A Journey to the Sacred Space

Weekly Epiphanies

Hello Dear Readers,

I am often beset with questions about my writing life, not the how and what but the why. The ‘why’ is an important question in life that we do not ponder as frequently as we should. ‘Why’ sets the tone for how we approach a task. The reason why we do certain things dictates how we face failure or defeat. If we do something for the wrong reasons, any setback will prompt us to abandon the task. 

Every time I am reminded that, perhaps, I am not a conventionally successful author, I go back to why I began writing. Was it to claim the success I eschewed elsewhere or compensate for some abandoned childhood dream? The answer I receive from my rumination is that I do it for the love of writing, for the transformation that every writer undergoes when they write. With every word and every sentence, the writer inches forward to the truth they seek, whether the personal or the universal. 

Of course, I sometimes forget the art of falling in love with the writing journey, and that’s when it leads to procrastination. But lately, I have realised that procrastinating on a post is also an integral part of the process. It only means that I am looking for clarity, which— if I knew any better— would have come with a notebook and a pen, not by staring at a blank screen. 

I came across a beautiful quote by Toni Morrison on the internet. (I hope it is hers because it was posted as a snippet from a book. See how the new world has made us suspicious of everything?).

Toni Morrison said, “No! I haven’t succeeded at anything. I have written good and sometimes great books. But, for me, success is not a public thing. It’s a private thing. It’s when you have fewer and fewer regrets.”

Toni Morrison’s words put a writer’s journey in perspective. Her insight is crucial for anyone who has ever questioned themselves, why am I doing this? Her words become even more pertinent in today’s performative world when everything we do is out on social media. Our happiness, joy, and moments of togetherness have ceased to be meaningful unless displayed to everyone. Were we ever happy if we did not have a tastefully clicked photo with a smile plastered on our faces? Did we ever wear a dress that we truly loved unless it was ‘liked’ and ‘commented’ upon by our online friends? 

Making success a private thing is a tougher challenge for my generation and the ones that follow.

While privacy is a fading concept today, what about private space? I subscribe to The Quiet Life newsletter by Susan Cain, and this morning, I saw an enlightening video suggested by her. In the video, Joseph Campbell, an American author and literature professor (d: 1987), discusses the need for a sacred space. According to him, it is a room or even a time during the day when you do not know the news or your obligations to the world. It is when you ponder upon ‘who you are and what might you be.’ He goes on to say that throughout the day, you are doing things that are required of you and that the world demands of you. The sacred space is the place or time where you keep aside all of these.

It’s no different from journalling, but it’s a pity that such a sacred space is unavailable to most today. Unfortunately, we let social media or television impinge on our sacred space even when we are left alone.

I believe the writing process was my way of reclaiming my sacred space. Whether on a crowded bus, at my desk, in a buzzing cafe, or in a quiet library, I transported myself to a space where I defined my thoughts, and my thoughts defined me.

It can be a scary place if not handled with care, but it could also be the most beautiful place. It is not permanent because a writer lives in the real world and has real responsibilities and needs. They need to pay the bills and eat to live! But it’s a space that helps them thrive.

A writer’s life is a constantly changing, slippery, smooth, calm, adventurous, pointless, and insightful journey toward their sacred space. 

Writing Updates

I have completed the long-pending summary of my novel. It’s now ready to be submitted wherever I wish. I had absolute fun yesterday writing a short story for my paid subscribers. Others would have received a free preview by now. If you haven’t been able to read, fret not. I will compile another collection, but probably not before the end of next year. 

Reading Updates

It’ll suffice to say that I am addicted to the Mick Herron Slow Horses series of books. I am on the fourth one, Spook Street, and I am eager to read the next ones, as they have not been televised yet. 

This is the longest streak of fiction reading I have had in recent times. Usually, I intersperse my fiction reads with non-fiction, but I do not regret the streak one bit.

Thanks for reading this one! Keep books handy if you don’t have your sacred space yet.

Sudeepa

Photo by nate rayfield on Unsplash