Gaia: DIVING DEEPER: A Writing Workshop - The Tree House - Mediation Thread

Re: On the Art of Being Offended

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:55:07 GMT

! well I have to more or less agree with you david ..but hey man you had too many espressos or something writing this??! oh, it's that matcha tea of course...

Agreeing with you in the sense that very little 'offends' me, but this 'mediation' thread is mostly to say: we are able to talk about anything here. Personally I believe in total transparency, and to encourage this the 'space' needs to support a feeling of general open-ness, vulnerability and honesty & self-reflection.

Hugs, glad you are feeling better. "My" David is sick with what sounds like the same thing.

Sandra

On the Art of Being Offended

http://axiom.gaia.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:03:25 GMT

Truth be told, I ain't offended. Factually, ma'am, I was athinkin of postin somethin a so offensive that it'd rot the nose hairs offa coyotey. But, stretchin the limits of ma cro-magnon capabilities (so, some might say) I can't athink of a single danged thing. So be it.

Yup. and i dont feel like posting no poetry, neither. cant think of a word, phrase or skippin bee-bop rythym. doubled 'y's for effect there. i DID see a red-shouldered hawk soarin over the orchard this morn. gorgeous sight. wish some or all or at least one of you word-mongerers coulda been there to share it with.

had the flu the last week. good lord, its a doozey. do yourself a favour and go visit the devil before you give this creep of a virus a ride. dont pay no mind to that pathetic expression as you pass him by on the turnpike- his kind is a lonesome for folks ta torment is all. that said, ive arecovered just bout. i rather worry that what with no fever no more an all, i might not be able to produce such magnificent work. not that it was magnificent ta begin with, but hell, a little fever enhanced delirium never hurt a poet none- cept those it killed, spose.

been drinking a ton o tea, i have. good stuff, too. some japanese stuff called matcha. bright flourescent green, it is. and tastes like good ole fashioned mud. mmmmmm mmmmm. comon over if any yalls want some.

thats all i gots fer now. hope ever one a yas is doing just plain peachy. i do love yous adorables poets muchingly. and other writers as well (yall poets fars im concerned.)

love n such,
davie the orangutang sea captain of spumoni.

Re: Mediation Thread

http://rasa.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:45:07 GMT

i am listening....the O factor.us.....seems to be directing me deeper and deeper into ONESELF.......and here i am sharing the balance of the archetypes in play....experiencing the SPACE of that meditation always here and now ...the beautiful pure perfect love ...THE LOVE in playful active meditative dance...blessings

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:56:26 GMT

Oh I missed Nono's post above re her post to the Think Thank for a counter on our threads...yes lets all go and give the thread our 'yesses'.

Also please note the Thread Hall of Fame pod that Om has just created! I'm sure there are one or two threads here that deserve to be nominated.

Love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:49:29 GMT

:-) Richie. I love what you say. Yes :-)

I find it does help to make some sort of 'commitment' to how much or how little I'm going to comment - I have to say I keep changing my commitment, but I've found that if I make the effort to do at least one 'good' comment every few days - and by 'good' I mean me taking the time to tune in as much as I can to the work, (and myself as I read) I actually 'feel' really wonderful. Maybe because I feel responsible for this pod ( I do..) but also because it's actually quite energizing to really dive in and comment deeply.

Oh and on the 'on commenting' issue, I think Tom's piece is so wonderful, I've added it to the guidelines, but in case anyone missed it, I'm going to copy it here too:

"I found myself once or twice during the read pulling on my editorial hat and then I realized, holy shit, the free fall method of writing applies to reading too! You have to take off the editorial hat even when you're reading, go completely nude-head, bare-head naked, so the words don't have time to lodge in your brain but sail right into your heart. Then you can read it true. If the editorial voice butts in during the first read, you lose the magic. You have to give up control as a reader too, let the song of the sound carry you where it will. Judgement kills, not only teenager's egos, but artistic communication between souls. You judge art by living it and you can only live it if you let it in."

Love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

http://richinmindbodyandspirit.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:16:49 GMT

I will endeavor to do my best to comment here on people's work. It is very very hard as I do not wish to offend or give empty praise (echoing other poster's sentiments). But it is something I do want to do.

My goal is to comment positively on other's work at least once a week. And the posts will be on material that has "moved" me or make me come to emotion.

So with that I will go looking around.

Someday when I am not so pressed, I will add some of my own writing for comment. Right now my writing is focued on my buisness and to be truthful I am not even sure it fits here in this community as it is a game and reads like a wikipedia entry.

