Nov 21, 2023Liked by Dan Hunt, Lyle McKeany, Jean Garibaldi "JG"
I love this. From a recent post of mine:
Thomas Hobbes’ description of life could equally apply to writing. It is indeed “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To that list, I would add: unpleasant, burdensome, enervating.
The process of writing is roundabout, clunky, and halting. The lopsided nature of the input (the grueling exertion) versus the output (the delicate page) is comically unjust.
Extracting the perfect word from the recesses of the subconscious is similar to pulling gum from one’s hair: all pain, little progress. It is excruciating, awkward, and leads to its fair share of stomping and shouting. Frustrated and lost, the writer inevitably turns to omniscient, omnipresent Google to find synonyms and etymologies that satiate the itch of ideation. Alas, it’s no good googling an inkling or a feeling.
But yet, I write. Because for me, writing contains multitudes.
I believe Thich Nhat Hanh would not say that breathing is stupid or trivial, or that writing is harder than breathing. That’s because in Zen Buddhism breathing - proper, aware breathing - is a portal to enlightenment. Paying focused attention to your breath, without interference from words or daydreams, for any length of time is amazingly hard to do.
So good, JG. Thank you for sharing your WRITING with us.
I love this. From a recent post of mine:
Thomas Hobbes’ description of life could equally apply to writing. It is indeed “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To that list, I would add: unpleasant, burdensome, enervating.
The process of writing is roundabout, clunky, and halting. The lopsided nature of the input (the grueling exertion) versus the output (the delicate page) is comically unjust.
Extracting the perfect word from the recesses of the subconscious is similar to pulling gum from one’s hair: all pain, little progress. It is excruciating, awkward, and leads to its fair share of stomping and shouting. Frustrated and lost, the writer inevitably turns to omniscient, omnipresent Google to find synonyms and etymologies that satiate the itch of ideation. Alas, it’s no good googling an inkling or a feeling.
But yet, I write. Because for me, writing contains multitudes.
https://www.whitenoise.email/p/why-i-write
Wonder. The beginning of all philosophy, theology, wisdom, longing. I absolutely love this essay, JG
I believe Thich Nhat Hanh would not say that breathing is stupid or trivial, or that writing is harder than breathing. That’s because in Zen Buddhism breathing - proper, aware breathing - is a portal to enlightenment. Paying focused attention to your breath, without interference from words or daydreams, for any length of time is amazingly hard to do.
What a cool piece, JG 🤩 so honest, relatable, and real. Had me hooked!! Keep wondering because the world benefits from your writing 🙃