Recently there's been a bit of discussion about the purpose of blogging (always an issue for those like myself who are very aware that we've nothing of startling novelty or brilliance to share). Both Gordon and Caroline R had got me thinking, so when I finally got round to reading last week's stuff from the Henri Nouwen Society I was rather excited to read this. Oddly enough, if I'd been up to speed, I should have read this last Tuesday...which, you may remember, was remarkable for rather alot of different events. In the spirit of Nouwen, I can report that I did find the whole muddly experience far more meaningful having blogged about it than I did while living it...
Writing to Save the Day
Writing can be a true spiritual discipline. Writing can help
us to concentrate, to get in touch with the deeper stirrings
of our hearts, to clarify our minds, to process confusing
emotions, to reflect on our experiences, to give artistic
expression to what we are living, and to store significant
events in our memories. Writing can also be good for others
who might read what we write.
Quite often a difficult, painful, or frustrating day can be
"redeemed" by writing about it. By writing we can claim what
we have lived and thus integrate it more fully into our
journeys. Then writing can become lifesaving for us and
sometimes for others too.
Well, reading that made me feel better anyway. Perhaps it's not purely self-indulgence :-)
6 comments:
that's really helpful - thanks
nothing of startling novelty or brilliance to share??
not true!
and in any case, it never stops me. say it anyway!
Tony you are a sweetheart. Thanks :-)
Feeling a bit of indadequate tonight for no particular reason,so that was lovely x
well you're indulging me too, if only my curiosity and my need for an update on the swiss family fleming. Never really got into Nouwen, but now realise it's never too late to stop being opinionated about him!
keep blogging love.
Thanks for that, Kathryn! I'm not sure I've felt it as a "true spiritual discipline" myself, but I certainly find it helpful to write things (especially in debate with others!), in order to clarify, process and reflect on my own thoughts, emotions and experiences.
And, as Tony said, you often do post stuff that is very good - and not just in parts :-)
pax et bonum
pax et bonum
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