Shock and awe from life this week
Aug 1st, 2008 by spaceagesage
In the past, I have performed chest compressions during a medical scene as an EMT, fought a house fire from atop a ladder, and taught people of all ages the martial arts, so it takes a lot to move me. This week I have been absolutely amazed 1) to have goosebump-producing words wake up my soul and 2) to undergo a major paradigm shift.
Goosebumps
This week, I started listening to A Conversation on The Writing Life with Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones. I had recently read the latter, so I looked forward to this audiobook. Hearing the words of these two writers touches the deepest part of my writing soul, and some of their thoughts leave me with goosebumps. One of my nieces and writing buddies describes it this way, “It’s as if I suddenly can see all sorts of doors opening that I had no idea were there.”
In the collaboration, both authors express writing as a “constant tool of examination and transformation,” and as a connection to others and the world. It is so freeing to hear writing described as more than grammar, communication, or something solid and heavy. Goldberg and Cameron offer — to all levels of writers — a pair of freedom’s wings to soar the skies of words and thoughts.
Jaw-dropping tech
Also this week, my husband Greg brought someone home to dinner who is a long-time researcher. Greg thought I’d be blown away by the research and results – I was – but also that this person’s understanding of the frontier edge of technology could help me in writing my techno-thriller.
After seeing some prototypes of this person’s innovative tech, I soon thought, Forget my book — this person’s work will change everything – technology, agriculture, home design, and how we fuel our world! It’s not often a hard-core science fiction fan gets to see the future this way. The researcher-turning-business-person is currently looking for funding to start implementation and production, and if I can reveal more, I will.
It’s been a rare week.
I know we don’t often get such amazing moments in life, but when we do, our thoughts about life and self can radically change. I know falling in love did this for me, and I can imagine publishing a book, having a baby, or surviving a near-death experience would be similar. It’s not only life-altering moments can give us rich and wonderful insights though. I still marvel at that single small sunflower growing at the side of the road or this friend’s photo of a thistle bud.
Is there something that can still make you marvel at life?
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Photo credit: speech path girl
My children provide me daily opportunities to marvel at life. When they see, smell, listen, touch, and experience something for the first time, it provides me with opportunities to experiences “firsts” all over again. It’s a pricelss priceless gift.
Stacey–
“From the mouth of babes” and “through the eyes of a child” — I imagine there is a lot to learn there. I’m happy to hear your kids and their experiences are priceless to you.
I read Writing down the Bones. I loved it!! What makes me marvel. My uncle was a radiologist, so often did pregnancy ultrasouns. When I was pregnant with my first child he said “It never amazes me when something goes wrong with the development of a fetus. I am always amazed each time it goes right.” I thought his words were profound. When you think of all the cell development that a fetus goes through to become a fully formed baby, the number of things that can go wrong are astronomical!!! And yet, the majority of the time it goes exactly according to plan. I have always marvelled at newborns, but seeing it through my uncle’s eyes, I am truly awed!
Urban Panther–
I think your uncle left you with a gem!
Oh gosh, what a wonderful picture! Up until now, I had not been that fond of thistles. 🙂 Nature continues to make me marvel at life! It awakens the senses, and as your writing buddy mentioned… it opens up doors that you never dreamt existed. The sun has just set here in Vancouver. Abstract whisps of clouds streak the darkening sky and silhouettes of evergreens stand at attention. Everything is still. Waiting. So peaceful. I wish I was camping right now. Sigh.
Davina —
Hope you can get a camping trip in soon. There’s nothing like that kind of break from the norm … well … maybe sipping margaritas on some warm, tropical beach with the ocean taking up most of your vista.
Hi SpaceAgeSage,
What a great reminder of counting our life’s blessings. For me, the birth of babies is a miracle, indeed.
Barbara–
I’ve only see farm animals and cats give birth, and I remember as a teen-ager watching one of our cows on the farm deliver her baby calf in the cold air of a spring morning. The steam came rising off the little guy as he entered the world.