, kinesthetic processing can react very quickly in urgent situations. For example, if a threat like a tiger is near, your body’s internal signals (such as a gut feeling) prompt immediate action, like running away.

Kinesthetic Language Patterns

People who process information kinesthetically often use words related to touch and bodily sensation, such as:

Feel, touch, caress, hold, grip, texture, cuddle, hug, rub, heavy, weighty, burden, oppressive, sticky, uncomfortable, pressure.

Behavioral Signs of Kinesthetic Preference

Those with a kinesthetic processing style tend to:

• Be very aware of their bodily sensations and emotions.
• Prefer hands-on learning and may struggle with traditional classroom methods.
• Enjoy physical contact with objects and people.
• Choose comfort in clothing and footwear over style.
• Speak at a slower pace, as processing feelings takes more time than processing images.
• Make decisions primarily based on how things feel to them.

Eye Movement Patterns for Kinesthetic Processors

People who favor kinesthetic processing often move their eyes down and to the right (for most right-handed individuals). They might avoid direct eye contact because maintaining it can interfere with their ability to tune into their feelings.