There is a close thread that runs through what you reflect on, what you read and what sticks in your mind. It’s almost a cyclic process with regards to how all these processes unfold. Today, in this installment we focus on the thread between reading, reflection and writing.
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This appears a bit cumbersome to explain. But let’s simplify it. Let’s begin with a beautiful poem which encompasses what we have so far spoken about. Here we are! The poem is penned by “Tachibama Akemi.” It goes:
It is a pleasure
When, rising in the morning,
I go outside and
Find that a flower has blossomed
That was not there yesterday.
Seemingly, the poem is simple. But, on close analysis, it reflects very deep reflection and thoughtfulness. The persona, in an existential fashion, reflects all about the purpose and meaning of life and his place in the overall matrix of life.
The persona carefully reflects on nature. This is what makes all this poem rustic and romantic. The persona thinks deeply about the blossoming flowers and how the process of the growth of flowers appears almost inadvertently. It is a poem about change, healing, the lapse of time and the changes or vissiccitudes in the life of a person are reflected creatively through imagery and poetry. We all go through that, isn’t it? We all react and respond to love, truth and beauty.
So far everything appears very interesting. Let’s just put to the fore some good and appealing thoughts. Let’s enlarge on reading, writing and reflection. Kindly keep in mind that thoughts must be captured, told, expressed and shared through the magical power of the written word. As a person, obviously through keeping entries in a journal, there is no doubt that you have toyed about thoughts and ideas and experiences you wish you could put across. Here is an example you can peek from Anthony. Anthony likes writing. He tells us that in his spare time he likes exploring a lot. And, more often than not he tells us,
“I stop, and think, and then when I find something, I just keep on writing.” So crisp, but how beautiful. Notice something interesting here; you need to stop, to take life effortlessly and ponderously, as it were; observe, be attentive to your environment; formulate thought patterns and then write. To some extent, this article builds on our previous experiences when we spoke at length about the reading process.
But how can you do it? It’s not pretty much different. I can help you from my previous life as a teacher of English Languge. The most important skill you must cultivate is that of listening, close listening. Look at how people and events mingle. What makes both of you happy; enjoy it. I am sure you still keep that journal in which you enter very beautiful entries. Reflect about Maseru, the so-called affluent city. So majestic! How can you picture it in writing!
I am glad you learnt to reflect deep and write. Thank you very much. Kindly learn and perfect the craft of observing, reflecting and writing. Learn that connection. Let’s meet for another class.
Vuso Mhlanga
