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Arts, food, Green America, passion, politics, reading, sky, Wilderness Society, writing
“What are you passionate about?” This question, posed by Lenore Diane is a topic worth exploration. I framed the question this way: If you were to compare a bio written about youself by your friends, colleagues, and family, how would it differ from a bio about youself, written by youself? I know that I would like to be passionate about a lot of things that, to be honest, I brush by with only lip-service.
For example; I think I am passionate about politics. I have often pronounced my belief in the power of grass-roots political engagement. By taking on local issues, we gain an understanding of how politics work and we learn skills needed to participate in the process. Local zoning issues like where dog parks are allowed, density limitations, and commercial compatibility are the proving ground for neophyte citizens. Local issues are also where we may enjoy the greatest success in effecting change or preventing change.
But have I participated in local government? Not for a long time. Aside from firing off the occasional email to a representative, I’ve avoided those grueling evening meetings that drag on into the wee hours of the morning so that every rambling idiot can have a turn at the podium. I am impatient with meetings. I’m impatient with ramblers…other than my own rambling, of course. Have I joined the Occupy Boise protesters camping downtown? No. I am uncomfortable with their unfocused platform and often strident and illogical rants. I’m also uncomfortable with catchy cheerleader chants. So I drive by and think, “Good for them.” I can’t honestly call this passion.
I think I am passionate about environmental issues. I know that humanity’s unchecked growth, industrialization, and scientific tinkering is wreaking havoc with the Mothership. But am I joining forces with the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, World Wide Wildlife Fund, Green America, Idaho Conservation League or any of the myriad organizations that work to minimize the damage? No. Once again, I sit in my comfy chair, staring out the window at the mountains, occasionally firing off a hot, action-email or writing a $10 check. Again. This is not passion.
I thought I was passionate about music. But since I retired, I find that I rarely listen to music. I sit for hours in front of my computer, alone but for the cat snoozing beside me or precariously in my lap. I am content with silence. I don’t study music. I haven’t taken the piano lessons I thought I would after I retired. I can’t put artists or lyrics together with songs. Music is a backdrop for other activities not a passion.
I’d love to say, like Lenore and other writers whom I admire, that I am passionate about writing. But even that rings false. I dabble with writing. My approach is haphazard and unfocused. What I write generally lacks solid foundational research. I write around the edges. I still stutter over the words, “I am a writer.” Hardly passionate behavior.
So what the heck am I passionate about?
I’m passionate about reading. Since about the seventh grade, I’ve felt driven to read. I can’t stand the absence of printed material. I read everywhere…literally. I’d rather read email that listen to a friend on the phone or in person. I sometimes avoid social activities just so I can stay home and read. Trouble is, what I read at 8 AM has evaporated by 9 AM. I’m hopeless. I can avidly read a 500 page book and two days after putting it away, I can’t remember the author, the title, or the characters in the book. I can’t even blame this on age, because I’ve been like this…well, since the seventh grade.
I’m sort of passionate about skiing. At least, while I’m in the boots with the boards strapped on my feet, I’m wholly passionate about skiing. As I kid, I was pretty meek. I never experienced an adrenaline rush till I was about 17. Ever since then, I’ve been drawn to anything that scares the pants off me. That’s what
prompted me to venture into white water kayaking for a few years. The adrenaline rush of flying down a mountain at 30-40 mph is the most exquisite experience in the world. Perhaps I should more honestly say that I am passionate about adrenaline.
I’m rather passionate about food. Which is a real problem considering how much time I spend in this silly chair, staring out the window. I love exotic flavors and textures of food. I have yet to find an ethnic cuisine that I don’t like. Yea, I’m passionate about food.
I am passionate about life. Now that sounds downright contradictory to what I’ve just been saying. But I do wake up each morning stupefied with pleasure to be alive, curious about what the day will bring, and delighted at being able to watch the sun slowly unfold the mystery of the night sky. Every single day is a gift filled with unknown possibilities. It is up to me to recognize and take advantage of those possibilities.
