Are You Listening to What You Should Say?
There is the paralysis of not knowing what to say—
What should be said. What should be heard.
And there is the freedom of simply saying—
Of letting conscious thought recede while fingers come forth and take over.
Like a rush of water words can then pour. Words unforced, choosing to be written. Words that have been waiting—floating within your ribcage—for you to exhale.
There is release, and there is reaction.
We often release of words in anticipation of reaction. But reaction, by definition, is a thing that follows.
The focus, if we commit to honesty (and don’t we?), should be on the release.
Let the reaction be what it is; let the people see and think and respond how they wish. Our responsibility is to let out what is in while listening, watching, and hopefully (if barely) understanding better what and who we are.
How can we offer a thing that we have not given ourselves the space to possess?
There are times when I dance around the computer, glancing down and around and doing everything but taking a seat to tip tap the keys because fear and doubt tell me that nothing I have to say will be worthwhile.
I want to impress you, I want to connect with you, I want to make you feel something. I want you to share a feeling with me and I want to create within a space nonexistent a thing that exists, despite and defiant.
The only way for me to do so is to let pass the things that leak out my fingers, without thought and without predilection.
Sometimes I forget, and I’m sorry about that.
But thank you for helping me by talking to me. Thank you for being here.
I should point out, I suppose, that the type of writing I’m (vaguely) addressing is not the factual, journalistic, or even story-telling type. It’s something else, it’s this thing I’m trying to do on a path toward finding…something.
What is it?
At any rate, if you think something now (or even later….or even before), please leave a comment!
photocred: photopin.com
Great point. I needed to hear this. Thanks for posting this. Point taken.
So I wonder…what is the point that was made for you?
The responsibility to let out what is in, to better understand who we are. I have been approaching my writing in almost the opposite way : to bring in what is out. The way you put it here shook me into considering this way instead.
If there’s anything I’ve learned from reading your blog, it’s that even the most talented, intelligent, and inspiring among us face doubt and uncertainty.
Whatever it is, part of me hopes your internal pursuit towards the something remains an enigma for as long as possible.
It’s the only way to keep you coming back 😉
while i hardly deserve such wonderful sentiments associated with my own self, oh my how they make me smile! And warm it feels to know you’re out there struggling too(not that I’m a masochist…!). I’ll be here if you will!
For years I have considered this subject, yet having A healthy case of adult ADD, I have to work harder than most, simply to concentrate on a conversation before I can work to articulate what I want to say. I had always based my words on what I anticipated the hearers reaction might be… Then, over the years, what I discovered in the process of over analyzing potential reaction, I realized that my words, body language, pitch, tone and passion could have such an impact as to form the very reaction I wanted. Words and emotions are very powerful. I am by no means a writer by any stretch of the imagination…. in fact, I am as literary as your average third grader. However, I can speak. I am patient when I speak. I can listen and I listen very intently. Then I can often create the reaction I desire. I like making people happy and laugh. I will say what I feel, but I will choose my words carefully as to obtain my desired effect!
I love how your writing makes me think. Even if I go down a rabbit hole you may not have intended, I do enjoy the directions your blogs take my thoughts! Thank you!
I love this–You sound so interesting! I’m very intrigued about your theory on communication, did you read anything to get there or is this something you discovered on your own? I’d love to hear more as I certainly agree. I don’t know if you know any singers, but in line with what you say, sometimes they speak with a voice and cadence that is almost hypnotizing. Hypnotism! That’s another thing your comment reminds me of: NLP–check it out!
I love hearing from fellow “Attention Different” people because our minds work in such unexpected ways…keep the thoughts coming!
Awww, you’re too kind! I love communication / human interaction. As I do read quite a bit everyday, I have never read a book specifically on the subject (remember I have the literary prowess of a third grader). All of my ideas and theories on the subject are original and I guess you could say have come to me through thought and experience. That being said, I could talk for hours on the subject, possibly days. My thoughts and discoveries on the matter have seriously shaped who I am today. I believe some people even have a natural ability to shape thought out of the most simple conversation and don’t even realize it…. Your blog is the first time I have read anything or even heard anyone address the subject in the way you described. I have seen it the same way, but was never really able to articulate it. Your perspective is intriguing! Email me, would love to discuss further.
-Michael