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Fear & Loathing: Inspiration Through Literature
Posted on November 1, 2016
We are almost done with this election! After getting so many great musical suggestions last week, I wanted to send ou
t one more self-care reminder. I love history! As a student of psychology, I’ve always seen a people’s history as the foundation for their collective consciousness – or collective unconsciousness. We can only understand ourselves when we take the context of the past into consideration.
I always rotate historical reading into my book rotation. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend that I’m sure has been a coping mechanism, helping me to handle my anxiety around the current toxic political environment, and what it means for those of us who are trying to advocate for change and further integration of the trauma informed paradigm. Currently, I’m on my fifth book on Arctic exploration this month!
The history of the Arctic is one of both human struggle and astounding leadership, and shows what a group of people can survive and achieve if they work together (and what the consequences can be if they don’t!). Compared to Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, the nightly news seems survivable. When I think about living on a floating piece of ice in the violent Arctic sea for months with little food or hope for rescue, I find myself grounded and reassured that we will survive this and maybe even become stronger.
I’m wondering if anyone else is using literature for survival! If so, please share in the comment section.
The literary domain is the basis of my own survival story. I write. Reading is the beginning of writing. History gives insight onto my trials. Biblical history and world history illuminate the situation. William Shirer’s classic history of World War II, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany,” reveals the ways of Nazism, which continue to act against the world–even increasing homelessness. Discovering Nicolas de Malebranche, and his place in literature, add to the understanding that I believe I gain. Part of the story, as I see it and will aim to show, is the abuse of literature and writing. The benefits of reading is a reason some are trying to diminish reading in our lives.
I knew I could count on you for some good reading!
I am currently reading , “Carrie & Me” by Carol Burnett and “Hold Me TIGHT” by Sue Johnson. Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday in NYC.
Carol Burnett is always good for some comic relief!
I’ve been feeling that it is time to re-read Harry Potter, it is always healing for me to think about good triumphing over evil even when it seems like it won’t happen.
I’ve heard several references in the news to “He who shall not be named.” Good wins…right?