But Why????

Why write all this down in public?

The process of writing my thoughts down forces me to give them structure.  Caressing them into coherent sentences makes them more concrete.  The writing process also causes me to spend more time with individual ideas.  I find that this allows them to develop a bit more than they might otherwise.

After that, the editing process brings a dimension of critical self-examination to my ideas.  I spend time making sure that my thoughts are as clear, concise, and consistent as possible.  While I'm doing that, part of my brain is raising objections or suggesting alternatives.  I spend time with these mental challenges, incorporating them or dismissing them as I wish.  It takes time, but I believe the finished work benefits greatly from the editing phase.

None of this would happen if I didn't write it down.  But why write it down in public?

Having an audience outside of myself brings a greater energy to the work.  I hold myself to even higher standards of clarity and consistency.  Further, the interaction of other minds and other ideas enriches the experience.  They show me alternatives I don't think of, perspectives I don't have, experiences that I'm missing, facts that I haven't learned, and falsehoods that I have.

So, to anyone and everyone who happens upon this big hot mess: please feel free to comment.  I appreciate encouragement as well as criticism.  Thanks, in advance, for both.

Oh, Bother.

I wrote the following draft for my initial post on this blog in February 2011:

Welcome to the beginning... "of what they don't say but we think it's a marvelous idea."
I guess I feel a little like Pooh. I really feel like I may have gotten in over my head. But I'm covered in honey at this point so I might as well try to figure out how to deal with it.

It has remained a draft, unposted, until now.  The blog has waited, unlaunched.   That was probably a good thing, since I haven't written anything on this topic in the year since.

I set up this site when I realized that I wanted to document my spiritual journey.  "Documenting one's spiritual journey" seems to have become somewhat popular.  A google search reveals a plethora of documented spiritual journeys that you can follow.  So perhaps it was good that I didn't rush to begin.

This morning I was filled with questions... Questions which would become chapter headings.  I realized it was time to start.

I'm not making any promises.  I have a busy life full of other responsibilities.  But let's give this a start.

-J.