Jayne.press

Critical Thinking is Hard

There’s people out there that make sarcastic and belittling remarks by saying do you have a brain? But you know what, with everything we are bombarded with today, it’s hard to have a moment to ourselves to think about things.

I like to think in my own quiet space. I like to think in groups of other thinkers. However, it’s not easy to carve out time to think and teach myself with a 2 year old at home. I barely have time to read the books I love like Terry Pratchett’s Disc World or books written by my writing friends. But I want to read. I want to self teach. I want to work on something that hurts my brain but I keep going so I can finally understand a new perspective.

At the same time, I enjoy this part of my life. I enjoy the adventure and the networking. I may not be learning from books but I am learning so many new things about business and networking and working with a team.

It’s interesting that critical thinking and learning don’t come hand in hand. I am learning new things and learning new perspectives but it’s not in a deep and internal way. You’d think, thinking always came with learning. But truth be told, not much of what I’ve learned about business has shifted my perspective or moved me in any great way.

What has moved me, is the support I’ve gotten from those I love. It’s moved me to meet other people who want the same changes and who understand my vision.

So the point of all this is say, appreciate the time you have to think critically. Seek out subjects that steal your attention from social media. But don’t be so busy searching for a deep thought that you forget to appreciate what you have in front of you.

Help with my Character

Maybe you can help me out, I’m struggling with my main character. She’s got a great arc. Some challenging circumstances and she’s got opinions and weaknesses. But I just feel like she’s always being pushed along and not really making enough big choices.

I’m wondering if there is a way I can put her into a situation where no matter what, she has to make a big choice. Would that take away from her coming into her power?

There is a scene where she is placed in a life or death situation. but I still feel like she didn’t choose it. How can I get her to make a courageous decision?

What do you think about this topic in your own life, when you’re faced with big choices that you can’t avoid, do you feel you grow from those situations? I think I do but as time wears on, it seems like the weight of the decision fades away; sometimes along with the growth and wisdom that came with it.

The Roots Are Intertwined

On the love of learning

Some people like to think of learning, life, and time as linear things. I’m more of a B theorist, (but I’m not so committed I’d stake my life on it). We forget sometimes how living and learning something new can be like having too many tabs open and trying to find out where the music is coming from.

Learning and life are supposed to be uncertain and if they’re done correctly, both should bring people together. There’s so much connection in a community of learners who are all engaged and excited about reaching the same goal.

I’m not a teacher but I am a learner who gets excited at the thought of being released head first into a new subject. I like when the teacher trusts me with the content. I like being part of engaging communities. And I like when it’s accepted and encouraged to take subject matter into my own hands.

Why I Wrote my Novel

I had to write my novel because it holds pieces of my life that I had to carve away at to get to what really matters. I wrote it to bring value to my circumstances especially the ones that hurt me the most.

I’ve always wanted to write but I didn’t want to attempt until I graduated from college and got settled into a career. I was also more focused on writing psychology articles and nonfiction books, but I’ve found myself dancing in the world of fiction. Which is just as fabulous and much more satisfying for me.

Writing this novel especially my favorite character Anie-Me who’s the “mentor”, has been the most satisfying work of art I’ve ever committed to. Even when I’m sad, I love working on it. Not so much when I’m tired though. I don’t like doing much of anything when I’m tired. But anyways, back to the point, satisfying art. Not all art is satisfying. So what is it about writing this book which is inspired by triptychs (three paneled catholic paintings) that feels so good?

I think it feels so good because it turned one of the worst times of my life into art. A tangible thing that I can forever pull wisdom and emotion from. Then again who knows if I’ll ever pick up the book again.

Looking for Inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere they say. It’s in the way a leaf crunches under your feet. It’s in the way a strand of hair blows in the wind. But I’m gunna be honest, my tank is running low. I’m losing interest in blogging. I’m feeling blocked in as a mom and I feel like life just isn’t progressing at the pace I’d like it to. I’m tired. I’m always fighting a cold just to get the cold, and routine human maintenance is just feeling heavy right now. I know it’s temporary. I know I’m not alone, but it’s just making this whole blogging thing miserable.

So how can I make this blogging thing more enjoyable? Where am I not connecting with wanting to blog? You may be asking, why blog if you hate doing it. My answer is, I don’t what it is, but writing a daily blog post just makes me feel better.

What keeps you blogging? I appreciate a good community, any suggestions on a blogging community that might accept my awkwardness?

Aughra

I am Mother Aughra! I am Thra!
https://darkcrystal.fandom.com/wiki/Aughra

Aughra from Dark Crystal is “a voice to the stones and eyes to the forests.”

They Think They Know

The world is full of people who think they know what’s better for you, but you know what’s best for you. You’ve fought yourself long enough. You don’t need to fight others too. You’ve trudged through murky spaces and up mountains many have yet to climb. Build your world with so much integrity and passion and love they can’t help but watch you rise.

Even when you’re learning new things, it’s ok to do what creates success for you. Take the road less traveled. Use the materials that make you smile when you’re doing the work. You want glitter and gem stones on your folder because they tickle your heart strings, do it. Live your dream with all the glitter you can get your sticky little fingers on.

They think they know. They think you’d do better if you’d just listen. If you’d just do more and burn yourself out like them, but you take your rest. You take your space so you can show up with a clear mind and a peaceful heart.

Imagine that, a world with clear minds and peaceful hearts!

There’s Two Movies

That I watch to calm myself down when I have anxiety or depression. The first one is Dr. Strange. It grew on me. I’m not sure when it became a comfort movie for me but it is now.

The second one is Dark Crystal by Jim Henson and was a comfort movie for me since the first time I watched it. Dark Crystal has something about it that keeps me coming back for more.

I won’t say much so I don’t spoil it but I’m going to mention some of my favorite characters.

My all time favorite is Deet. She also reminds me of one of my close friends from middle school.

My second favs are a pair of heretic skeksis, Urgoh and Skekgra. I absolutely love their interactions and their role in the story. They bring a lot of character to the film.

What are your comfort movies?

Until it Shifts

The art that comes out of me when I’m alone is much different from the art that comes out of me when I’m surrounded by people. The art the comes out of me when I’m rested is different from the art that comes out of me when I’m exhausted. I like to write in all different environments but mostly I start writing around 10pm every night by habit.

Lately, it’s been tough though.

A while ago, I read that art dates help. I’ve noticed in the past they help to keep me moving forward. What’s an art date? It’s when you take yourself out to get art supplies. You take your time and get what ever lights your fire. (The dollar store has a great art supply section these days.) Then you spend a couple hours creating in solitude. It’s suggested by the writer Julia Cameron in her book titled, The Artist’s Way.

Tomorrow I might have to try it. But I might just need to write and wait it out until it shifts.

She Lied

Jayne.Press Sep 28 · 1 min read

A micro story about a girl who lied

“I’m going to Venice,” she says. “I’m late for my flight.” Her empty palms show as she waves goodbye to her friends. She freezes for a moment to sip from her piping hot cup of coffee, then rushes off down the road. A few blocks later she takes one last sip of her coffee and tosses it in the trash as she walks into her favorite bar. Smells like last night, and sweat. She never liked the smell much. Makes her head hurt but the bartender knew how to make her drinks and in what order, so she kept going back.

This was originally published on The Intoxicating Unhinged Mind There’s some amazing writers contributing to this publication. When you have a moment you should check them out.