"Writing is the act of self-discovery": David Hare
Even after a lifetime collecting pithy quotes, playwright David Hare's words remain the ones I most frequently cite. Both my journal and this blog have continually reinforced for me the wisdom Hare captures in just six words.
Case in point: Eight years ago today I published a blog post requesting assistance with a lifelong struggle. Though I didn't know it then, writing of my struggle - muted response to the request aside - was the critical first step needed to heal myself. Though the issue hasn't magically disappeared, I am better. And the only way I know I'm better is because of what I wrote on August 3, 2011 and how I feel on August 3, 2019.
What has been the most recent instance demonstrating to you the wisdom of David Hare's words?
https://reflectionsfromthebellcurve.blogspot.com/2011/08/help-wantedteachers.html
About Me
- Pat Barton
- My most recent single release - "My True North" - is now available on Bandcamp. Open my profile and click on "audio clip".
Sorry to be a dissenter, but I've always found--especially when I kept a journal--that writing was more about recording what I'd already discovered than part of the act of discovery.
ReplyDeleteRichard; No apologies necessary for your dissenting opinion; I appreciate you reading my blog and any comments you make.
DeleteFor me, writing can be therapeutic but my A-HA moments haven't come from writing but from either contemplation or some other self discovery modality. Recently it was Human Design. I engaged with a woman who explained my "chart" in an amazing way. It has stayed with me to this day and will continue. If anyone is interested, I can provide info.
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for your comment. I'm interested in what you write of. Maybe the next time I see you'll share it with me.
DeleteWriting is, for me, an act not only of discovery, but self-forgiveness, cathartic mindfulness and surprising capabilities. I often, as you do, go back to read something written in the past and find absolute incredulousness that the words came from me. Sometimes it is surprise in my thoughts captured at the moment, like a picture that catches just the right light, or surprise at my sentence structure and manipulation of just the right vocabulary. Either way, I am often of the thought, "I wrote that???"
ReplyDeleteAs for your post from 2011, I recall reading the Hedgehog at your prompting! I might need to revisit it, though I've long ago passed my copy along. I don't recall your post on feelings of inferiority leading to acts of superiority, but perhaps the lesson was not yet considered in my mind...but now, I must say, that I have often thought of this when meeting others, and feeling they exude a sense of standoffish superiority. I tell myself that perhaps they are simply feeling inadequate and so, compensating. So as to give them the benefit of the belief that most people are kind and looking to be accepted, I just make sure I treat them even more tenderly than is my norm.
I hope all that makes sense. Trying to respond when the time came so I don't put it off until never (your National Music Day post remains in my inbox until I can pen my additions)...but I have two teenagers presently painting their room...I should probably get back. Thanks, Pat, for sharing!
d.
d; Your comments are invariably like oxygen; I treasure them and they help me breathe easier (clumsy metaphor, I know). Here I especially appreciate two things - 1. That my post eight years ago (!!) prompted you to read that amazing book - one that literally changed my life and … 2.) that when you re-read that link to my earlier post you saw the connection to the whole inferiority masked by outward signs of superiority enchilada. Wow! I'm so pumped that anything I write ever moves anyone to insights like the one you shared above. You made my day, without a doubt!
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