Summary

The author reflects on a week-long challenge of abstaining from reading, inspired by Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way," and discovers the profound impact words have on their emotional processing and healing.

Abstract

The author embarked on a journey of refraining from reading for a week, as suggested by Julia Cameron in her book "The Artist's Way." Despite encountering texts through daily necessities like messages and labels, the author experienced a significant shift in self-awareness and emotional understanding. The challenge revealed the author's reliance on words for coping and highlighted the importance of reading in shaping personal insights and maintaining mental balance. The absence of reading led to a deeper appreciation for the written word and its power in personal growth and healing. The author acknowledges the necessity of various tools, including reading, for emotional intelligence and concludes with gratitude for the insights gained from the experience.

Opinions

The author initially felt glum but adapted to the new approach of a week without words.
They acknowledge that complete abstinence from reading was not achievable due to essential communication and activities with family.
The challenge unexpectedly brought forth past emotional issues, indicating that words serve as a coping mechanism.
The author values reading as a tool for maintaining emotional balance and facilitating healing and connection.
They express gratitude for the clarity and insight provided by reading and the inspiration drawn from others' words.
The author recognizes that despite believing in their emotional intelligence, there is still room for growth and that words can be a crutch.
The experience confirmed the power of words and reading in the author's life and the importance of having a variety of tools for emotional well-being.
The author is open to repeating the challenge, feeling better prepared for managing without words, if necessary.

CHALLENGES | POETRY

Retrospective on a Week Without Words

Statues — fishing and surfing- Kalbarri — Photo my own

Day one I was glum Day two Approach was new No reception by day number three Helped with letting me be me

No words, not entirely true Had to read quite a few Text messages here and there When catching a signal that was fair

Emails scanned Words on cans Green eggs and ham Read with the fam Books about Mermaids Maps of gorges surveyed

By day number five I survived Then emotions took a dive Unexpected situation Activated stimulation Past hurts I thought I’d cleared Haven’t completely disappeared

Words are a tool Used to keep my cool Ground in the isness Of this living business Each time I read Connection and insight breed

Grateful the week has ended Reading no longer suspended

The treasure in the words you gift Enhance the clarity of each identity shift Induce more layers to unfold Assist me as my soul’s story takes hold

Why my appreciation infinitely grows For each and every one of you sows Seeds of inspiration and motivation That uplift the consciousness of the population

So I thank you now and forever For being you on this earthly endeavour

Well, I did it — kind of. I completed the challenge sparked by Chapter 5 in Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way. No reading for a week.

Mostly.

As my poem suggested, the week wasn’t completely free from reading.

Texts, email scans, product labels, maps, signs and reading with my daughters all put my eyes in front of words.

I was limited, though. I didn’t have my books with me; articles were out of bounds as was accessing the kindle app and any social media.

I was lucky I was away from the norm with my family at the time.

It gifted me an environment to embrace the challenge without the extra temptation of spare moments alone.

Z-Bends Kalbarri National Park — Family portrait taken by Boj

Convinced there is still more to uncover from this exercise, but a few days on I know the challenge was what I needed to do.

It uncovered a clear confirmation I use words as a healing tool.

No right. No wrong. Just is.

I believed I was further along with my emotional intelligence. A check-in minus the crutch of words proved I was wrong.

I know my mind likes to give me a false sense of control and confidence, but I had managed to deceive myself once again. Funny how that happens. Amused and no longer confused.

There are no time limits on tools. I use them because they are necessary for maintaining my energy and awareness bandwidth.

Any doubts that the tools work entirely swept away.

Simple but so very powerful.

Would I take a week away from reading again?

I try to never say never.

All I know is next time I will be more prepared. Other tools in my tool belt will be well dusted off and ready to step in if my eyes and mind ever retake a break from words.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for being you