Re: Mediation Thread - On Not Being Commented Upon

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:40:08 GMT

On Not Being Commented Upon

Starseed raised this issue again here, and there have been some wonderful responses to her. I particularly liked Syn's piece and I'm going to copy and paste it here so it doesn't get lost:

---------------

I've often raced back to the pod after posting with intense anticipation of what attention or comments my latest post has attracted and to my hungry ego's surprise it sits there just as I left it - no comments / no way to tell if anyone has even read it. and I must admit that I've even felt a tiny bit of panic when I see my post leave the first or second page of most recent - thinking it is sinking for ever without attention.

and some have sunk -some were revived long after posting and I am learning to trust.
~Trusting my ability to validate and be with my own work, independent of comments.
~Trusting that the activity and attention of a post has more to do with the reader (the way the piece calls to people) and little to do with me and what I need as a writer.
~Trusting that what I need as writer will come right on time, in just the right way.
~Trusting that interest is something my writing attracts rather than something for me to hold.

This journey of writing, especially the diving deeper writing as a process, can be a winding road, often traveling around the bends and curves without a clue of what we will find, left hungry & dissatisfied if we don't find what we expected. [so I'm giving up my expecting and its working-most of the time ~lol]

I wonder if relaxing into it would help to enrich your writing experience. I wonder if you could gift yourself with what you seek from others and listen for your own constructive criticism about your work. I wonder what you would find if you engaged your work as the reader, detaching yourself a bit from the writer.

I am so glad you are writing and sharing it here. DD is more about writing than comments. DD is about diving, deeper and deeper into your own voice. The deeper the dive the deeper the voice, the stronger the connection with others who are submerged in deep dives, their own and each others.

DD may not be the place to ask to be offended; I hope you can trust that divers here are not known to hold back when they are moved to say their piece. Comments are often ripe with the green algae many starving artist (me) seek to feed on but algae tends to grow where it grows and isn't very rich when it is manufactured for the masses. Relax, my friend, and simply allow yourself to sink deeper into your writing and let the comments be like non-essential footnotes, placed purposefully along the edges. :)

I am holding for your highest good Starseed. and I hope my long-winded, slightly preachy post has found it's way to your heart where I intended it as my gentle gift of encouragement.

I behold you posting unattached, loving each dive for the gift it has for you.
Nameste'
Syn

---------------------

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:36:29 GMT

Nell.. welcome, and thanks so much for sharing this - I think it's a really wonderful point, how the 'content' or subject matter can be triggering -- and what to do about this. For me it sounds like you handled it beautifully - i.e. was there 'for' Mary as a writer and for her work, leaving aside your own issues on the content.

I too have been 'triggered' when reading what I presume to be the author's point of view on something, ie. I disagree or felt upset because it seemed to go against what I 'stand for' -- and yet as I mention in the guidelines, if I read whatever is written here as 'fiction' I can get out of the way a little and imagine it is the voice of a 'character' speaking and not an opinion piece - and then I'm able to comment more constructively.

Even if there are opinion pieces here ( and there are some ) I feel it's best to talk about the way the piece is written that works for me ( or does not work for me, if the writer is willing for such feedback).

Sometimes I'm able to include a bit of my point of view, or the fact that I'm triggered in the comment I make on the writing --and since I equate writing with a spiritual practice, perhaps it's important to do so.

The main thing is, in my opinion, not to make the writer 'wrong' to have their point of view, or myself 'right' - and to share what is triggered in a way that it's clear I'm taking responsibility for being triggered.

I liked reading you, Nell, it felt open and porous and loving and I imagine Mary would have been available to hear your feelings.

Love,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

http://amazume.gaia.com — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:02:03 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just posted a comment on Mary's "Red Tail Lights". I felt triggered by her comments on child birth as I am writing a book on the subject. Yet I felt that what I wanted to share from my heart about my own experience(s) could potentially interfere with the way Mary perceives her birth experience. It is after all as personal as it gets. And with the underlying humorous ripple, why touch that? I choose to let it be.

Although I am quite new to the pod - I have the feeling I'll run into this a lot - when I read another's deep meanderings and feel into the core of their experience, if I choose to comment at all I probably just share what resonates, and just quietly... bear witness.

In appreciation and delight,
Nell ;-)

Re: Mediation Thread

http://synerjyz.gaia.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:38:15 GMT

~ HUG ~

Re: Mediation Thread

http://quietlaughter.gaia.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:19:58 GMT

Sandra,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a long response to my rambling - I really appreciate it! You have given me a lot to chew on - my favorite part is the open door (springboard?) to dive into writing... which I will do more soon... I am sure that the inspiration will come to comment also. I have noticed that after writing my response here... suddenly I felt more at ease to leave comments. I will give my best to reciprocate.

