17:02 Feb 01 2012
Times Read: 783
Remember that when we write in journals, it is always a snapshot of the moment, already passed. A feeling or event, a reflection. As you read this, I will probably already be contemplating something else.
People have told me that I should write for myself, and not for others. I understand the sentiment, but I disagree for the most part. If my goal were self-therapy, maybe...but I WANT others to look and react, to maybe discover something of value in there. Does that make me arrogant? I sure hope not. I hope it lines me up with people who aspire to be creative and to touch others through art, literature, music, dance, etc...
Now, I readily admit that I may not be very good at it, but the goal remains. How sad if our poets had only written for themselves, our artists leaving masterpieces beneath a drop cloth. How ridiculous the ballet dancer only dancing in a darkened room.
I don't work that way. I can't. I doubt that you can either. Most of us long to connect with one another in some way. This is my way...good or bad. I suppose the process really does hold a great deal of the value...the concept, the emotions, the getting it down, the molding and forging, the refining. But I always cherish the unveiling. The day that I put it out there and boldly say, "Here it is." A piece of me, for better or for worse...here it is. For you.
I picture my audience as I write. Often it is one person. It gets me out of my own limited scope...my own mind. I think about teasing their eyes and senses as I take them on my ride. Some consider that a sell-out; it is anything but. Creativity is a gift that grows from concept within one to be shared with and for another, to stir something within them.
Sadly, few people look anymore. It isn't what draws the eye like the easier, cruel phrases that lash out at others. Those are the posts that rake in the views...the gossip, the swear words, the vulgar, and the downright mean. These will bring people to your post in droves. It's interesting to me. And if I'm truly honest, isn't that my goal here, it's a bit sad.
The reach for beauty, the aspirations of the soul, can sometimes be buried by the dirt we love to rake over ourselves and the objects of our disdain. We love to read about the bastard who betrayed you and the bitch who lives to annoy you at lunchtime. We can't get enough of the repellant juggalos and those who are not attractive enough, in our justified chairs of judgement.
I know what some of you will say, "That's just human nature." Yes, I suppose you're right. But I ask you...and I promise, I do it humbly and as one among you...does that validate the ugly parts of ourselves, allowing us not to question them, giving us permission not to reach a little higher?
Though ordinarily not the right section, I'm posting this in Exhalations as part of my walk as I am trying to find my voice again.
COMMENTS
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PandorasBx
22:02 Feb 18 2012
I find that with a few great actors, they are wonderful at what they do DO but they just don't have the range.