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 I’m trying to write my second novel. It’s not easy, to say the least. I am confident, however, that this is a universal truth among authors attempting to write their first or seventy-first long piece of fiction or nonfiction, no matter how much their reasons may vary. My major roadblock seems to be an increasing disenchantment with sitting alone in a room for long periods of time.
Again, I suspect I am not alone in this. I have recently resorted to bringing my laptop to a local Starbucks to resolve my isolation problem. The one I now regularly inhabit has been redesigned with long tables and stools — benches actually — that house enough electrical outlets to satisfy even the most ardent technology junkie. Droves of people come here, not just to chat and drink coffee, but to work. There are college students concentrating on actual homework assignments, business people, freelancers, and an assortment of others who, like myself, are engaged in productive endeavors despite the distractions of noisy conversation and piped-in music.
Why do we come here?
I can only guess for the others, but perhaps we all come here to overcome loneliness — to make some sort of connection. And I’m happy to report that my new strategy is paying off. I’m writing my novel on a regular basis, slowly but surely.
Why am I telling you this?
It’s not to plug Starbucks, or to update you on the progress of my latest novel. I just want to illustrate the link between my recent discovery about needing people around to work effectively and my teacher, Prem Rawat.
Many years ago, I began listening to Prem Rawat speak about an inner experience of peace and contentment. I was captivated by what he had to say.
I followed up on his promise to reveal a source of peace and contentment within myself. I practiced the techniques of what he calls Knowledge and, to make a long story short, I have not been disappointed. Well, perhaps that statement is not entirely true — though my disappointment was self-created. Soon after receiving Knowledge, I had the idea that I wouldn’t need anything else — including people. That idea turned out to be foolish and a bit funny, now that I look back on it. Needless to say, as time went on, I discovered that I do need other people. I need to connect with colleagues, and with friends and family — even on Facebook.
But I’ve also learned that I need something else — even more than I need other people. I need a connection with myself. That connection — not just friends, family, or my fellow coffee drinkers at Starbucks — is what will make my life complete.
Whether or not I finish my next novel.
Illustration by Sara Shaffer. |
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No es solo por el café
Monday, 02 May 2011
No es solo por el café
Sunday, 01 May 2011
No es solo por el café
Saturday, 30 April 2011
No es solo por el café
Friday, 29 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Friday, 22 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Thursday, 07 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Thursday, 07 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Wednesday, 06 April 2011
It’s Not Just The Coffee
Tuesday, 05 April 2011