I’m bringing back the oldies today. While I’m on my hiatus I thought I would update this post which was originally inspired by another blogger.
I read a recent blog at Eileen’s Feisty Side of Fifty today that led me to repost this. It’s almost 2 years old, but it’s always a relevant topic.
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No, this is not a blog about Simon & Garfunkel, though that wouldn’t be too bad. Rather, I’m keeping with my post from yesterday, giving more thought to computers, computer relationships, blogs and the like.
I read an excellent post on Self Made Chicks blog yesterday entitled, ”Hunting down and Exposing Deep, Dark, Challenges.”
It was an excellent post in which she said, (among other things ) that in order to build up her ability to blog and write well, she had to cut herself off from all extraneous noise……television, computers, cell phones, radios, etc. She did this for about 2 years. The idea being that in order to hear her own voice she had to cut off outside voices. I can’t tell you how much this resonated with me.
I was without so much technological connection myself, just a mere 10 years ago. I didn’t have a computer, I didn’t have a cell phone, I watched very little television, I did not own a stereo and for the most part, spent a very large amount of time “hearing my own voice” so to speak.
I spent a lot of time in prayer and seeking spiritual things rather than being blown around by every website, blog, email & news report out there. I must tell you, the difference in one’s life when you do this is remarkable.
I even recall Rush Limbaugh, of all people, making a statement about simply cutting oneself off from the negativity of news reports for two weeks to see if there would be a difference in one’s general outlook. I’ve never said this about Rush Limbaugh before, but I found that to be a wise observation (it’s the only one he’s ever add in my view, but that’s another post 
)
So, as I continue to see the development of our technology and the dependence we are developing on computers and the like (much like our dependence on oil), I’m beginning to think that maybe they are not so good for us.
Now granted, I enjoy blogging, don’t get me wrong, but I think there is some wisdom in keeping this thing in total check and balance. It’s too easy to run to the computer like it’s some sort of a crystal ball looking for some life wisdom or something.
The truth is, what makes computers what they are, what makes the internet what it is and what the blogosphere is all about, are the people. It is the relationships with people (once again) that we build that make anything worthwhile.
And the most important relationship we should have is the one we cultivate with ourselves. If we are so disconnected from who we are, how can we expect to have any type of quality of life? Quite simply we can’t.
How much time have you spent just hearing the silence in your life? How much time do you spend with total quiet around you? I realize with kids and our busy lives, this is not totally possible, and I am not advocating that we become monks or anything. But we can certainly learn to minimize a lot of the noise and chatter that assaults us most days. For example, why can’t we turn off the television or radios unless we are actively engaged? (Now, there is an oxymoron if ever I heard one). We might be pleasantly surprised at how comforting the peace really is.
Personally, I have a great desire to be a writer. It is becoming increasingly clear to me that in order for that to happen, I should take her advice. I think disconnecting for at least a certain amount of time every single day is the way for that to happen. Being able to hear your own voice and to collect your own thoughts is really the way to be a successful writer. Otherwise, you’re just spewing some half-baked point of view of someone else.
So how about you? Is there something you desire to do that you keep putting off? Something you want to accomplish but find yourself increasingly distracted by all the noise of life? Perhaps the notion of 2 years seems too much. Perhaps just a few hours a day? Who knows? The sound you may end up hearing is the sound of a total stranger…………….your own voice.
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Good subject; and I totally agree.
The longer I write, the more I’m aware of how easy it is to be distracted by all the other voices. Nothing siderails me faster than checking my email before blogging. Even though I KNOW that opening my email first will take me away from the job at hand and put me into OTHER WORLD, it’s like heroin for me…I WANT MY EMAIL!! Today, I blogged first and did email after…actually got some writing finished…so…that’s a good thing.
Ya think I can pull it off two days in a row? Guess we’ll see…
Old habits die hard Cheri, so I can’t make you any assurances.
I know the older I get the tougher it is to change. So, if you get this thing figured out, pass some of your wisdom this way.
Thought provoking.
My mom watches a lot of news and it really affects her negatively (I think). She afraid of this and worried about that, and they are things she cannot actively control in her life. I just don’t see the benefit of sitting around worrying about stuff you can’t do anything about (bird flu, hurricane season, terrorists, Oprah, etc, etc, etc). And how much of that fear and negativity is fed into us to control us?
My mom too! We’ve had several “discussions” where she expresses her dismay at my unwillingness to closely follow (like she does…hours a day) politics, world news, etc. The truth is, you can watch very little news and follow everything that’s important. I like the GOOD news! So, I watch CBS Sunday Morning and read the paper (a little). W/media, a little goes a LONG way. If I watch much news on tv, I begin to feel VERY manipulated. No thanks!
