Reading Deprivation

Well, it has been a while since I have blogged, and I am excited about writing again. Last week was week four in the book I am currently reading, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. And week four is reading deprivation week. I know what you are thinking. "Reading deprivation?! How on Earth is that going to help you be more artistic?" or "Aren't you a teacher? Would you tell your students not to read?" or "How is it possible not to read?" or "Writing is not reading, so you can still post." Yes, I heard them all this week. And you can ask any other questions you wish, and I will attempt to answer them as well. But for now let me try and answer these FAQ.

1. "Reading deprivation?! How on Earth is that going to help you be more artistic?"

J. Cameron explains it best. In her own words, "No reading? That's right: no reading. For most artists, words are like tiny tranquilizers. We have a daily quota of media chat that we swallow up. Like greasy food, it clogs our system. Too much of it and we feel, yes, fried. It is a paradox that by emptying our lives of distractions we are actually filling the well. Without distractions we are once again thrust into the sensory world."
She then goes on to say, "For most blocked creatives, reading is an addiction. We gobble the words of others rather than digest our own thoughts and feelings, rather than cook up something of our own."

2. "Aren't you a teacher? Would you tell your students not to read?"

Never in a million bazillion years would I tell my 7th grade students not to read. I want them reading books and music everyday. Period.

3. "How is it possible not to read?"

Honestly, I don't think it is possible to avoid it completely. But I gave it 110%, and it paid off.

4. "Writing is not reading, so you can still post."

This is true. But I know myself. If I get on the blog to write, I will start reading other people's posts. I truly missed keeping up with my friends this week, but I just couldn't let myself give in. In addition to not reading, I avoided non-work essential internet completely this week. They say (whoever "they" are) that our generation is addicted to the internet. I totally believe it. So I figured a week off of email, facebook, blogging, etc... would be good for me, even if it meant no posting as well. Although, I did write in my diary each morning.

So now that you officially think I have gone off the deep end, I am going to start posting again. And boy, do I have a lot to say...