Why a Spiritual Writing Blog?

2005-12-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I attended the first annual Short Story Festival here in Santa Fe, NM. The organizers did a great job of recruiting talent for the festival, and I enjoyed several of the sessions. My favorite was a panel discussion in which several well-known authors discussed what they believed was the secret to a successful short story. During this panel discussion author Luis Alberto Urea talked very openly about his writing and his process. At one point he uttered the word 'spirit' or 'soul'--I don't remember which. After saying the word, he paused. This author of bestselling books and winner of numerous prestigious awards, looked around. Then he announced that it was probably safe to say 'spirit' or 'soul' in Santa Fe, a town known for its metaphysical leanings.

I sat back in my seat, stunned. I thought about all the times I've heard authors read, heard celebrities interviewed, where f-bombs and other profanities were offered without a thought.

That a writer like Mr. Urrea would feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable for using the word spirit (or soul) illustrates my reason for writing this blog. In my own experience, I've seen spiritual writers ridiculed, seen too much spiritual work marginalized and treated as a second-class citizen of the literary world. This troubles me because I see spiritual literature as the expression of the universal spirit AND heart--two things that could use more attention and appreciation in these strange, changing times.

As a writer, I feel like part of my purpose is to bring this voice of the universal heart and soul to others. Allow that voice to sing a little louder. Like any worthy goal, this one has hatched more than a few butterflies in my stomach. I'm a bit of a hermit by nature, and I'm not used to 'exposing' so much of myself to others, let alone an audience as broad as the web. But worthy goals demand a worthy response, so in this space I'll talk honestly about my journey and lessons as a spiritual writer.

Much has happened since I attended that short story festival. I've been braver about sending my stranger spiritual stories out into the world. I've met more spiritual writers and have been overwhelmed by their generosity and support. I've also been working with two great friends to create a new literary journal dedicated to publishing a wide array of spiritual and contemplative literature--poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction--and visual arts. This new journal, Cezanne's Carrot, will premiere a week from today, on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2005. Expect to hear more about that in the months to come!

The voice of the emerging world, the emerging universal spirit, need many people to express it. If you're a spiritual writer, add a comment. I'd love to hear from you. There's no reason for any of us to feel alone anymore.

Blessings,

Barbara Jacksha

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Why a Spiritual Writing Blog?