Nice to see you girls have met.
I concur. Except, I don’t know what in the world to do with my fascination with George & Sarah. Pathetic really.
Thought-provoking entry, Magnolia. I find that the more I read ONLY online sources for news, entertainment, etc., the more difficult it is for me to find my own voice when I sit down to write something. In a seemingly paradoxical way, disconnecting is an important part of connecting to your authentic voice. When I am away from the computer and can just reflect on my own thoughts and my own views, independent of all else, it becomes much easier to form coherent sentences and compelling points. What’s hard for me is that when I do step away from the computer, the husband and kids will view that as a sign that I am open for business and will bombard me with conversation. Your entry has made it clear to me that I need to communicate to all those around me that I need TOTAL isolation (for just a little bit) in order to be a better writer.
Hello Jacqueline,
I hear ya! I’ve been unplugging a bit myself lately and finding that time alone with a bit of silence is very nurturing for my “inner voice” as well.
I read something recently regarding writing. It was from a woman who is currently a writer and her mother had been a professional writer. When she told her mother that she wanted to be a writer, her mother told her….”If you want to write, study life, don’t study writing”
I found that compelling and there is so much truth to it.
One of the most difficult things for any writer, artist or someone who is expressing to do is to allow their own voice to speak.
Trying to mimic others is a death sentence, even though devloping your own voice may take time, at least it’s real and it’s yours.
thanks for stopping by!
I love hearing your perspective on this – this is great! It is so easy to get caught up in what other people are doing and to unconsciously ‘adopt’ their thoughts and viewpoints on things. I absolutely respect your decision to take a hiatus and collect your thoughts.
I think that shows responsibility as a writer.
If I “spewed out some half-baked point of view of someone else” and someone took that advice, how could I justify that?
There are these unfounded rules that say you ‘must’ crank out “x” amount of content in “y” period of time for your blog to be successful. Again, that’s just someone else talking. YOU get to decide what ‘success’ means for you and your blog.
Like you, writing is my passion — not just writing, but communicating ideas. And I believe that developing well thought-out original ideas requires time to listen to your own voice.
Thanks for this!!
Christine
I’m so grateful you, not only mentioned Feisty Side of Fifty, but that you reposted your thoughts on silence. I totally agree: we have to shut out all the extraneous stuff from time-to-time so that we can connect and listen to the voice that lives within each of us.
I also find it interesting that you knew, even more than a year ago, how important writing is to you. You’ve posted about it many times since and your struggles with finding the time to follow this passion of yours. The urge to express yourself through words seems to be a constant in your life and I know how talented you are.
I’m putting on my career counselor’s hat right now, but I’d suggest you go for it–just go for it and do that in a big way. Your words have touched me many times and your honesty and courage are real hallmarks of the very best type of writing. You, my friend, have great gifts in this area so, once again, GO FOR IT!
hello Christine,
Thanks for stopping by. I love your perspective as well. I had originally written this post last year some time and Eileen’s blog inspired me to pull it out and dust it off for a “reprinting”.
I find your blog inspirational and thought provoking. I especially loved the last blog you posted on breaking the blogging rules, but refusing to post a blog just to throw something out there. It does become tedious and the information overload becomes like a “crying wolf” session it seems.
When there is so much information out there it becomes too much of a burden to try to sift through it all. I prefer quality. Particularly at my age. My number could come up at any time and so why waste what time I have left entertaining less than quality stuff, you know?
Thanks again for stopping by and leaving your comments. You’ve been a real inspiration to me. I appreciate it.
Eileen,
thank you as always for your unfettered encouragment and edifying words. You are a real champion for people, especially women. The world needs more of that and you always inspire me to want to be better, do better and give more.
Thank you so much.
I abstain from television (except for the nightly 7pm news headlines) on week nights. I allow myself a show or two on the weekends. Sometimes I skip those too, to make for writing time I did not get during the week.
It is the best gift I’ve given myself and my writing. Sure I struggle with all the other writing stuff (blocks, procrastination etc. etc.) . But at least I give myself time to go to those places and find my way back.
Hey Cheryl,
Here’s what I’ve learned about you: You are a steady, consistent rock who is able to make plans and follow through with them. Little by little you achieve your goals by consistent, persistant effort.
You inspire me too. (like Eileen and Christine) I’m coming full circle it seems. Realizing that to be good at anything requires time to think. Quietly.