Train station in Fes, Morocco.
From threat to discovery is my blog concept for 2019. Often we view things as a threat, either psychologically or physically. Threats can stop us in our tracks. In my view every threat rather real or imagined or induced by outside forces, can lead to discovery. All we have to do is get on board, explore and keep an open mind.
When my son was 4 years-old I invited several of his friends over to our house with their mothers. Our big front yard gave them lots of room to run and play. We lived on a dead-end street where very few cars used the road. While the boys were playing, they started running as a herd in circles and then headed toward the street. A few of the moms started screaming for them to stop. Maybe the moms knew more about herd mentality than I did. I was not alarmed.
As the boys’ speed and direction toward the street continued, the moms stood up from their chairs and raised their voices louder, “Stop.” The boys kept running. Just as they neared the street a car approached and it was then that I yelled “Harry, stop.” He did. He turned and looked my way, raising his arms for the others to stop. Seeing the boys, the driver of the car stopped too. The threat was gone. Some of the moms grabbed their boys by the arm and scolded them. I hugged my son. Because I rarely raise my voice my son knew immediately that something was wrong. At least that’s how I interpreted the event. I discovered the power of restraint.
Poya parade in Sri Lanka.
I tell this story because as a writer I choose to use my scream voice only when the situation truly merits it. I don’t want to use it as a rhetorical device to create unwarranted tension or deliver titillating thrills or to put myself in a seat of authority or at the top of Google rankings. I want to commit myself to this because at times I have been guilty of it. It’s so easy to stray. On one side everything becomes terrifying, dangerous, sensational or guilt-ridden when the scream voice is employed. On the other side everything is magnificent, perfect and unbelievably awesome. Such a tone may get attention, but it is undeserved attention. If that voice appears, a good reason should follow. I choose the middle ground. Where things are murky, argued over in good faith, authentic. Curiosity unleashes discovery, not threats. I believe our world can be a better, more interesting and knowing place. This is how I find pleasure in my work, in its results, and whatever value it may have to the society in which I live.
Every time I get off of a train, plane or boat I discover something new. I might be happy, scared, curious or disappointed. I know to look further. That’s where the real understanding, knowledge and experience come from. When sober voices raise their octave, we can assess and take action when warranted. Like the boys running toward the street, if our voices are always screaming we won’t know the difference between the mundane and the exciting, the beautiful or the dangerous.
Join me at Who’s Taking the Train to read about discoveries around the world and within.
