Odyssey of Self

Dorianne Laux writes, "I am still hard at work on this project of the self. The solitary self, as well as the self in relation to the world and the unknown universe we swirl around in, uncertain of our purpose or future. Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? What is beauty? Why is there suffering? Where is truth? I tried to arrange them in a shape, find a path for them to travel to make clearer those questions. I write to know the questions."

Pursue experiences as an odyssey into words, leaving the comfort of understanding to delve into ways to discover a wisdom of well-being. This happens by thrashing about in the wilderness and forests of the unknown.

I've stayed bouyant in boats; slashed at the sea with oars. I've waited in the lighthouse, shining lights to discover what resides in the currents.

Which vehicle will I take today?  If I go on foot, by car, boat or train, amusements spring on every sensory level.

Each time I decide on the destination first, I become surprised and distracted by attractions along the way. Should I stop for a carnival? Sticky my face with cotton fluff and a candy apple?  Where will the merry-go-round take me as I change to a different lion, tiger or horse to ride?  I never feel satisfied and want another round.

I taste a notion like a lozenge. My tongue flicks it about until it melts. It dissolves and words arise. They flutter and flicker at my lips and beg for release. I taste the flavor of their feathers and sigh. They baffle, energize, and frighten. Some hide as ink soaks into a finger. 

Tomorrow I'll ride the train with my face pressed against the window's glass ready to hop off at the next astonishment.

Discover experiences today. Delve into an odyssey of self.

Follow the Flow

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous leading to the most dazzling view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds."  - Edward Abbey

 Be like water.

     — Lao Tzu

Views surprise us with opportunities. Often we feel frustration and worry. Rather than remaining in a state of angst, creativity in problem solving will provide ways to rethink results.

"You will always find an answer in the sound of water. " - Zhuangz

When in the midst of a situation, find ways to laugh, search, and find solutions. Staying in the flow might not always mean wracking the brain for immediate results. 
Linger longer in the flow. Surprise and the joy of solution will find you like the next wave to shore.

Probe Moods

We own a variety of emotions and moods that have the ability to teach us about ourselves and how we relate to others. A message resides in every emotion. 

Emotions reflect like mirrors and challenge us to discover ways to watch the many sides of our personalities.

Our moods create a spectrum. As writers we can use the bands of light to examine our writing process. They will provide insights and information for character development and add texture to our prose and poetry.

In her book, Upheavals of Thought,  Martha Nussbaum writes, "There's no firewall between emotion and intellect.” 

Nussbaum discusses how we fear or flee from our moods. We try to rationalize them rather than attempting to swim in the murky waters with them. When we attempt to repress them with the force of will they will crest again.

Our intellect doesn't overcome anger. It's the quickest emotion to arise and needs acknowledgment. If we develop ways to examine and even appreciate it, then it will roll in and dissipate like waves to shore.

Emotional states have no hierarchy. Awareness and acceptance ebb and flow through awakening to suffering. All elements of consciousness must do this in order for us to become fully feeling individuals. Avoidance through a variety of means only delays the ability to harmonize within ourselves.

If we face our emotions with honesty and develop an inner wisdom filled with ways to accommodate them, their full range will provide a balanced life experience.

Writers have the opportunity to probe moods. Rather than avoid what's going on, ask questions of moods.

What do words like sad and melancholy mean? How do they percolate through your body? Delve into the details and stretch toward the discovery of other ways to describe them beyond their word symbol. Discover additional words to wander along with them.

Create metaphors to discuss frustrated, angry or confused.

In what ways can concerned, playful, fierce or attentive reveal themselves?

If we become stuck in various states of despair. How can we move this experience?

Spend a day following the ebb and flow of your moods. Take notes and allow the freeflow of all emotions.

Don't judge or censor them; try not to become reactive.

Remain fully present. Experience what they feel like in all parts of the body.

What can you learn as they guide you?

Let your notes sit for a day, then return and write about what you discovered.