What are you passionate about? I repeat Lenore’s question. It will be interesting to see the varied tapestry of what it is that drives us individually.
Rangewriter 
What a thoughtful read Linda. My passion has over the years come and gone for different things as well. And I am ok with that. In Buddhism we come to understand the law of impermance. Everything is in constant change. That being said, I seek to only embrace that which is front of me at any given time e.g. I love mountain and road biking. Do I do it as much as I’d desire? No. But it has its moments. As does all things. And I attack the challenge with joy and passion up and down the mountain. (Yes at high speeds too) 🙂
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Embracing that which is in front of you….now those sound like wise words to live by. Thanks for stopping by, Walter.
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Thank you for the mention, Linda. You’ve taken my question to a new level. As I read your thoughts, I realize there is a difference between passion and action. And, is it accurate to say one is passionate about something without following through with action? Yet another one of those deep and thought provoking questions.
Good stuff here, Linda.
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Aha…who has taken what to a new level? The question you pose here is most provocative. Spiraling questions!
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Maybe “passionate” is the wrong word or you’re expecting too much of it… I describe myself as a “rabid” environmentalist. I insist on everything being put in the correct recycling box or compost, as I trot down the driveway and get into my car.
I rant a lot. I support a few charities that are in sync with my beliefs … but that’s not passion.
The bio on my Blog sums me up: ” I’m an opinionated, left-leaning, closed-minded, poor listener, who puts too much stock in her own views.”
Not sure what my friend would say … scared to ask. 😉
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Sybil, I suspect your friends would agree with your bio, except the part about being a poor listener and putting to much stock in your own views. If a person doesn’t put stock in their beliefs, what good are those beliefs, afterall?
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Well, this is interesting. I just asked the hubster what he’s passionate about and he said “work”…and he does spend most of his waking hours working. It’s not so much about any particular job as just the act of working. And he really does love it (whatever “it” is) and derives enormous fulfillment from it.
Can you tell what a person is passionate about by what they spend the most time doing?
I know the things I LOVE spending my time doing…deep conversation, gardening, hiking, writing, guitar, ANY kind of creativity. And learning. Y’know, I think that might be my passion…learning. I’m insatiably curious and I have to be learning all the time or I start to feel like I a shark that has stopped swimming…I can’t get enough oxygen and I start to go numb.
So, is that passion or is it just innate temperament/drive?
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Interesting indeed, Dia. I didn’t expect to hear anyone mention “work” as a passion. But really, that is a good thing, I think. Since we spend so much of our lives “working,” that should be something we feel passionate about. However, it seems to usually work in reverse. I’ve spoken with many people who love to do something, cook, sew, paint,….but they shy away from turning their passion into a living for fear of tarnishing that which they love.
“Can you tell what a person is passionate about by how much time they spend doing it?” Now that is a perceptive question. Indeed. Too many of us spend most of our time working but feel absolutely no passion for that work. That’s what I mean about your hubster being so lucky!
In addition to your list of things you are passionate about, I would describe you as passionate about compassion. Compassionate care giving, to be more exact. That is a huge part of who you are and how you spend your energy…it seems to me, anyway.
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Great post! Passion is a word I particularly find difficult to identify with. I am ‘interested’ or ‘determined’… maybe being English doesn’t help!
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That is a good point, David. We Americans do tend to fling words around with impunity. But, are you saying that Brits lack passion? I doubt that.
There is, of course, passion behind closed doors. Hopefully, most of my readers enjoy that, whether or not they choose to publicly share that with us.
But there is another kind of passion that I’m thinking of. From the little bit I know about you, I would guess that you are quite passionate about…words….the right and proper words to express the specific thing you wish to convey. Also, you are passionate about images….all that stuff that we can’t put into words, but that you can convey in your artwork. I suspect that you are also passionate about … understanding. Your words and your art seem to be probing the human condition, trying to make sense of it all.
