Workday Nurturing

[qos]

One of the best things about my iPod is that enables me to carry my entire music collection with me to work. As an administrative assistant, it’s not feasible for me to use headphones while on duty, but when I walk up the (eight flights of) stairs in the morning, or take my lunch break, I can slip the headphones on and withdraw into my private world for a while. I realize that using music as a break is not uncommon – but I’ve never had a toy like this before, and I’ve been amazed by how much more rested I feel if I can spend even a few minutes listening to special music.

I’ve been doing a lot of random play these days, as I enjoy tracks from my collection I haven’t listened to for a long time. But when I’m feeling a need for a real break, I’ve been turning to Howard Shore’s music from the LotR movies, or soundtrack music by John Williams or Patrick Doyle. The strong emotional associations further move me away from my work-mind and into something deeper and more authentic.

Gack! This is hardly new or original thought. But it’s where I am right now: functioning on a rather basic level intellectually.

Also at work with me today is A Song for Arbonne, by Guy Gavriel Kay, who is one of my favorite authors. I’ve only read this book once, so I don’t remember it well, but I do know that I’ll be able to submerge myself in a satisfying story about interesting, dramatic characters who I care about. And Kay does a lovely job of world-building, which is one of my greatest challenges in creative endeavors.

I’m hoping that between the music and the story my own internal richness will start to come back to the surface again.

Comments

[sophiaserpentia.livejournal.com]

I've adored everything I've read by Kay, but I haven't read that one yet.

[qos.livejournal.com]

My favorite of his is The Lions of Al-Rassan. I love Jehane and the relationships she builds with the three male characters. I also love the way he portrays members of different cultures and religious groups finding friendship and loyalty.

I also go back to The Fionavar Tapestry every couple of years. I read it for the first time almost against my will. It was a gift from my sister, and it didn't sound interesting at all. But the story moves me every time.

[toesontheground.livejournal.com]

Yay for music, the people who make it, and the gizmos that deliver it!

[gothic-coop.livejournal.com]

I am very luck I have a radio and a CD player at my desk to listen to.