Learn what to Cut Out from Storytelling, Podcasts, and Life
Most of us need a harbinger of truth to pull us back from the growing chasm created by politics. A Kalyana Mithra is a 'good or admirable friend'. They offer mentorship, act as a guide or spiritual ally, and contribute to spiritual and ethical growth. In writing, these are our editors and producers.
I finished revising a podcast recorded and cut/edited in mid-April with production feedback from co-host Lisa.
Kill Your Darlings
On receiving feedback, authors often hear, "Kill your Darlings." Today I killed a darling. Three minutes of banter between Lisa and me talking about communicating with pets.
I love the clip because of our laughter and the ease of riffing.
She rightly pointed out the irrelevance to the greater topic.
I persisted, desperately trying to create a 'short' from the clip, only to conclude that she was right. I needed to kill it. The clip did not add value to readers or listeners.
The same applies to storytelling. I've been ruthless in killing my darlings. If a paragraph is ill-placed, kicks a reader out of the scene, or confuses, it needs to be removed.
This is a harsh truth all good authors need to learn.
Don't Stop Creating
Just because we cut things, doesn't mean we stop creating them. I advise authors struggling with character development to write a throw-away backstory for that character. No one but the author will be party to what is written, but what comes out is a deeper understanding of the drivers around that character. In bringing that character into your writing, they exist in their reality.
How is this Applicable to Life?
We need to acknowledge that life has false starts and stops. When a relationship or activity no longer serves your well-being, step back and ask whether it's worth the effort.
But I spent so much time and money on it....
True. But does it serve a purpose in your narrative? Do you need to continue in this vein?
Political Slogans add Zero Value to your Life
It hurts my brain to think of all the gas-lit, overcharged, divisive arguments flying back and forth in the last month during the Canadian Federal Elections.
- Glue my lips together when faced with conservative|liberal misinformation.
- What warrants fanaticism in politics?
- What warrants gas-lighting your friends with slogans?
- What has supercharged this person's anger?
- Virtue signalling does not mean you are better than them.
- People are entitled to a different point of view and perspective.
- You're missing part of the picture if you're full of hatred or calling people stupid and ill-informed.
- Reasonable and rational human beings chose the other side.
- Only post, ❤️, or forward sane, balanced, and truthful information. This means looking at it through an objective lens.
- All speak from a place of fear.
- Some prefer to partner with the USA despite the tariffs, while some prefer new alliances.
- Some think crude oil is our superpower, while others believe nuclear, wind, and solar are the way to the future.
- Businesses and livelihoods are crumbling, if they haven't already.
- There are no secure jobs thanks to many factors, including decisions made by the last government.
- Many have the means to weather the storm, but many more rely on the government for their needs.
- People are angry, afraid, and subject to storytelling that resonates.
The bottom line is to respect different perspectives and experiences that lead to their decision-making. I see a lack of ethical, spiritual sentiment and kindness.
Are you a Good Friend for forwarding misinformation?
Reasonable human beings can turn into attack dogs on social media. This includes WhatsApp and private DMs. Does misinformation need to be forwarded? One person would tell me she would forward it so I could make a more informed opinion.
Many conservatives and liberals who voted for Carney would say that seeing the blatant lies being spread is what convinced them to vote a specific way. The problem with Trump style populism, discrediting the other guy, was practiced by both sides.
Kalyana Mithra is the Buddhist concept of a 'good or admirable friend'. This person can offer mentorship, act as a guide or spiritual ally, contributing to an individual's spiritual growth and ethical development.
Sit with your Fears to Let Them Go.
What I want to know is whether you voted conservative or liberal. Rather than focusing on hatred, what were your fears? Is it your fear for your children? Is it your fear of losing your country? Or perhaps it's your livelihood or simply being recognized as Canadian?
Holding a magnifying glass to see the fears of those around you humanizes the issues and the players involved.
Nobody will do this. So instead, find your own way of letting the anger go.
Politics is not religion. There is danger in worshipping political leaders. You make them into Gods and Demons. You become a fanatic.
This is neither healthy for them nor for you. Put your spirituality and energy into your community and relationships, and bring kindness to this world.
Bring kindness to yourself. To create a fight is to request that arrows and blows be sent your way. To spread misinformation, gossip, and untruths is to devalue yourself in the eyes of the wise. You are better than this. You can do better than this.
Learn what to Cut Out from Storytelling, Podcasts, and Life
What I cut out is the misinformation. I leave behind the people who are not interested in living a kind and ethical life. I try to be that Kalyana Mithra, and if rejected, I let it go.
The words, paragraphs, or recorded clips are all noise. Noise that you can leave behind.
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Diliny M. De Alwis
