"Shouting into the void" is an idiom describing a situation where one's words, actions, or efforts are not received, acknowledged, or have any discernible impact. (Artificial Intelligence)
This phrase stipulates that one experiences a profound lack of interaction with the words carefully typed, the words creatively spoken, the examples diligently researched, and the intended efforts seeking dialogue. The content provider receives no feedback.
There is nothing that creates a virtual sensory deprivation chamber more than this.
One even yearns for the echoes naturally produced in the vast Arizona canyons.
But they don’t know.
Those canyons certainly do not, and the audience stays blissfully unaware. But I am now enlightened. I didn’t know either.
As a daily spiritual practice, I listen to a variety of teachers. I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years now. Technology has allowed me to hear viewpoints I would never have been exposed to in my physical world. I am grateful.
Today, I thought of several individuals. I had come to rely on their messages, Spoken-word poetry, stories of experience, and shared encouragement as some preached and others performed. And quite suddenly, the realization of what I gained from their efforts was crystal clear. Also, I realized that these creators never knew the effect they had on my life. They generously shared their insights, and I never thought to respond. An enormous value was received. There was no proffered gratitude given. I didn’t know. I am profoundly sorry.
“What fuels the light in you?”
With the Italian espresso halfway to my lips, my arm stopped its upward motion. I put the cup down. Wake up! I no longer needed the coffee. I was jolted awake with the words of another person.
Something was triggered. Was she talking to me? Directly? Well, it certainly seemed that way. You see, I have been in a state of giving up. I was living in a bubble of despair. I adhered to the results demanded when “shouting into the void.”
I had fallen into a trap. I had looked to the world for acceptance, and it didn’t respond. I must have failed. Questions of doubt swirled around me, and I gave up. I put my light under a bushel and hid it. I quit. I whispered, “Who am I to be writing words like this, anyway?”
However, that fuel-light question moved in and haunted me. I rejected all possible responses to this possession. Leave me alone!
Day after day since then, I’ve been exposed to a series of teachings that encouraged this spectral inhabitant. Repeatedly, in one form or another, I was inundated with insistent requests to reflect and answer this question.
“Listen. And then, obey.”
Enough. Fine. I’ll do it your way. It won’t change anything, but you want this?. Again, clarifying words recorded in video format demanded that I listen and obey. I finally acquiesced.
I remembered what was often asked a decade ago. “Why are you writing these articles?” My response was typically, “Well, for me. It helps me examine my relationship with God and others. It helps me thoughtfully reflect on my life; what I do right and, more importantly, what I get wrong. And if someone else sees something that helps them, all the better!”
Do you see it? There was no suggestion of ‘likes’, no predicted subscription income, and no longing for serious discussions. There was no expectation of any response at all. I was free to shine my light in freedom. I could be an Ostracod, a Sea Firefly. (I'm not exactly sure how I thought about this metaphor, but they are kind of cool! They do lose the analogy quickly when one starts a bit of research. I don't care, I'm sticking with this amazing bluish glow. Forgive me.)
Click to see glowing Ostracods
Click if you want to buy your own dried Sea Fireflies.
For a couple of months, I have been shriveled and dried up in my darkness. But these teachers who have spoken into my life, these generous preachers, have shared their light and added water to my being. I am now, once again, free to show the light of my thoughts.
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| Glowing Ostracod - AI generated |
Blog articles will continue. There will be short videos as well. Sometimes, the postings will be long, and sometimes maybe only a sentence. I will expect nothing from whatever audience exists. It is a simple gift to myself and to you if you wish to accept this light.
But I have learned a valuable lesson as well. As a consumer of the light shared with me, I vow to be gracious and grateful in my responses to this gift.
Sandals and a Stick is alive and well. That’s my light to share. I’m getting back to business.
Credits: Thank you for your recent words!
Adam Smith
Chris Reuer
Dan Stark
Hussein Hallik
Meredith Dancause
S. Linda Purdey
Dan Kent
Nicole Bullock
