Two things crossed my mind recently on the topic of 'Reflective Blog Posts'.
1. Beware Blogging as the Sole Means of Processing your Reflections
It seems to me that whenever you publish your thoughts, or have in mind to do so, you inevitably shape them for your audience. That's great in that you are forced to clearly articulate what you're saying (or risk an impenetrably long post).
But, I think there's a nasty barb, too: you might find that there are some reflections you're no-longer willing to pursue because you don't think they're blogable; some directions that you won't take your reflections in, lest you touch on a subject that isn't palatable: Real fears, your nasty side, things that you just can't put succinctly, struggles.
The short: Blog your reflections, by all means; but make sure you save some head-space to reflect on stuff that will never get to your blog.
2. Beware Reading Blogs as your Sole Means of Personal Reflection
Blogs are a great window into people's lives and minds. As a result, they're fantastic for keeping in touch; they can be entertaining; they can be really thought-provoking. So here's my thing: In this digital-revolution-thing-a-majig are we leaving the truly great thinkers of history, and getting inside their heads, only to bounce comparatively simple thoughts about? Are we being satisfied with less than the best? We have the resources to get inside Spurgeon's head, to read Don Carson's thoughts... even to know Jesus' mind.
The short: read blogs of friends, loved ones, and interesting strangers. But dwell on other things, too; greater things, even.
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2 comments:
excellent thougths Bernie. great stuff.
it actually answers some questions I had been been half-thinking. of course I didn't put the half-questions on my blog, they weren't blog-able ;-)
that's a really helpful thought, blogging can be great - It's definitely better than sitting around watching tv, but it can dominate your headspace. Maybe blogging is really just another instance of the commercialisation of knowledge?
It's good to be reminded to think for the sake of knowing not just blogging :-)
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