Being completely immersed in something can be a wonderful state. It can tame your inner wild things. And that to which you give rapt attention can even define you. I read a nice column this morning that reminded me to observe what absorbs me this weekend, and to make sure I am absorbed. From "When one's deeply, vitally alive" (Telegraph-Journal):
What does absorb you? It can be a jigsaw puzzle, intricate embroidery, reading, of course, especially a suspenseful mystery, woodworking where complete attention is necessary to avoid making a wrong cut. Anything that stops your inner voice from running on and on, reminding you of your imperfections, your chores undone, the rude words that you have spoken. But crafts, painting and writing have been especially created for allowing this absolute absorption. For people who are adept, weaving is a form of meditation, of praying in your own closet.
I can imagine my friend George Fry making his pop-up books, not only engaging the part of his brain that figures out the intricate engineering of paper folding but also engaging the part of his brain that creates beauty and meaning. What room would there be in his brain for that inner voice that dwells on troubles, that chastises about leaves not yet raked?
I can imagine my friend George Fry making his pop-up books, not only engaging the part of his brain that figures out the intricate engineering of paper folding but also engaging the part of his brain that creates beauty and meaning. What room would there be in his brain for that inner voice that dwells on troubles, that chastises about leaves not yet raked?
What will you do this weekend to quiet that inner voice?
I don't comment here often, and a post like this makes me wonder why not. What a great reminder and reorientation. Thanks.
Posted by: Anne Reed | October 24, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Anne, thanks very much for stopping by and for the kind words. Have a good weekend!
Posted by: StephanieWestAllen | October 24, 2009 at 12:37 PM