November 26, 2001
Lessons
Learned: Writing As A Sacred Exercise
It has been nearly ten months
since I began to write weekly messages. Up
until then, I was an infrequent writer and kept several journals going when the
mood hit me. I had used corporate
memos while running a few companies and periodic speaking appearances to write
about my spiritual journey. I never
imagined that I would attempt, let alone succeed at, writing in a disciplined
manner and then publish my messages granting all access to my emotions and
personal journey.
Along the way much has been
revealed through this exercise of discovery.
These lessons have come from glimpses into my own soul and the souls of
those who read and respond. I have
reserved judgment from both sources and not assigned good or bad connotations to
the lessons but accepted them as part of the process.
Preparing to write is as
important, I have found, as the actual formation of words on the page.
Each week I find a portion of my prayers and meditation are focused on
the upcoming message for that week. If
I truly believe that there is something Divine in the universe that surrounds us
and resides in us, then it follows that I should give thanks and ask for
guidance and protection in all that I create.
Writing should be no different than any other sacred exercise whether for
my own journaling pleasure or for publishing.
When I began these weekly
messages, I had decided that my topics would come from my own experiences along
the sacred path. I wanted each
message to give the reader a glimpse into my soul without being afraid to bare
it all. What is implied by this
standard is that I will have an experience that is sacred during each week.
Of course I understand that spirituality is constantly with us, but to
feel it and see it in such a fast paced world is quite a different thing.
Knowing that I must write each week has taken a great deal of discipline
causing me to stay in a heightened sense of awareness.
It has changed the focus of many conversations, especially with my wife,
and altered many activities. This
is definitely a benefit and very rewarding.
The feedback I receive has
opened my eyes to many views coming from different reference points.
Based on religious and social upbringings that translate into current
beliefs, I am always fascinated how different people think and react.
Even though I try to write knowing that a plethora of faiths and belief
systems are represented in the audience I am writing for, it is difficult to
communicate in such a way as not to offend any particular group and remain true
to my own experience. Reaching deep
into the guttural level of what I am experiencing and then presenting it in a
nonsectarian manner is perhaps one of the greatest challenges I face each week.
The resources I use everyday
have become an integral part of my writing.
For years I have used them to help me understand or redefine how I look
at the world and myself. A part of
my life is devoted to broadening my outlook and to gain knowledge from past and
current purveyors of insight to the human spirit. The exercise of writing has forced me to seek out even more
resources than ever before to accomplish my weekly task.
I found that by using quotes from a diverse array of writers and learned
individuals I have provided a gift to readers who do not have the time to seek
materials on their own that might provide insights, questions or even
disagreements with their own spiritual path.
Perhaps the greatest and yet
least profound lesson I am learning is that our spirituality and communion with
God is very personal. That is not
to say that coming together to worship or experience fellowship in other sacred
group settings is not important and vital to the spiritual journey.
It only means that when the service, meeting, book, show or other means
of learning and discovery is over, it is up to the individual to make peace with
the Divine nature of the soul.
With respect, acceptance, and love,
Richard