No Copyeditors in the Realms of Gold
Photo by Steven Herrmann — Doorways at Pueblo Bonito
We all know where the realms of gold are.
Is there a way to get there on purpose? Sure: Reflective writing
Years ago, when I stopped giving writing assignments and started asking students to reflect on whatever we had done together or anything else that seemed related, my students miraculously became great writers.
I asked them to write those thoughts down as they emerged and to keep going for twenty to thirty minutes, period.
Within two or three of these reflections, they transformed into honest-to-god thoughtful beings. I could hardly wait to read and respond to what they had written. The idea of correcting or judging would have been preposterous. There are no copyeditors in the realms of gold.
You can use reflective writing to work out your thoughts, thoughts that may only begin as intimations, or work through questions that really matter to you. Your true voice will begin to emerge and will probably surprise you. “Oh! Is that what I think?!” When you see your Self emerging on the page, you will have gained access to the realms of gold, which after all are your true home. And it’s so easy! You simply take dictation.
See if I’m right. Try it out a few times:
After reading one of the posts on this website, write down your thoughts as they come to you. Allow about twenty to thirty minutes. When I write reflectively, I really get rolling in ten to fifteen minutes – and rarely come away empty handed.
If you try some reflective writing, let me know how it worked out for you.
******************************************************************************************
A Problem of Making Connections
Line Drawing of a Box. Which of the two views is correct?
ONLY CONNECT
Memory
One had a lovely face,
And two or three had charm,
But charm and face were in vain
Because the mountain grass
Cannot but keep the form
Where the mountain hare has lain.
Here’s my problem:
I included Yeats’s “Memory” in a recent post because I saw it connected to several things that had come up in other postings, things as separate as the question of time and timelessness and a poem by William Carlos Williams. I see the Yeats poem connected with how things fit together in the universe, connected to the zero-point field that physicists spend a lot of their time reflecting on. In the Yeats poem, the grass retains the impression where the hare has lain. That remains. The impression is what endures. So I wrote that up rather quickly and cleverly I thought, and then Ruth, my wife, didn’t get it at all, and she gets upset because she wants to be supportive. I’m thinking, What the hell? Why isn’t this perfectly obvious?
Physics and the Ground of Being
Then as I was writing this reflection a connection popped up from a couple of autumns ago when I went up to Pinecrest in the Sierras with my son-in-law. Dave and I were up there and we’re sitting around the campfire, and I’m starting to tell him about my philosophy, and then I get into this particle-physics, eternal time, aspect of it. He says, “Well, that’s physics.” I said, “Yes, Dave, that’s physics, but that’s where it’s at. It’s not something out there with some scientist. It’s the basic ground of being we’re talking about. That’s physics. ”
A Box Is Not Only a Box
So the issue for people who haven’t thought about it very much is that what they see is what they get. A box is a box. They don’t realize that that very box they’ve just looked at is an impression they took of that bit of the universe. It’s no longer “out there,” but what their sensorium has allowed their bodies to carry away from “out there,” a residual impression gleaned from the nerve endings that has permanently modified their world picture. If they don’t reflect on it, though, they probably don’t “get” it. I’ve given myself the job of constructing this site so that they do get it.
Both Worlds Simultaneously
In the classes, it was easy. We’d do something together, maybe look at a Bruegel painting or a Zen koan and we’d play with them.
Bruegel, Children’s Games
What happens is that your mind goes back and forth. Over here is the physical world, and then here’s what it really is. If you’re alert, you go back and forth. What Frost toyed with is, Can I get both of those simultaneously? Can I be in eternal time as well as in sequential time?
In my classes, it was easy to draw on the chalkboard a box that you can see in more than one way. One way, its base is here, but blink again, it’s over there. Then, we might read “Memory” and I might say, “Oh, this is just like that box up there. The poem is all about the box.” We’d mess around making connections and pretty soon it would start to click. That’s fun, but what’s really great is when someone would say, “Oh, yeah, that’s like what Salinger’s Teddy said: ‘My little sister was drinking milk, and I saw she was pouring God into God.’” So then you have the illusion, which we call reality, and the non-conscious that it’s a manifestation of. And so on, all these connections lying around all over the place and all you have to do is pick them up.
So, any ideas of how I can set up this website so that you’ll be making all sorts of connections? That’s really what this website is all about. How do I get you to apply any of these ideas to your daily life? After all, sure, you have your morning cereal but how to get you to have the experience of having it, a change of awareness of what you’re doing while you’re doing it?
