Matt on the Zen of Language

“Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are.” –Arsène Houssaye

I was interested in trying something different from an ordinary blog. Rather than little old me randomly opining on the state of the world (it’s a mess), the latest book I read (M Train by Patti Smith –excellent), or celery (aka Satan’s dental floss), I wanted to set up a sort of confession album, a 19th-Century practice in which friends asked each other questions, the most famous one being the Proust Questionnaire. For this confession album, I figured what better way to get to know people than to ask them to talk about something they love. And so, here are the questions, with the hopes of learning more about some interesting people and the things that move and shape them. Today, Matt discusses his love of the Zen of language.

What is one thing (object, idea, practice, etc.) that you love? 

The Zen Of Language. In retrospect, I’ve “always” known this. Words can move us towards positions of power, peace and growth. 

How did you first come to discover your love of language? Do you remember? 

At age 6, my grandma read to me from comics and translated into my mother tongue. I was enthralled to realize that basically the same pics could convey so many different meanings in so many ways.

Do you feel like anyone mentored you when you first discovered the Zen of language or in developing your love? Anyone in addition to your grandmother? If so, who and under what circumstances?

My dad is a student of language and he fostered a further love for the power of language. At university, I studied English. I love how thinking about words can recursively influence the words that facilitate the thoughts, and vice versa.

What do you love about it?

Understanding. Coping. Growth. I encourage healthy debate with like-minded spirits. On a daily basis I listen to podcasts, and watch “nutritional” videos about the power of words and language in general.

How do you express your love for the Zen of language?

This question is complicated, yet interesting. I still haven’t quite formulated a proper personal definition for “love.” And I almost hope I never do. Searching is also an expression of love. The quest is an act of love. On a more personal level, I’m striving to become less fussed about the erroneous usage of language. But when someone expresses interest in language, I will engage in conversation.

How do you feel language makes your life better?

Charlemagne said, “to speak two languages is to possess two souls”. I love how it provides me with a privileged view of the world that those who wield only one language often appear to not perceive. This requires a few hours of debate!

If someone were interested in discovering more about the Zen of language, where would you direct them? Where would they start? 

Any video by Alan Watts, mostly for an understanding of Zen. But also Evy Pompouras and Lera Boroditsky.  My current ‘mentor’ is an Afrikaans Zen/Language advocate.

Danny on Creating Things

“Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are.” –Arsène Houssaye

I was interested in trying something different from an ordinary blog. Rather than little old me randomly opining on the state of the world (it’s a mess), the latest book I read (M Train by Patti Smith –excellent), or celery (aka Satan’s dental floss), I wanted to set up a sort of confession album, a 19th-Century practice in which friends asked each other questions, the most famous one being the Proust Questionnaire. For this confession album, I figured what better way to get to know people than to ask them to talk about something they love. And so, here are the questions, with the hopes of learning more about some interesting people and the things that move and shape them. This week, it’s Danny on making things.

What is one thing (object, idea, practice, etc.) that you love?

I love making (mostly artistic) things - the process of visualizing something, figuring out how to create it, and seeing it through to completion.

How did you first come to discover your love of making things? Do you remember?

I don’t - I’ve always liked it. Though I’ve become more realistic about things I can do (write, draw) and things where my skills aren’t up to par (e.g. woodworking).

Do you feel like anyone mentored you when you first discovered this love or in developing your love? If so, who and under what circumstances? 

Not really, and I sort of wish someone had because it might have taken me less time to figure out the importance of follow through and methodical effort. I have always had far more ideas than finished projects.

What do you love about it?

I love the process of creating something new and original, and also seeing how the reality manifests - usually somewhat differently than I originally envisioned.

How do you express your love for making things?

By doing it. I don’t really talk about it much, I have too many unfinished things started and never completed. At this point I prefer to share work when it’s either complete or has a concrete plan for completion.

How do you feel making things makes your life better?

The process of creation is intrinsically fulfilling for me.

If someone were interested in discovering more about making things and creation, where would you direct them? Where would they start? 

I think having the basic tools is important. For writers, I’d suggest classes both on literature and also on the process of creative writing. For artists, I’d suggest a range of classes on a variety of media so they can see what resonates with them and can expand their toolbox. Whatever the medium of expression, reading/watching/consuming other art/writing is important.

Elizabeth on Discovery

“Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are.” –Arsène Houssaye

I was interested in trying something different from an ordinary blog. Rather than little old me randomly opining on the state of the world (it’s a mess), the latest book I read (M Train by Patti Smith –excellent), or celery (aka Satan’s dental floss), I wanted to set up a sort of confession album, a 19th-Century practice in which friends asked each other questions, the most famous one being the Proust Questionnaire. For this confession album, I figured what better way to get to know people than to ask them to talk about something they love. And so, here are the questions, with the hopes of learning more about some interesting people and the things that move and shape them.

What is one thing (object, idea, practice, etc.) that you love?

Discovery. Not to be confused with “discovering.” The thing being discovered (am confusing myself) doesn’t have to be new, just new to me or someone I share with, be it a fact, a place, a concept, or something else (object, idea, practice, etc.--see what I did?). Yay, discovery!

How did you first come to discover discovery? Hah! That sounds funny. But do you remember?
No way could I recall the first time, probably the whole baby sees themselves in the mirror thing, playing with my own fingers and toes, something, but I have no memory of it. Thinking of how that moment must have been, though, gives me a thrill. That had to be the beginning, the beginning of the journey, and it will be a lifelong one.  

Do you feel like anyone mentored you when you first discovered this love or in developing your love of discovery? If so, who and under what circumstances?

I don’t know that anything besides natural curiosity propelled me into it, but I do know that my love for it is nurtured by people who share a similar love for discovery. It’s a real symbiosis, and it’s happening almost constantly, with every interaction. And it’s universal. Learn something new!

What do you love about it?

What’s not to love? That’s the thing! Even if it’s something I wish I hadn’t known, it’s something new. The act of discovery–the process–cannot be stopped! That’s what makes it special! I love that even in my perceived darkest of times, there has been some discovery involved.

How do you express your love for it?

I share things–some would say overshare–when I am able, and then the joy of discovery is vicarious but no less wonderful. To see the joy of discovery in someone else is beyond thrilling! Especially if it thrilled me first, LOL! I’ve said “thrill” a couple of times, but it is such a rush! It’s the best word! 

How do you feel discovery makes your life better?

It opens my heart, broadens my mind, and expands my horizons, which I figure are some of the most basic life purposes anyway. And because it comes so easily it can be done no matter the circumstances. It gives you everything, and more often than not, takes nothing away. 

If someone were interested in discovering more about this thing you love, where would you direct them? Where would they start?

Interacting with curious, studied, self-educating people is an amazing way to do it, but if that’s not immediately possible (looking at you, pandemics and power outages), pick up a book, go for a walk, do something new. It is impossible not to discover. Again, that’s the beauty of it.