“While I’m writing, I’m far away;
and when I come back, I’ve gone.”
Pablo Neruda
This Thursday Thought is supposed to be about books, as I cycle through Art, Life and Books. In some ways the quote could be about art, the art of writing; but I chose it today because how Pablo Neruda writes about writing is how I often feel about reading.
A good book can well and truly take you out of place and out of time, and let your mind drift and wander as if your current time and place are of no real relevance. I often find that reading stops the chatter in my mind. It stops me thinking too hard or too much or obsessivelyabout something.
It empties my mind so that it can filled with whatever journey the book is taking me on.
I am reading a book at the moment"World Enough and Time on creativity and slowing down" by Christian McEwan and I am really enjoying how she explores the importance of slowing down, making time for the head to empty; letting daydreams drift through you; walking and observing, noticing the world.
Reading very often refreshes me. by going far away in my mind, by hitting the pause button on life, I come back into the real world refreshed and renewed, and often with a different take on things, even if my reading has had absolutely nothing to do with the issue on my mind. Just going along for the reading ride has helped my mind sift and sort and settle in the background.
I also feel this way about an absorbing day in the studio…I feel as if I come up for air and look around and wonder where I've been for the day…
Pablo Neruda
This Thursday Thought is supposed to be about books, as I cycle through Art, Life and Books. In some ways the quote could be about art, the art of writing; but I chose it today because how Pablo Neruda writes about writing is how I often feel about reading.
A good book can well and truly take you out of place and out of time, and let your mind drift and wander as if your current time and place are of no real relevance. I often find that reading stops the chatter in my mind. It stops me thinking too hard or too much or obsessivelyabout something.
It empties my mind so that it can filled with whatever journey the book is taking me on.
I am reading a book at the moment"World Enough and Time on creativity and slowing down" by Christian McEwan and I am really enjoying how she explores the importance of slowing down, making time for the head to empty; letting daydreams drift through you; walking and observing, noticing the world.
Reading very often refreshes me. by going far away in my mind, by hitting the pause button on life, I come back into the real world refreshed and renewed, and often with a different take on things, even if my reading has had absolutely nothing to do with the issue on my mind. Just going along for the reading ride has helped my mind sift and sort and settle in the background.
I also feel this way about an absorbing day in the studio…I feel as if I come up for air and look around and wonder where I've been for the day…
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| Hot air balloon in the desert, Arizona. |
How wonderful it is to empty the mind and lose oneself for a while, till reality pulls us back in!
ReplyDeleteYes Suzie, a bit of a bummer about reality at times isn't it?!? Still I am grateful I get the chance to disappear for a while...
DeleteI love your thought that reading - and a day in the studio - stops the chatter in the head and lets the mind sift and sort and settle ... And it stimulates and excites and entrances too ... a good book and doing creative things in my studio are life's gift for me.
ReplyDeleteLife does offer us gifts doesn't it Charlton? and I must say a love of reading and the opportunity to be creative are gifts I treasure greatly. Go well.
Deleteyes a lovely feeling...
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful ways to describe that feeling Caterina - and lovely really sums it up!
DeleteAhh, just look at those chemtrails...
ReplyDeleteSomeone else mentioned that book recently, so I suppose this means I should read it.
Thanks Connie Rose - sometimes books take off around the world thru word of mouth don't they? I heard about it from another artist, then saw it mentioned here and there on the inter web, and figured it probably had something to tell me...
Delete~i was just reading yesterday and the words that stuck with me were how americans do not know how to slow down...quiet there mind and even if they think they have there is an idle mode of sitting in front of the tv...flickering of lights...and a constant of background noise...found it interesting as i went about the rest of my day...watching everyone at home...there was such a lack of true quietness...stillness...commotion stirring...it is something i have been expressing to my mom...how important it is to allow herself to be still...free her mind and just be...nothing more
ReplyDeletei very much feel the same about taking the time to cozy up with a book...getting lost in the story the words that are written and the adventure at hand...to be moved by the power of words is truly a wonderful thing...much love light and blessings be with you~
Ahh Brandi, just stopping can feel so scary can't it? Not doing, simply being. I am making a concerted effort this year and am gently finding my way into a slower way of being. Getting lost in a book is pretty much the only time I don't worry about being lost!
DeleteI've just read and enjoyed the first chapter for the second time on Amazon. It's time I ordered 'World Enough and Time' . Neruda's quote is certainly apt for reading ..... and carving.
ReplyDeleteSometimes books come into our lives because we need their messages; or at least because we respond to them. The quote definitely holds true for carving; no doubt you come up for air as well and wonder where the time has gone. I hope you enjoy the book if you buy it...
DeleteNeruda's quote is also very apt for book binding. And Robyn has just given me the idea of checking out the first chapter on this book on Amazon, so that's where I'm going now.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your chapter visit Carol! I think it's a keeps and am enjoying its wisdom. Book binding and stitching are just like he says! I was there this morning and wondered what the world had been doing in my absence when I finished.
DeleteHi Fiona, I've been reading the very same book myself! And also enjoying it; the way she structures the chapters, and weaves in personal experiences with those of writers, artists, etc. I find it sets me in a calm frame of mind, almost as though I'm soaking up the slowness by osmosis through the act of reading!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan - I think a lot of folk are reading that book at the moment! I feel as if it is book I will return to, will dip into and will seek out again for its wise messages and information. I am even reading it slowly as well which is a change for me. So glad you are enjoying it too..
DeleteFeeling like this sounds like bliss. Have not heard of the book Fiona. Sounds like one to search out.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the most delicious-sounding feeling Lesley? I think the book is worth a look. She researched broadly and combines anecdotes and wisdom with statistics and social commentary quite well I think. I am reading it from front to back; but will return to it and dip into different places...
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