Another great topic, Cali! I'd say that, for me, the motive of my writing is usually to express what I want to express, and to derive internal satisfaction and some external recognition. It's an ego drive to a great degree. For instance, in my column writing, I want to feel like I've come up with original ideas and clever or passionate ways of conveying them. But, in my current newsletter, I'm writing it more with the idea of service in mind. After writing and teaching creative writing in the classroom for many years, I feel like I've accrued some lessons I'd like to share and have some questions I'd like to pose that will hopefully be helpful to other writers. I'm still quite ego-driven (checking on the number of subscribers, etc.), but it's a joy to write for this purpose, too.
My writing is definitely meant for both myself and others. I've been through something so personal and isolating, and I wish I could reach out to those experiencing similar situations and help them feel understood. Meanwhile, I want to explain to others so that I can feel understood. In my fantasy, I want to wish fulfill in a way that can't happen in real life. So yeah, definitely both.
I think it depends on our perspective on what service is. Buddhism speaks about the concept of dependent origination that double underlines our interconnectedness, implying that all our actions in fact influence all those around us.
As a writer I ask myself how I will influence those around me by an action as impactful as writing. I also feel that the only way in which I can influence my surroundings significantly is through the nature of my heart, which, ultimately my skill and craft will reflect. I find that when I channel my perspective this way - the notion of service does not seem a burden. Rather the act of writing becomes part of the growth process that has more and more impact on my environment in a positive manner.
I think what I’m arriving at is this - if we detach from trying to control the impact via our writing and make the intention positive service, our creative integrity will be protected and we will also be happy.
Makiguchi - the Soka Gakkai founder had a theory of value that said that every endeavour should satisfy the criterion of Beauty, Benefit and Good. Beauty = you should enjoy doing it. Benefit = it should make you grow. Good = it should exercise a positive influence on society.
I find this to be a good holistic perspective on how to look at the place of writing in my life
For me it is both. On one hand, writing is my way of healing from the years of caregiving and then death of my husband. On the other hand, writing is a service - offering my experience and education to others who may have similar experiences and wish to age well.
I think when we are trying to serve or help others it’s the trying that gets in the way. When I write, I know I will ultimately write what I need to hear. And maybe then someone else needs to hear that too. I go out and take photos in nature entirely for my own well being. That they seem to help others is lovely and still surprising.
I was once in a writing circle with a person who was intentionally writing parables, starting with the message they wanted to convey and crafting the story around it. Quite frankly, it didn’t work. It felt preachy and condescending. That is what can sometimes happen when we are trying to serve.
I grew up with the theology that you should be of service, but no one ever said do what’s in your heart to do and that will serve the world. Now I believe the later. Do what’s in your heart and it will serve. It’s literally what you are here for.
Another great topic, Cali! I'd say that, for me, the motive of my writing is usually to express what I want to express, and to derive internal satisfaction and some external recognition. It's an ego drive to a great degree. For instance, in my column writing, I want to feel like I've come up with original ideas and clever or passionate ways of conveying them. But, in my current newsletter, I'm writing it more with the idea of service in mind. After writing and teaching creative writing in the classroom for many years, I feel like I've accrued some lessons I'd like to share and have some questions I'd like to pose that will hopefully be helpful to other writers. I'm still quite ego-driven (checking on the number of subscribers, etc.), but it's a joy to write for this purpose, too.
I have found that true humility--through both words and behavior--flows without effort.
Thanks Summer. Wise words.
My writing is definitely meant for both myself and others. I've been through something so personal and isolating, and I wish I could reach out to those experiencing similar situations and help them feel understood. Meanwhile, I want to explain to others so that I can feel understood. In my fantasy, I want to wish fulfill in a way that can't happen in real life. So yeah, definitely both.
I think it depends on our perspective on what service is. Buddhism speaks about the concept of dependent origination that double underlines our interconnectedness, implying that all our actions in fact influence all those around us.
As a writer I ask myself how I will influence those around me by an action as impactful as writing. I also feel that the only way in which I can influence my surroundings significantly is through the nature of my heart, which, ultimately my skill and craft will reflect. I find that when I channel my perspective this way - the notion of service does not seem a burden. Rather the act of writing becomes part of the growth process that has more and more impact on my environment in a positive manner.
I think what I’m arriving at is this - if we detach from trying to control the impact via our writing and make the intention positive service, our creative integrity will be protected and we will also be happy.
Makiguchi - the Soka Gakkai founder had a theory of value that said that every endeavour should satisfy the criterion of Beauty, Benefit and Good. Beauty = you should enjoy doing it. Benefit = it should make you grow. Good = it should exercise a positive influence on society.
I find this to be a good holistic perspective on how to look at the place of writing in my life
For me it is both. On one hand, writing is my way of healing from the years of caregiving and then death of my husband. On the other hand, writing is a service - offering my experience and education to others who may have similar experiences and wish to age well.
I think when we are trying to serve or help others it’s the trying that gets in the way. When I write, I know I will ultimately write what I need to hear. And maybe then someone else needs to hear that too. I go out and take photos in nature entirely for my own well being. That they seem to help others is lovely and still surprising.
I was once in a writing circle with a person who was intentionally writing parables, starting with the message they wanted to convey and crafting the story around it. Quite frankly, it didn’t work. It felt preachy and condescending. That is what can sometimes happen when we are trying to serve.
I grew up with the theology that you should be of service, but no one ever said do what’s in your heart to do and that will serve the world. Now I believe the later. Do what’s in your heart and it will serve. It’s literally what you are here for.