Of course, I am only guessing here, casting my hook out there to see what it might be able to reel in. 😉
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What a brave and honest post, Linda. And you are right, Leonore added a whole new dimension to it. I guess when you passionately moan, complain and rant like I do (I blame my German genes), there hardly is a way to translate this into any action – other than writing about it, of course. After all, I don’t really fancy ending up as the top story in the 6 o’clock news as the latest nutcase who ran amok.
Which, by the way, is where I realise that a lot of crimes are committed out of passion. Not by me though, I swear!
Other things I am passionate about? Like Dia, I crave learning new things. And I suppose as a mother I can’t really get away with not mentioning the little monster who brings out a completely new shade and level of passion in me. A kind of raw, untempered, animal fervour to protect my offspring from all evil. Wow, that sounded cheesy, but you get my drift.
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I seem to have uncovered quite a few passionate moaners and ranters. Blogging gives us the ability to do that, so why not?
Good point to bring up crimes of passion. I hadn’t even considered that whole sordid affair. Passion run amok? Glad you’ve got your well contained.
I’m glad you mentioned your child. I suspect some others, like Lenore, actually, are pretty darned passionate about their kids. I hope so, actually. And no, that’s not one bit cheesy. It’s the deepest and most honest passion we have, and for all the right reasons.
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I want to be more passionate about stuff, politics, environment, but I want it to be focused and meaningful and too often I feel like I’m just complaining. I want to get more involved in issues, yet, I don’t want them to take me away from my other passions – painting, being with my dogs, hiking, writing. There’s just not enough time in the day. We have to be who we are. Forcing ourselves to go against our natures isn’t productive in the end. I can do things like writing letters and calling our legislators even when, in Idaho, it’s almost useless.
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I think there is a limit to how much we can expect of ourselves. It may not be possible to be truly passionate about all the things we feel we should be passionate about…like politics and the environment. It comes down to being passionate about those things which nourish our souls….stick with the art, the writing, and the pups. You’re feelings about the other stuff come through the art and the writing.
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You’re apparently passionate about Honesty too. 🙂
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Oh John, thank you! Yes, I am. How could I have left that out? But as with everything in my life, I even question my own honesty. You can only be as honest to the world around you as you are honest with yourself. It is very difficult to be completely, dispassionately, honest to oneself. (dispassionately/passionately? oh boy…where is this leading…)
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Interesting question poised at a time when I am making decisions on what to keep, add and let go of in my life.
When I think of passion this is what comes to mind: children, family, friends. I believe all children need to be given the opportunity to become the best that they can be. I teach 1st Grade, and often feel like the person on the shoreline, throwing starfish into the ocean. As a society we say we value children, yet when there are budget cuts, education comes up as a place to cut first. There are homeless, abused, abandoned children. Do we really put all our resources into them? I always crave more time with family and friends.
Activities: (in no particular order) reading, scrapbooking, card making, biking, gardening, theatre
What would my friends say… Hmmm…. just not sure
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Kathy, your passion for children comes through strong and fully implemented. I can’t think of a more important thing to be passionate and committed to. Your students and kids are lucky to have you in their court. Your question is timely. I believe that we pay lip-service to the importance of children right now in the United States. We definately don’t put enough resources into the health, welfare, and education of children.
Oh dear, weeding out what to keep and what to let go of. That is always tough. Good luck. It is a personal journey that no one can help you with. The best you can hope for is support and understanding.
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Great post, Linda.
Most people I know would think that I’m passionate about art, but actually I’m not. I’m an artist, I ‘do’ art because it’s a part of me, I am creative, but it’s not a passion per se. Even when I look at other people’s art, there is nothing in me that says ‘I’ve got to have more of this NOW!’
That said, I am passionate about colour. I can’t live without colour. A particular fear of mine is of losing my colour vision (Oliver Sacks wrote about this in one or two of his books, like with the case of an artist who woke one day with only black and white vision.)
