The summer is going by rapidly, isn’t it?
This week I have been working on the finishing touches of my manuscript that will soon be emailed to the publisher bearing the title Leaving Analysis: Turbulence, Transformation & Termination. I can’t help feeling discouraged that the creation of ‘About the Author’ page and the ‘Acknowledgments’ section took so much time. It’s still not finished! My unrealistic plan, a first cousin to magical thinking, had been to sit down and finish both in one go, but of course, that didn’t happen. I wonder why it is so difficult to describe myself.
And attempting to find words to express my deep appreciation for those who have encouraged and supported me, despite feelings of immense gratitude, brought on some turbulence. I continued to chide myself: “Wouldn’t a real writer be able to whip these out easily?” Feelings of desperation led me to whisper, “How do other writers deal with magical thinking?”
This last question tantalized me. I stepped away from chastising myself to begin an exploration of magic. It didn’t take long to locate Cynicism and Magic: Intelligence & Intuition on the Buddhist Path by Chogyam Trungpa. He cautions us not to expect paranormal magic. It occurred to me that this was exactly what I was doing. I wanted to be as skilled as Emily Dickinson who observed the world and reported on it using words that expressed her own perspective. In a poem, she advised writers to tell the truth but tell it slant – which I think means writers need to tell their story using their own unique vision. I need to be looking for my own slant, not magic.
Trungpa explains that everything is as it is because of a gradual process. Magic as he defines it is not tricks but developing a sense of composure where one accepts that everything is as it is. From this position, it is then possible to recognize the gradual process that is taking place all around (in my case, the slow process of learning to write effectively). I believe Trungpa believes that magic takes place because of persistence. That there is magic in being persistent.
Slowing down and being persistent, letting the creative process take all the time it needs, will introduce me to Trungpa’s non-psychotic type of magic.
Do you believe in magic?
6 comments
HI, Nicky!
I, too, slip into magical thinking sometimes–I think it’s part of being human.
I LOVE this: “there is magic in being persistent”–so much truth in those six words.
So good to hear from you Diane – being human is a good thing!
And I’m glad you appreciated the persistent quote – I think it will help me in the future to remember that sticking with it might bring magic!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
XXOO
When my father came into my bedroom to tell me my grandfather had died, he found me crying. I had ‘seen’ him and knew he had passed on.
I was 14 when he passed away. He died unexpectedly at the age of 63.
How did I know? How can I explain it?
I can’t.
Is this magic or something else?
I don’t look for paranormal magic. I honestly don’t think I believe in it despite my experiences. I seek the simplest explanation. But, I am open to the possiblity of it.
I am more interested in the ‘magic’ of the moment.
Your flowers (Dianthus by the way) are magical to me. Holding a child’s hand… Watching a leaf fall… Spending time with family and friends… Magic!
Living life fully, connected and engaged is magic.
Blessings of good health, happiness and peace to you and your family.
Have a good night.
Your friend,
Jon
gassho rei
Jon,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I love everything you said especially the part about not needing paranormal magic if you open your eyes!
So appreciate all you said.
Nicky
Magic – for me it is the Trungpa word ‘process’ which I call God who is the Process, see ALQ p143. Entrusting myself to that Process has been a life’s work/lesson and does now bring ‘magical’ outcomes. The phone call from a friend when I was intending to ring her. Getting to places on time despite traffic delays. And last Monday’s. I was doing a job up a sidestreet, which happened to pass the funeral director’s firm, saw a guy leaving, asked him if S,our funeral director, was inside. Reply – I’m S. We were both astonished, but had a good in-person connect in preparation for Tuesday’s service. When these things happen, I now call it Divine choreography. And yes, it is magical in that I haven’t made it happen.
A possibly useful question for writing – What is waiting to be said by me?
Trish – thanks for your wonderful definitions of magic and your writing prompt!
I so appreciate your reading and commenting.
Nicky
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