Writers write about anything; sometimes we write about
writing. The following is an excerpt from my personal journal
entry this morning:
What is that deeper layer calling to me in my writing? What threads can I write about that remind us that life is too precious to be
wasted with clinging to something that is not in service to a broader
community? Maybe the depth I seek in my writing is about how the soul-journey
depends upon our ability to take action on behalf of something larger than
ourselves and our personal interests. (I do not consider “interests” the same
as “passions”; the latter is larger than us.) How can I get to the deepest
place in this conversation with readers about service?
In what ways can I open myself up to that rich soil,
beneath the surface of what we can readily see, so that I can examine the
creepy crawlies and incredibly-teeming richness of nutrients – the Wild Within?
In what manner can I begin to connect readers with the wild place within
themselves? How can I offer writing that both challenges and nurtures? How can
I push the edge but not too much? How might I offer the opportunity to stretch
beyond what we think we know, but to make this journey one in which readers do
not become overwhelmed (perhaps altogether quitting the idea of service, of themselves,
of the world - because their strength wavers)? How can I guide them to the
tipping point, the precarious edge of the cliff, even while helping to build up
their courage (which is action despite fear)?
For this writing is a journey for all of us. This writing is an excursion of the heart, an adventure. It
is meant to drive away - like the strong winds outside my window are scattering leaves - that which no longer serves us, that which needs to decay,
returning nutrients to the soil.
What is it within us that now must grow? How can I, as the
writer, continue to tend the soil of my own growing place, so that what sprouts
is beautiful, and of nourishment, to those who read it?
(Excerpted from Nov. 2011 blog post)
All blog images created & photographed by Jennifer J. Wilhoit unless otherwise noted. Please circulate images with photo credit: "©2016 JenniferJWilhoit/TEALarbor stories. AllRightsReserved."
