Mslazyboots in Himalayas wrote something that resonated with me. She said that:
“The more you document your life, the more you check in, you tweet, you blog, you capture moments, the more you do all of this stuff, the more you make stories out if it, and if you do that much, you become a spectator to your own life.” (Mslazyboots in Himalayas).
I like the proposition of using this blog to document my life. Not everything but most of it, especially the fun parts. The wandering and wondering parts. Especially where there are lots of photos to accompany it.
Then there is the part of becoming a spectator in my own life. The 1st position of being a part of it and also observing it, from 2nd position. That is an enticing prospect because of the insights from the past that I will get, and applying the learnings from that into what I do going forward.
That is why I blog and post photos.
Many times the words are inside me, roiling around, lost in my critical notions of what should see the light of day and what must remain in the dark, locked inside me, the depth of varying degrees, the conversation eclectic, chaotic and noisy.
When this happens no words come out and instead I post photos, like a silent 3rd position, the observer with a lens.
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ? Ansel Adams
Thanks for this
Thanks.
I wonder, though, if being a ‘spectator’ to one’s own life has more of a negative connotation rather than something to emulate. Images of being more concerned with capturing and ‘documenting’ what’s going on around a person instead of joyfully taking part in life.
We’ve become too device-centric and I don’t think that’s a good thing. I’m as guilty of this as anyone, so intent on putting that camera up to my face to ‘get the shot’ when, perhaps, I should be enjoying the moments more.
Just my $.02 worth….
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year to you too Julie!!
Re your comment, I see retrospecting on one’s life as a process to obtain learnings and going ‘spectator-view’ is a great way to do it. The balance of that, and participating in life is important. Just being a spectator is not advisable indeed.