I question if I lean too heavily on my headphones for escape. In an uncomfortable environment, they're never too far from me. I wonder if it's valid to overuse them when you're in a place you don't want to be.
I can't speak to the validity of using them during those times but I do love your line of questioning and would be interested in reading your reflections if you come to a personal conclusion.
I’ve written about it a little. I mostly focused on the escaping part though. Distracting myself in other ways due to the uncomfy circumstances I’m in. Of course I’m not in any physical harm, it’s just emotionally draining. Here’s the link to that post if you’re interested ♥️
These are gold! Jamal I look forward to reading your work on Monday mornings to help me start my day and carrying through the rest of the week.
You're not alone because I've had similar thoughts as well. Wearing my headphones provided me the solitude I believed I needed all the time. Was it a distraction? Yes, when I wanted it to be. Since misplacing it (because I really hope they're tucked away in the house and I didn't drop them outside in Downtown Detroit lol), a lot has happened. I needed to take it off for a while and focus on things that required my undivided attention and I'm glad I did.
I always enjoy your work, Jamal, and I am honored you chose something of mine for one of your illustrated poems! I can attest that doing the dishes without headphones can be a beautifully meditative experience, perfect for the birthing of poetry!
My mental healthcare professional asked why I always drove with radio on. My honest answer was because I was afraid of what I might hear. Now that I’ve learned some skills for sorting and dealing with these thoughts - including writing - I am better at tuning into what I hear in the space around me.
Oooo that headphones poem spoke to me so loudly! As an ADHD person, I have always struggled with silence. In 2017, I took myself on a 4 day silent retreat in a bid to really challenge that & sit with myself. It was easier than I thought. What was harder was returning to sound when it was over. I learned that having space to embrace the silence was important but also required no pressure for me to fill it. x
Honestly, just people talking. I was like, "Oh my God, why are you doing THAT?!" It felt weirdly obscene lol. I also didn't want to talk myself 'til really the next day!
I'm so inspired by your words and your art Jamal. The loved these found notes and how you beautifully layered the reading with meaning.
Thank you for these affirming words Mariana 🫶🏽
Your poem reminded me of one I wrote awhile back on Substack called “hear the room,” and it has to do with taking my AirPods out in a typewriter shop.
Awww! That sounds wonderful!
Shoot me a link!
Here it is! https://open.substack.com/pub/agentlelanding/p/hear-the-room?r=43wel&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
I question if I lean too heavily on my headphones for escape. In an uncomfortable environment, they're never too far from me. I wonder if it's valid to overuse them when you're in a place you don't want to be.
Hi Zavia!
I can't speak to the validity of using them during those times but I do love your line of questioning and would be interested in reading your reflections if you come to a personal conclusion.
I’ve written about it a little. I mostly focused on the escaping part though. Distracting myself in other ways due to the uncomfy circumstances I’m in. Of course I’m not in any physical harm, it’s just emotionally draining. Here’s the link to that post if you’re interested ♥️
https://open.substack.com/pub/zaviapittman/p/from-escaping-to-enriching?r=1pzkyn&utm_medium=ios
Just got a chance to check it out and it was really well done! I like the way you dug a bit deeper each step of the way.
My headphones make me feel like I am in my own movie 🍿🎥
That's awesome! I wouldn't have described it that way until reading this, but that's the sensation I get walking downtown with mine in lol
What's a recent go to song for the soundtrack of your life?
These are gold! Jamal I look forward to reading your work on Monday mornings to help me start my day and carrying through the rest of the week.
You're not alone because I've had similar thoughts as well. Wearing my headphones provided me the solitude I believed I needed all the time. Was it a distraction? Yes, when I wanted it to be. Since misplacing it (because I really hope they're tucked away in the house and I didn't drop them outside in Downtown Detroit lol), a lot has happened. I needed to take it off for a while and focus on things that required my undivided attention and I'm glad I did.
You're blessing me family!
And you hit it on the head. Losing my headphones is actually what prompted this piece lol
Wow. this really spoke to me. Lush.
Thank you Bonnie and I'm grateful!
👏💕
🥰
It’s hard for me to believe that you are missing found poetry in any moment, Jamal.
You're very generous Riley!
I wish that were the case. But alas, I am human 😊
Right! And isn't this post an example of the poetry that was "missed"?
You're kind Sam and I agree!
So good! Always so good.
I appreciate it family!
I always enjoy your work, Jamal, and I am honored you chose something of mine for one of your illustrated poems! I can attest that doing the dishes without headphones can be a beautifully meditative experience, perfect for the birthing of poetry!
Thank you for the affirmation and I'm grateful I was able to showcase your words! I was able to last night and I concur 👏🏽
My mental healthcare professional asked why I always drove with radio on. My honest answer was because I was afraid of what I might hear. Now that I’ve learned some skills for sorting and dealing with these thoughts - including writing - I am better at tuning into what I hear in the space around me.
I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing this Eunice.
Being with ourselves and our thoughts can be intimidating.
Props for doing the brave work ✊🏽❤️
Oooo that headphones poem spoke to me so loudly! As an ADHD person, I have always struggled with silence. In 2017, I took myself on a 4 day silent retreat in a bid to really challenge that & sit with myself. It was easier than I thought. What was harder was returning to sound when it was over. I learned that having space to embrace the silence was important but also required no pressure for me to fill it. x
Aaawww that's beautiful Karla! Four days sounds like an intense experience but I can see how the body and mind could normalize the experience.
What was the most annoying sound when you got back out? lol
Honestly, just people talking. I was like, "Oh my God, why are you doing THAT?!" It felt weirdly obscene lol. I also didn't want to talk myself 'til really the next day!
I figured your answer would be awesome/hilarious! 🤣