Introspection and the sharing of our being

Main Entry: in·tro·spec·tion
Pronunciation: \ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy
Date: circa 1677
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
— in·tro·spect \-ˈspekt\ verb
— in·tro·spec·tion·al \-ˈspek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— in·tro·spec·tive \-ˈspek-tiv\ adjective
— in·tro·spec·tive·ly adverb
— in·tro·spec·tive·ness noun

The above is taken from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Introspection is an interesting thing and, to be totally honest, with you it has been on my mind as of late.

Kind of funny that a word that is all about thinking can be on your mind, huh? I think it's kind of funny. But...that's part of what I want to discuss with you today.

Yup. Sit down and get comfy. You may wish to pour yourself a cup of tea for this one. 'Cause we are diving in today.


Here's the thing. I actually AM quite an introspective person. I love to think. For reals. It's that plain and that simple. I enjoy contemplating things like quantum physics, philosophy, religion, and politics. I am actually married to a philosopher/political scientist with a degree in, well, basically most of what I just listed above. We often discuss such things at home. We don't always agree, sometimes we do agree, sometimes...I just end up confused.

I realized, however, that you guys probably don't know this about me. Most of you wouldn't come to JustJingle to ask a question about current events, political upheavals, religious matters, etymology, or to discuss multiple universes and alternate realities. No, here I focus on art. I focus on a completely different passion of mine. One that utilizes that prized right side of my brain. I actually actively avoid discussing most of those things here. I am not interested in arguing with people, for one. The thing about religion and politics is that everyone has an opinion and unfortunately many of those who like to share it most often haven't taken the time to properly educate themselves on such matters before speaking. Those who HAVE gone through the research and discovery process are often very fun and interesting to engage in conversation on these matters, however, I don't want to do that over a blog interface...I want to do that in person. Where I can feel the emotion.

And then there is the matter of things such as quantum mechanics and philosophy. I'll be one hundred percent honest with you on this. I'm afraid of boring people to death. There. I said it.

I guess that means that I don't have much faith in humanity to not only understand but actually CARE about these things. I'm guessing more people find them interesting than I would actually expect and many would like to talk about them. But I still have no plans to discuss such things on JustJingle.

All of these topics (broad as they are) are forms of introspection. I actively engage in thinking and even discuss them from time to time. I have, however, discovered that I actually enjoy the thought piece far more than the discussion piece.

That's where my art comes in. Art, I believe, is just as much introspection as these intense, deep, controversial discussions. Art, in it's essence is an outpouring of what comes from within. It is a physical representation of all that is introspected. My art - the very art that I share with you here - often carries deep undertones based in those issues that float around in my head. Yes, it may be a whimsical doll on the outside or a super bright and cheery card, or a mixed media piece about rearranging furniture, but, it is so much more than that.

I am very real on my blog. I don't want you to take this the wrong way and assume that I sit here lightening things up. What you see is what you get. That girl who says weird stuff and seems like she's having fun a whole lot, well, that girl is ME! The real live and in person version of ME! I guess I am just saying that I am kind of like one of those whimsical dolls. I am cute, I am fun, I am full of energy, but there is even more there. There is so much that goes so deep.

There are two bloggers who are able to express those parts of themselves so amazingly well and they were the inspiration for this post. Lisa over at Life Unity is amazing. She knows herself and is continuing to discover herself just the same. It is so thrilling that she opens up this process to others so well. She knows how to talk about it. I don't know how to talk about it, but I do share it with you all through my art. The other amazingly inspiring blogger that comes to mind when I think of introspection is Kathy over at Everyday Bliss. Kathy is not only sharing her journey, but encouraging others to express their bliss. To be introspective and really examine ones self.

So, I leave you with this thought today. Examine yourself. Be introspective. And, if you are able, share the process in some way with others. It is so amazingly rewarding. I am just now discovering this through my relationship with Lisa and Kathy. I know myself. I have for a long time now and I am so grateful for that because I know many have not yet found themselves. However, it is so exciting to share company with others who know who they are and seek to share the joy of that person.