You are very right - if someone becomes upset, then it is a window to not only look in on myself but also to look through the other way to get a better understanding. I believe that everyone (every situation) is my teacher (a cliché perhaps, but definitely true for me). In thinking further on the topic - indifference is what kills me. I have been on the receiving end of indifference before - it is something I feel very challenged by. I hope that I won't feel it here (and yes the little red light went off signalling a starting point to invesitgate this feeling more)... I cannot always express what has been stirred up but I will try.

I am glad to hear that the talk about how to comment etc is not the norm... though everything has its place, and it likely will be beneficial for everyone in the long run to get through it, hash it out and wear the guidelines around a bit. I do like the idea of having a go at running around naked in my writing - with respect of course!

Thank you for your reassurance and encouragement... I need a good swim in the ocean, and as much as I love the surf... there are caves down in the depths that I would like very much to explore.

Hugs to you!

(we are getting freezing rain here tonight - I need the warmth from a hug I think!)

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:22:36 GMT

Dear Leigh-Anne--

personally don't want to write for comments, I want to write to move deeper into the art of writing and into myself…

!! I feel the same way!

And I have discovered that I learn so much by taking a look at why I like (or don't like )some pieces - why they 'work'. It teaches me a lot about writing. I used to be someone ( still am really) who only wants to say, I like this, I don't like this... I'm learning to go deeper.

It takes a lot of time and energy to comment -- it doesn't come 'naturally' to me. I do it because I want to give 'back' to this space, to people who have commented on my work; I do it because it helps my own writing - and I do it because it feeds this community.

I feel that if this place were just a place to publish our work, it would not be the place it is, it would fade and wilt. There are so many places where one can post one's work -- and they seem dry cold places to me.

I am definitely for you to dive into writing - you can use what works for you here, and discard what doesn't. You don't have to post anything at all -- if some of the tips on writing help, If some of the assignments are fun...then that's great! If reading other people's writing is inspiring and you don't feel to comment -that's fine too.

I have seen that people who post their own work and don't comment, tend not to get so many comments. It's a community thing.

writing comments for other people's work is different. I can comment about the structure or the elements of the writing - no problem, but instinctively I want to go deeper than that, in a way that isn't just coming off as praise…

What I find helps me -- is to simply state what goes on in my body and heart as I read the work. I always have a physical / feeling response, and this is not difficult (for me) to share. even just a few words - I felt sad reading this; I felt a surge of energy go through me at the end etc.

and, being sensitive to the needs of others, if something just doesn't work for me, I am very hesitant to include that into my response (partly that has to do with being new here, and not knowing everyone terribly well enough to be able to give constructive criticism that won't be taken the wrong way… the energy of late has been kind of dicey and I wouldn't want to misstep)

I'm sorry that you have joined at a time when there has been so much talk on commenting etc. It's very unusual quite frankly -- mostly we are just posting our creative work and commenting. Some hanging out at Hotel California. A dip into the Hais. Thats it...

I don't know why there has been so much talk 'about writing' lately!! I take it as a good thing and I'm also looking forward to the time when I spend more time reading the work and commenting than 'commenting on commenting' etc!

I would love to be able to remove the feeling of it being ''dicey' over here -- and for you to enjoy ..and mostly to share your work with us. That's it. Forget the rest :-)

It isn't possible to 'misstep' - there are no mistakes on Diving Deeper. If someone does not comment according to the guidelines - all that does is open the area up, open us all up. If someone gets upset, it's an opportunity ( I hate that word, but I hope you know what I mean) for us to open even more, to take a deeper look at ourselves.

For me everything is a 'mirror' -- If I'm feeling grumpy with what's going on here, it's a gift for me to look at myself - it's never about anyone else or about the pod - or at least that is how I approach it here.

So, inspite of all the guidelines and talk about how to comment or not.. just go for it -- be yourself.....whatever that looks like...leap and see what happens.. there is so much heart in this pod it simply isn't possible to 'go wrong'. Wrong doesn't exist here...

Love and support,
Sandra

Re: Mediation Thread

http://quietlaughter.gaia.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:55:59 GMT

aww you know Tom, I could just hug you right now for writing this. I so appreciate the extended hand to keep me from drowning, the kindness and understanding that you've shown me. I have never been a part of a writing group before... DD is my first, and every day I am understanding more and more that I have chosen the right place to become braver in my writing.

