Catharsis

So today I freaked out and blogged on a very personal issue. I woke up with it on my mind, and writing about it somehow helped me figure out what actions to take, what resources to seek, what to do.

Later, a friend e-mailed with helpful advice and a wise question. How would those involved feel if they ever read about it on my blog? Good point. One I didn't think about until reading that e-mail. I think I blog anonymously... I haven't shared the fact that I'm blogging with family or friends... But who really knows who's reading.

Maybe this is my rookie  mistake. I'm wondering what fellow bloggers have to say on the issue... Just how personal should one get in a blog? How much should you really share? What's off limits? These are all subjective questions... I'm sure different people will feel different things... But I'm curious. If you have an opinion, please chime in.

And to those who showed concern, who left comments, e-mailed... a heartfelt thank you. I've removed them from the site, but I've appreciated them deeply. Thanks for caring.

Comments

[Mermaid]

Hi.
I am a fairley new blogger too :-)
http://vangoghchica.blogspot.com/

I asked permission to my mom and sisters if I could mention them and I got "No" from my sisters and a "yes" from my mom. I was bummed but repsect that. I asked because I have hidden a lot in my life and I want to comeout more. Part of blghging for me is to be more visible and honest in safety.

I also would like to post pics of women in my work (beauty induistry) as I have lots of ideas about this and want to make art around it. I refrain cuz I have to respect that they might feel exposed. I think I will actually get release forms if I publish a pic in my blog - epsecially cuz I may want to manipulate for art and do not want any repurcussions from work.

I plan to stay tuned ot your blog. I am Latina and novice zennie. I want to see and read more from people of color in my zen studies etc...(aside form my walk in life)
-Mermaid (my nickname)

[Tally]

Hi :-)

I have just started writing stuff in preparation for a blog (my first such adventure) and had just this problem. I was writing about the fallout of a dispute with someone that had occured 7 years ago, but is still having consequences now. I kept asking myself how it would be if the other person involved read what I was saying, as the last thing I wanted to do was make things worse. I was looking for resolution, and peace. As I re-draughted and re-thought and re-draughted again, whittling it down to the barest bones and most anonymous shape I could give it, I began to see that through this process I was starting to answer my own questions with an uncharacteristic wisdom... Getting beyond the personal, finding a clear view. I don't think any subject is 'off-limits' when you're coming from a place of mindful, compassionate detachment, outside of 'personal'. I can't say I achieved that, exactly, but somewhere close...

I love your writing, by the way; a regular dose of sanity. Tally x

[Nacho]

Hi There! I understand the matter wholeheartedly. I also have things I'd like to let out of my mind, but I think discretion is key. Not that you wouldn't find people that would be interested or that would offer support and empathy. But I've always felt that the revelations could cause discomfort, pain, and suffering in some, and so, I'd rather not air those things out in a way that might lead to such suffering. I practice plenty with some items and let them go as much as I can. Perhaps another way is to find stories or items to post that reflect a deep connection with the issue, and use those partially to address some thoughts while "protecting the innocent" as the saying goes. Frankly, for me, the issue of being all out about certain things is discomfiting, and so there is still much guardedness. Thanks for asking the question!

[Dharma]

I blogged like no-one was looking, until my mother-in-law took offence to my mentioning her. I didn't mention her by name, or even say anything derogatroy about her...but she apparently couldn't handle it. So, I removed it. Has it affected the way I blog? It must have, or else I wouldn't be realting the story to you. How has it affected me? In a very minimal way. I am who I am, and I think and feel the way I do...and my blog is about me and how I relate to the world, not anyone else.