About the Author
The logical step of course , was to write . Words have always been my companions and refuge from the challenges and occasional unfairness of life . The dance of words on the page provide structure for my thoughts and emotions , forcing me to consciously examine my reactions to people , places and events . Writing has become a kind of meditation , a way to live more mindfully .
Of course , once you begin to examine yourself and your reactions more thoughtfully , you ’ re bound to find things are surprising , embarrassing , and even disturbing . At that point you can examine those reactions in order to better understand them .
The point of such ruminative reconnaissance is to live more mindfully - a term that has far greater meaning and depth than is evidenced by the media , determined as they are to pummel the word into the submissive form of a buzzword . Perhaps a better way of saying it would be “ to live more actively .”
Most of us live our lives on autopilot . Many of our beliefs , even the ones we defend vociferously have been taken on board unconsciously , from our upbringing , our environment , etc . While there ’ s nothing inherently wrong with this , it is worth it from time to time to reexamine the truths you hold to be self-evident , if for no other reason than to determine if they ’ re still valid .
For example , if I asked a man whether or not he ’ d wear a dress , odds are , he would respond with a definitive “ no .” If I asked why , he ’ d probably say something along the lines of , “ well , men don ’ t wear dresses .” Fair enough . Now for the more interesting question : Who in the hell crafted that sartorial edict ? And why do we hold to it so firmly , despite not having the faintest idea where it came from ?
The point I ’ m making here is that we have many beliefs and attitudes that , upon reflection , have no real source outside of “ that ’ s just the way it is .” Often these are labeled as “ societal norms .” Most are harmless enough , but I would submit that not that long ago , the phrase “ that ’ s just the way it is ” could be applied to the ownership of human beings , or the subjugation of women . Living on autopilot can be a dangerous thing indeed .
Being a writer - particularly one exploring the depths of the human condition - is an effective , if somewhat unforgiving , way to examine one ’ s life , beliefs and reactions to the world . The journey is enlightening , revealing , raw and even a little terrifying . It can also be tremendously life affirming .
Writers may be slightly ( or not so slightly ) masochistic , but I would argue that it ’ s often in the cause of building a greater understanding of the beautiful dichotomy that is the human being .
In the end , a life unexamined is barely a life at all .
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About the Author
Mackenzie Clench is a writer who works with badass , heart-centered entrepreneurs to share their unique message with the world and “ sing their song .” He ’ s also a social observer and an advocate for women ’ s rights . Despite persistent rumours , he is not Batman , but he wishes he was . The truth can be harsh . Be gentle . Mackenzie can be contacted via Email or his Website .
www . mackenzieclench . com .
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