As I read this chapter about self-focus, I found myself engaged in intellectual debates with various assertions, vigorously nodding my head along with others. I rolled the word "self-focus" over my tongue several times to see how it tasted. I revisited my personal history with balancing intimacy and independence. There's a lot in here to explore. I look forward to seeing what catches you about self-focus and what you're inspired to share.And I'd love to celebrate with you that we are already taking on the final exercise of this chapter. Gail challenges us to help other women commit to their creativity. And here we are, doing just that! We're in this together, and it makes a difference. Sharing your story matters. Every encouraging word, shared experience, shed tear, heartfelt smile is a part of what we are creating here, together.
And since we've got one challenge down already, I hope you won't mind if I sneak in one extra. This week I invite you to not just think about self-focus but to experience it. Commit to some time for your self. Put on the answering machine. Ask a friend to babysit. Wake up a half hour early. Say no to washing dishes. Show up at the page. Take time to dance. Chisel out some precious space and time for your self and your creative explorations. Experience self-focus.
Enjoy!
Interview with Christine Mason Miller
This week Christine is here to inspire us. You can hear the interview here.
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21 comments:
I think as women we fall into the caregiver role and it is easy to get swept up in this role and forget to be caregivers to ourselves. As a single mom I'm finding time for me every day. I'm getting creative in finding the little pockets of time like when my son is in his Kung Fu class - I go to a coffee shop with my book in hand. Have a great week!
I'm following along but I don't always comment or post my link. However I'm doing something with self-focus that I'm calling Just Show Up.
I seem to be growing right along.
This chapter is really FULL. It is, I think, pivotal to the entire concept of the book. Excellent.
This chapter was great. I don't want this to end.
Wonderful Chapter and interview! It will take me a little bit to blog about this topic as I am right smack in the middle of creating better boundaries, re-evaluating my priorities, and just taking the time to care for myself. So, your prompt couldn't come at a better time~
I love the collage you've done for this - it really speaks to me.
I'm enjoying the amazing work of all of the participants. I admire that most are able to post every chapter. I have been a little slow, I know.
The latest interview was so honest and well-spoken. I love what Christine had to say about traveling your own path.
Thank you,
Janet
I think this Chapter had a lot of bs about patriarchy, but beyond that it spoke to the issues of our time, whether it be female or male. Sifting through the contradictions there were some pearls in there and it did accomplish what the chapter was meant to do: get me to define what my self focus was. A great thing to find.
Great post.
The book has finally arrived at my place and now i can play catch up to see where you are all at.
Have posted a little bit on my blog about the different topics and prompts along the way.
Off to read ! but am confused, a creative book with only text? Where i am so inspired by visuals really value what everyone has shared with us in their own blogs so far.
thanks jaime and everyone for sharing. the collage you posted is magical.
I like how this chapter has stirred up alot of controversy based on the various posts I have delved into.
My take on the author's point of view is that she belongs to a different generation (than me, for example - I'm a Gen Xer) and the society she grew up in has influenced her opinions and this is something that I feel the younger generations can not yet relate to - generation gap and all.
Kathy C.
http://SoulReaderBlog.blogspot.com
Lots of good stuff in this chapter. Self-focus isn't generally a problem for me, as DH and I don't have children and I don't work. I do have a slight problem saying "No" when asked to do things, but I'm getting better at this. My health demands it.
Am loving reading everyone's responses to the various secrets!
I was actually wondering if anyone else would be bothered by the gender issues brought up here. Maybe it's because the same day I read the chapter, I read a blog post about boys and how we don't discuss what it means to be men... not the way we do with women, anyway. I wanted to keep my post about creativity, though.
I've actually come along way in trying to understand the male perspective and male struggles. I think it's a very feminist thing to make sure that both men and women are involved in deconstructing gender roles and identity.
And truly, before I had kids, most of the gender and creativity stuff was not as extreme as it is now that I am a stay at home mom. I might have had more in common with a male artist than I do with myself now.
funny thing - caregiving.
this week my baby was sick, so of course i got sick, and now the beau is sick. but this chapter was so important to write, so i finally got to do it. all about my mommy... :)
At long last - at least better this week than MIA last.
Someone said this chapter perhaps reveals a generation gap - hope that means MY generation may have done something right enough to advance progress enough that the next doesn't have the same 'challenges' we did.
Jamie, I am grateful each dawn that I found your blog! Thank you for pulling back the overgrown grass in my head and leading me step by step into sunshine!
Self-focus can be a bit intense though, especially if you normally don't do it. Right now I'm doing a project that forces me to take a picture every day for a month of things that are "genuinely me". What if I run out of things? I forces me to re-examine what I THINK I am all about, not what I want others to think I am all about. tough stuff.
finally overcame lack of self focus to post this.
As they say "Better late than never"!
Now on to Chapter 6!
Self-focus is the most difficult secret for me to master as I have difficulty enforcing boundaries. I had to overcome its lack to get back on track with this project. I know I'm not alone, though. :)
A little late...but I'm still in the book blogging group!
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