One sure way it do is to write out your reflections. And as I described in earlier posts, you can hold steady to your cereal by noticing surface features. Write what you notice, notice what you’re noticing, notice what that reminds you of. You don’t really need more guidance than that. Your Self will take over, and it will feel like you’re taking dictation. When that happens you will feel like your time has been well spent.
For me reflective writing illuminates things so rapidly you can’t believe it. It’s a wonderful tool. If you try it out, it will work for you, too. In the classes I could make reflective writing a recommendation, a suggestion – not a requirement, because it really is their choice to do this. If they had to do it, it would be just another composition exercise. But sometimes some would start out acting like they had to and then would find themselves doing it productively and liking the process.
You might recall a connection, for example, with the idea that you are the place where creation works on itself. That was from a poem by Tomas Tranströmer I quoted in an earlier post. It means we are all working out, in our own way, a picture of our Self that we would like to match up with what’s going on within. We’re trying to get it right.
A World Too Full to Think About
Sidewalk Artist
One way to say it is that through our reflections, through reflective writing, we get in tune with the clock with no hands. I’ve tried to set up posts to be like experiences that require you to tune in. In my classes, we used to mess around with some activity or other, maybe chalk drawings on the walkway outside our classroom, and we’d be on our knees absorbed in our drawings and we’d fall into that realm of timelessness. Enough of such experiences, and they begin to catch on, like riding a bike. Reflective writing gets you into that mode quite quickly. You know when it happens; some inner voice begins to speak, uncensored, free to say whatever it damned well feels like. I’d like to be able to pull that off with you here. Maybe some genius reader will give me some tips!
Rites of Passage — Reflective Writing
Anyway, if you see some little girl drinking her milk and you realize she is pouring God into God, you’ll know you’ve tuned into the eternal world. Lots of societies have rites of passage to trigger that awareness. If you’re up for it, reflective writing could do it for you, too. At the very least, it’s refreshing.
Pouring God into God, a la Salinger’s Teddy
Realms of Gold 
I mean, you said which exercises to do on the weekdays but not the weekend. Which ones do we do on the weekend?
LikeLike
Um . . . I write every day, like brushing my teeth. It feels good. I never do exercise. It doesn’t feel good. Even something like “practicing” the piano isn’t “practicing” if I have my heart in it. The more of the day with my heart in it the better I feel at bedtime. Clark
LikeLike
yo love the blog you should check out my site http://goo.gl/KCc0Ya
LikeLike
great app many thanks for sharing
LikeLike
whoah this weblog is excellent i like reading your articles. Keep up the good paintings! You realize, a lot of people are looking around for this information, you can help them greatly.
LikeLike
I’m impressed, I have to say. Actually not often do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the difficulty is something that not sufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
LikeLike
There are some interesting closing dates on this article however I don�t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
LikeLike
Very interesting points you have observed , regards for putting up. “The unspoken word never does harm.” by Kossuth.
LikeLike
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
LikeLike
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
LikeLike
I can hardly believe that such well-designed blogs exist.
LikeLike
Aw, gee, thanks. Clark
LikeLike
I like this blog very much, Its a very nice berth to read and receive info . “Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” by Ludwig Wittgenstein.
LikeLike
Wow! That Wittgenstein! Right on! Clark
LikeLike
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
LikeLike
I just couldn’t depart your website prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts
LikeLike
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
LikeLike
Glad to hear about your group. Thanks for your support. Clark
LikeLike
Thanks for writing this. I really feel as though I know so much more about this than I did before. Your blog really brought some things to light that I never would have thought about before reading it. You should continue this, Im sure most people would agree youve got a gift.
LikeLike
That’s exactly what I was trying for. I’m delighted it’s working for you. Thanks, Clark
LikeLike
I’m also writing to let you understand what a wonderful encounter my cousin’s child encountered reading your web site. She picked up a good number of issues, which included how it is like to possess an awesome giving spirit to have others quite simply learn about specified complicated things. You undoubtedly surpassed people’s expectations. Many thanks for showing the priceless, healthy, edifying not to mention unique thoughts on the topic to Jane.
LikeLike
Gee! That’s gratifying. Thank you, Jane. Clark
LikeLike
I quite like the standpoint.
LikeLike
This is a terrific web page, will you be interested in doing an interview about just how you developed it? If so e-mail me!
LikeLike
Hurrah, what a quality it is! As mostly YouTube video lessons have no fastidious quality, except this is in fact a nice quality video.
