I've been surfing the web since 8:30. There's so many things I need to do! On top of that, I'm doing a 24 hour meditation retreat starting this evening.
It occurred to me that I'm trying to stuff my head with as much extraneous information as I possibly can in the shortest amount of time. Maybe this is practice for trying to write a novel in a month. Quantity not quality!
For an ex-perfectionist, this is truly incredible. I'm planning on writing a bad novel. I just wrote a bad term paper (and have yet to find out if anyone noticed).
I worry (sort of) that embracing the idea of quantity over quality may be bad for me. But then again, I think that any activity that pulls me further away from perfectionism is a step towards greater freedom. The risk is to stop seeing the difference between degrees of quality, but I suspect that's not a problem (though I may be proven wrong).
But, on the other hand, conversely, (ad infinitum) I am told repeatedly by my Zen teachers that I need to come to the point. So, why am I about to engage in an activity that encourages me to continue to throw out my internal editor?
Because it's fun? Yep. I think that's the answer. Maybe I don't want to be a Zen Buddhist of few words. Hmmm.
Photo note: When I think about the upcoming 30-day novel writing spree, I think it's the "throw the kitchen sink at it kind of writing" (I just made that up - ain't I smart?) Well, here's a kitchen sink. You can buy it here. Where can you imagine putting this particular sink?
Addendum: Since so many folks have been having little contests lately, here's a question: How many times have I changed the name of this post? I don't know what the winner gets.
2 comments:
I'm going to guess three. Three title changes.
I'm not schooled in the Zen tradition but my thought is that stream of consciousness writing isn't necessarily not-mindful. If anything, the internal editor that tries to put a stop to the quantity is being clingy and clingy is craving and craving's the source of woes. Woes, I tell you!
**steps off soapbox, bows, turns and walks away with a flourish**
Well, you are the first responder and have the correct answer. Some contest!
What would you LIKE to win?
As to your theory, it sounds reasonable. Not-clinging to being terse? I'm just not sure about this.
What about haiku? Was Basho clinging to form? Maybe he was.
Then again, the Heart Sutra says:
Form is exactly emptiness, emptiness exactly form.
Too many words, few words. Both judgments, I suppose.
You weren't on a soapbox. It's an interesting question. One I want to explore further, in fact.
Sheesh, I can be so serious, but that's me! No apologies!!!
Again, you choose your prize!
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