Listening to a good story read by a good narrator makes all things drudge go away. It is like having the company of someone interesting without having to participate in a conversation. When Sean's behavior and manipulations, his often crazy logicking (although I have to admit, that has diminished a good deal with the abstinence of substance abuse) gets too much for me, I can pop in my ear buds and remove myself.
"I can't hear you..."
When thoughts that cause me anxiety are circling in my head (with plenty of space in which to roam) I can pop in my ear buds and take a soul searching and humorous bicycle trip across the U.S., with Smith, who has just lost his father, mother and schizophrenic sister unexpectedly in "The Memory of Running" by Ron McClarty. Ron McClarty's character's life is more random than mine, yet leaves me feeling that fate interjects hope sometimes.
"Life can always be worse...."
The seemingly endless roadways I travel, or the substantial amount of waiting necessary to accomplish some errands become an adventure I am often reluctant to conclude while in the grip of seat squirming anticipation for Luce, the young woman who found herself the caretaker of damaged twin pre-schoolers, orphaned when Luce's sister was murdered by her sociopathic husband who was found innocent by an incompetent judicial system and is hunting down his former stepchildren to silence them in "Nightwoods" by Charles Frazier.
"Look behind you! Oh no! Watch out, he's upstairs! Whew. They got away...."
Washing floors and windows, cleaning the kitchen, dusting and polishing, cooking, raking, mowing, stacking wood become opportunities for me to pop in my ear buds and join the cast of "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan as June's poignant research into the rich histories of four Asian women friends, one of whom is June's recently passed mother, progresses while concurrently exploring the complicated relationships of these women with their daughters within the boundaries of Western values.
*sob*
Exiting from a story into the present moment is like walking through a door for me. I arrive at 'now' with a fresh perspective on things, because after all, I've been away for awhile. Few situations seem daunting as there is very little history behind what is 'now' since I haven't been dwelling or over thinking anything. I rarely feel alone, though often I am. Certainly I recognize the escapism I am employing. I think it's a good tool, with many benefits such as reducing anxiety, increasing productivity, and enjoying the insights and facts a good story will impart to the 'reader' which sometimes can help overall understanding of one's own life...the "Ah Ha" moments.
And life is not so wonderful that we don't all need a little escapism, right?
Sincerely,
the Elfscooter
1 comment:
...and remember that even if your mp3 player is dead, you can still pop in those earbuds to escape. People won't talk to you (most people) if they think you can't hear them. Just like Kristen did at the hospital that day to cease my brothers......
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