Exploring the silence
I’ve been feeling quiet blog-wise lately. Lots has been going on in my off-line life, but I think there’s more to it than that, and I’m trying to understand what. I think it has to do with that last series on bodies.
For one, I need time for what I wrote to sink more deeply into me, to not rush too quickly on to something new. I’ve learned that I’m not a skim-tons-of-ideas-briefly sort of person, let alone writer, so I’m comfortable sitting long with a limited number of things.
But there’s more than that going on here, too, I think.
I think I’m craving feedback. I feel like I imagine public speakers often feel, where they launch their words into a crowd, knowing that ears are listening (my site meter tells me that), but then afterwards not hearing how those ideas were recieved, and so having no idea whether people agreed, disagreed, had other important insight on the matter, etc.
I would love to know who you are, and what you think of what I write. I’d love to hear when you disagree or when you have something to add, or recognize an angle I’m leaving out. Or what it is that resonates with you. I want the chance to grow through this type of exchange. I’m guessing that my writing style doesn’t always communicate this wish, so I want the chance to say it outright. And please feel free to email me privately if public commenting isn’t your thing. You’re always welcome to communicate that way.
And for now, I’ll go practice what I preach…
August 11th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
Oh my — how you do express my feelings — so often I feel that I am writing into a vacuum :)
Sometimes I really don’t know how to make an effective comment - other times - it seems as if all the comments have already been made. Will try to make meaningful comments — I will be watching to see the results of your exploration of the silence.
Wishing you success.
August 12th, 2006 at 9:23 am
Hi endment! Yes, I relate with your words, too. This medium is such a strange one–super personal and yet impersonal, because it’s only a computer screen in front of any of us, at the same time. I think this combination makes me quiet, often, in other people’s comments. Like I’m peeking in through a stranger’s window.
August 13th, 2006 at 7:33 am
I have enjoyed discovering this blog and benefitting greatly from the resonance of much for what you share.
August 13th, 2006 at 9:04 am
So nice to meet you, Acey! I just enjoyed a walk through your blog and related sites, and am fascinated! I’ll look forward to more meanders there.
August 13th, 2006 at 11:55 am
blogging has been a huge challenge for me…it is not for those faint of heart (or self-esteem), both of which describe me…i love your thought-provoking essays..the main thing holding me back from commenting is TIME…somedays, i treat myself to the reading of my favorites, but i know once i get started on the comments, i may be lost for twice the amount of time, that i cannot spare due to other priorities. it has made me question whether i should do this at all.
anyway, it’s blogs like yours that help me make sense of why i blog at all…
August 14th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
A very great deal of what you write is more than pertinent to the place I find myself. Sometimes so much so that it’s much easier to avoid your blog than read it! (Conviction…ouch!) What I have always loved about your blogging is your honesty and persistent pursuit of a deep and true understanding of yourself and the human condition in general. This brings me back eventually and very likely will as long as I’m reading blogs.
Will try to make notes more often. It isn’t uncommon for me NOT to comment simply because there isn’t time to say all I’d want to pour out in response. Even a “Yeah! What you just said!” is encouraging, though, and I’ll try to do that more often. Your stuff is worth that, any day.
August 14th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
This is so helpful, everybody! I feel like all of you are naming why *I* find it hard to comment elsewhere, too. Yes, Atticus–time is one of my biggest reasons. And Cindy, I feel the same way you described, too: how can I adequately respond in brief to something I’m moved by, positively or negatively? Your writing regularly makes me happy and makes me want to come see your big old house and know what it’s like to live in such a literate, romantic sort of family. But you wouldn’t know that, would you? Again…here I go to practice my preaching…