I will continue to write and comment when I can :-)

thank you thank you

la
xo

Re: Mediation Thread

http://maletbon.gaia.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:35:51 GMT

quietlaughter: No worries on the floaties. We will save you. That is to say we won't let you drown.

I love what you have to say here, how your focus is on writing. Commenting is a difficult thing and it's no wonder it creates different responses. One reason I quit joining regular writing groups is because critiqueing somebody's work while they're sitting right there is so unpleasant. It's why I love DD so, we can talk about spirituality rather than esthetics, which is such a quagmire of egos.

Write on, quietlaughter.

Love for the Word,

Tom

Re: Mediation Thread

http://jensiper.gaia.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:01:29 GMT

I had thought about that, thanks sandra. I just posted one on poetry, before I wrote this, but next time. thanks jen

Re: Mediation Thread

http://quietlaughter.gaia.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:26:21 GMT

Hello everyone,

*warning diving in without floaties on*

I have not been ‘present' here as much as I would like to be these days - I am very busy at work at the moment, however, I still am trying to take the time in the evening to read and catch up on the day's posts. The "issue" of commenting is one, I have to be honest, I have wrestled a bit with how to address it with the group... there is a definite structure and expectation for DD, and I find it kind of restrictive. I don't like to comment just for the sake of commenting.

I definitely recognize that the purpose of posting here is to get some feedback (good bad or ugly) and to be fair to everyone, commenting is important, but it is useless to me to give out a comment that is forced or hollow - I feel that many of mine have been because I cannot give my energy to them the way I would like to. There is a lot of pressure to comment, and while it has been very helpful for me the feedback I have received so far, but it is certainly not something that I expect. I have pieces go for weeks no being commented on, one even has never been commented on... I don't take it personally, why should I? I don't want to become attached to the comments or the expectation of getting them - it's not very helpful to me. The feedback that I have gotten on my own things has been authentic and truthful, and what I needed to hear at that particular time. I am truly grateful for those comments. If no comments come, then nothing does. It just isn't the right time for it - that is what I believe anyway.

I personally don't want to write for comments, I want to write to move deeper into the art of writing and into myself... writing comments for other people's work is different. I can comment about the structure or the elements of the writing - no problem, but instinctively I want to go deeper than that, in a way that isn't just coming off as praise... and, being sensitive to the needs of others, if something just doesn't work for me, I am very hesitant to include that into my response (partly that has to do with being new here, and not knowing everyone terribly well enough to be able to give constructive criticism that won't be taken the wrong way... the energy of late has been kind of dicey and I wouldn't want to misstep)

Anyway - I guess the challenge for me right now is more about the writing itself. I am not too concerned with things that I have posted going without response/ recognition or views (it happens not just in Zaadz but elsewhere). I treasure the comments that people have left for me, and I hope that I will be able to comment in a constructive way that will be seen less as the number of comments made, and more in the light of their quality instead.

Well sorry for the blahblah - just wanted to take the time to write about it while it was top of mind

la

Re: Mediation Thread - SUGGESTION

http://pz.gaia.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:02:42 GMT

It's there now, on that Think Tank pod. Go support the idea, go! We can make a difference.

Love,
Nono

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:16:01 GMT

Oh and Jenni: I do want to say for myself that I am hesitant to post on the poetry board.

why not experiment with writing a poem to one of the assignments? Then it can go in the Responses to Assignments board :-)

S.

Re: Mediation Thread - SUGGESTION

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:03:06 GMT

I believe Jim took it up under the seeds discussion that zaadz could add the counter of how many reads a posting has.

Yes to this. Why don't you add it to the Think Tank section on pods? It's were such suggestions should go... if you post we can all chime in over there and say yes please!!

Love,
Sandra.

And a p.s.

I'm really tuning into this 'transparency' thing -- how can we all be more transparent? It doesn't have to happen on this thread, but wherever we are - so for example Jenni - yes I feel the same often.. how to comment on a piece, not knowing... wanting to etc. So perhaps even if you/I just said exactly what you/I feel -- eg, I've read this and I want to comment but the words are not coming right now..?

And..another p.s.
I have found that if I make one 'good' comment and by good I mean one I've really put some time and energy into, I feel very good. So I'm trying to do this - ie. not pressure myself to comment on lots of pieces, but at least do one 'full' one every so often.

Re: Mediation Thread

http://sandrajensen.gaia.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:56:32 GMT

I don’t know who that is but I heard it the other day and earnestly told him to shut the hell up,

Oh hah hah!!

Yes the bugger... good lord is it a he? Poor guy. He's got no chance has he ;-)

xo