Week 11: Writer's Perspective - Alice Walker: Meditation and Writing

I am a big Alice Walker fan.  My favoritism with her started in 1995, when I took a Southern Literature (yes, there is such a thing…) class in Atlanta, GA.  Reading the article Alice Walker: After 20 Years, Meditation Still Conquers Inner Peace, I am even a bigger fan of Ms. Walker’s.  In the article, Alice Walker talks about how meditation has helped her be a better writer.  It has cleared heartache and cob webs from her heart and mind.  It has cleared space for innovative writing and given her inner depth.  This depth, she has pulled out of her soul and put in words to help her create masterpieces of work. 

I felt empathy towards Ms. Walker as I was reading about the difficult times that brought her to realize meditation was what she was searching for.  She sought an inner peace to mend her heart.  She found it in meditation and writing. 

I have recently felt like Alice walker.  In reading this article, I could relate.  I related to a broken heart and the yearning for it to heal.  I have searched recently for an outlet – something to make me feel better and to know true happiness again.  It recently came to me.  It came in the form of forgiveness and in writing. When I feel spent, I meditate and write.  Take care of the soul - and write.  Alice Walker’s article convinced me that inner peace does not come from another – it is truly inner.  You work it out for yourself.  When it feels bad, it probably is, so you forgive, move on, meditate and write. 

My thinking on writing in a social media environment has changed drastically with this course.  I pay more attention to what I write.  I use ethics and do my best to uphold a standard of accountability and responsibility.  I use caution before I post or blog.  I feel it is not only what I have learned in this class but in good conscience, knowing what I do now – it just would not feel right to do anything different.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/23/arts/23WALK.html