LikeLike
Hello there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!
LikeLike
Thank you. I appreciate the tip. Clark
LikeLike
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
LikeLike
Wonderful website. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your effort!
LikeLike
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate the feedback. Clark
LikeLike
Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Thanks. How come your roommate knew all about this stuff? Clark
LikeLike
I was more than happy to find this net-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this excellent read!! I positively having fun with every little little bit of it and Ive you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.
LikeLike
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).
LikeLike
Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
LikeLike
Well, you did get something done. You wrote this. You could go on with what you wrote here, and all of a sudden you have a posting. Write what’s on your mind. Let’s see where you go with that. It will be a neat journey for you. We’ll see if it is for anyone else, but that doesn’t matter. Your getting yourself into a verbal form will be quite pleasing enough. Want to bet? Clark
LikeLike
Needed to put you this very small observation to say thank you the moment again considering the exceptional methods you’ve featured at this time. This has been simply wonderfully open-handed of people like you to make easily all a lot of people could have distributed for an e-book to help make some profit on their own, even more so now that you might have done it if you considered necessary. These advice in addition acted like the good way to realize that the rest have the same eagerness just like my personal own to understand a whole lot more with regard to this condition. Certainly there are some more fun situations up front for many who scan through your website.
LikeLike
Hi there to all, it’s actually a good for me to visit this site, it contains useful Information.
LikeLike
Hurrah, that?s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this web page.
LikeLike
Excellent website. Considerable useful info here. My corporation is sending it towards a buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And indeed, thanks in your own effort!
LikeLike
I believe this site contains some really fantastic information for everyone :D. “The public will believe anything, so long as it is not founded on truth.” by Edith Sitwell.
LikeLike
After examine numerous from the weblog articles on your web-site currently, and I in reality which include your way of blogging and site-building. I saved that as a way to my personal book mark world wide web website checklist and can likely be checking back shortly. Could you attempt my web site because accurately as well as inform me what you assume.
LikeLike
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I
LikeLike
This style is steller! You undoubtedly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own weblog (effectively, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I truly enjoyed what you had to say, and much more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
LikeLike
I enjoy, result in I found just what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
LikeLike
I have already been absent as word spread, but I remember why I did previously love this blog. Thanks , I’ll you would like to come back more reguarily. Are you going to you update your site?
LikeLike
I’d like to go to your weblog additional normally nevertheless recently it appears to be taking endlessly to come up. I visit from function, and our connection there exists pretty good. Do you feel the issue may well pretty well be inside your finish?
LikeLike
You might want to be a aspect of a contest one example is with the most beneficial blogs on the web. I am going to suggest this website!
LikeLike
Gee! Thanks, Clark
LikeLike
Hey, just searching around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are working with. I’m currently making use of WordPress for a handful of of my sites but looking to change 1 of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Something in particular you would recommend about it?
LikeLike
I don’t know enough to be of help with your question. I’d Google it till something crops up that works for you. Clark
LikeLike
It is laborious to search out knowledgeable folks on this matter, but you sound like you comprehend what you are speaking about! Thanks
LikeLike
Hi there every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of knowledge, so it’s nice to read this webpage, and I used to pay a visit this webpage every day.
LikeLike
Would anyone who has been a piece of your program from the beginning mind sending me copies of the prior letters? I’m signed up now but unfortunately did not hear of the until now. Many, many thanks in advance.
LikeLike
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this in my hunt for something concerning this.
LikeLike
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
LikeLike
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
LikeLike
fapturbo evaluation Hello! I just choose to make a large thumbs up for the fantastic information you have here on this post. I’ll be returning for your internet site to get more detailed soon.
LikeLike
You produced some decent factors there. I looked on-line to your concern and situated most people will will escort and your site.
LikeLike
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favored reason seemed to become on the net the easiest factor to be aware of. I say to you, I surely get annoyed though people today give thought to worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the leading in addition to defined out the whole factor devoid of obtaining side impact , people today can take a signal. Will likely be back to have more. Thanks
LikeLike
Hi there, I discovered your website once i was exploring Bling for internet sites related to this articles. I desired to notify you, your web site is nice. I much like the style and design as well, its awesome. I haven’t got some time now to completely study your internet site but We have bookmarked it and i also signed up to your RSS feed. I’ll be back inside a day or two. Thanks to get a great web page.
LikeLike
Specifically what I was browsing for, regards for posting .
LikeLike