Communicating via the internet has become a passion over the years, most particularly blogging. I’ve given it up from time to time only to come back to it (it’s why I’ve blogged in so many different places since I first had internet connection!)
I have other passions too, but I don’t really want to go into those in a public place as I try to minimise my personal life here. Another time, another place… 🙂
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How very interesting, Val. I would have expected you to say art, also. But yes, I remember that you have mentioned color on many occasions and lord knows, your art work is filled with the passion of color, which is, I’m sure, what draws me to it.
I understand your fear of losing your color vision. My former husband was a photographer and an artist in his own right. His mother had macular degenration, which apparently runs in the family. I always worried, as I’m sure he did, too, that he would lose his vision and his ability to use a camera. Perhpas that is one of the blessings of his having passed very unexpectedly at a relatively young age.
I’m glad you mentioned blogging as a passion. I’m not sure that I’m quite there yet, but I am stunned by how important it has become to me. It seems so very odd to develop “relationships” with people you’ve never looked in the eye and probably never will. But I find that happening over and over. I actually discovered the power of an online community before I began blogging. Some of my online college courses that involved writing and sharing had much the same effect.
I’m glad you’ve opted to keep your…ahem…other passions under wraps. Ahem. 😉
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Val and Linda – I loved Val’s comment. I have never thought about the loss of colour. What a horror! I love colour too, but I’ve taken it for granted. I admire artists who use colour bravely and seemingly with such insight. I nearly croaked when a friend painted the walls of her living/dining rooms blood red. Which ended up being gorgeous because of all the windows and white trim.
Yes, let’s toast the “ahem” items. Long may they persist!
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Blood red walls. I’d love to be able to pull off color like that. I love color, but I’m cautious in using it because I don’t trust my eye. I’m afraid I’ll end up looking like a clown living inside a clown’s shoe!
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Blood red walls! I’d love to be able to pull that off. I love color, but I’m a bit cautious in using it because I don’t trust my eyes. I’m afraid I’ll end up looking like a clown living in a clown’s shoe!
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Do you suppose passion is synonymous with obsession? The first thing that came to mind was freedom and independence; both of which I could not live without. Does either count as passion, or obsession? I like this post Linda; once again you have sparked a thought provoking idea worth further exploration.
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Passion vs. obsession. Indeed, that’s an interesting question. I think, like so many things, there is a fine line between the two. Passion seems to be to infer a….healthier (?) mindset. (I think. I’m sort of thinking out loud, here.) Obsession denotes a more negative drive….a drive that is uncontrollable, unresponsive to reason, and causes more harm than good. I realize that the need for freedom may easily border on obsession. I’ve wondered about that in myself. If the need for independence and freedom interfere with otherwise good and warm human relationships, I guess there’s a problem. In my own case, I think that my need for those things keeps me just aloof enough to approach relationships with due caution. (or would that be…to much caution, too much aloofness?) Yes. Good questions. Thanks for deepening the probe, Laurie.
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As I was reading this, Linda, I was deciding that I was passionate about life…then there it was in bold print. My focus has been on various issues in life which may be considered passions, but the degree changes with time. Plus, though I loved the outdoors ALWAYS, my love has turned into more of a passion now that our planet is in need of authentic stewardship.
I also get passionate about the advocacy for the elderly. The vulnerability of the aged can turn me into a mother bear with a sore toe!
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Marvelous passions. A mother bear with a sore toe…I don’t want to ever run into you when you’re that passionate! 😉
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This is my first time here, having made my way from Souldippers blog, and I’m glad I visited this morning. I was touched by the question posed, and by your answers…particularly about how much time you spend in front of your computer…It’s something I really struggle with right now…this energetic umbilical cord to my computer. I ‘have to’ sit in front of one all day at work, five days a week, and I find myself coming here first thing in the morning to read, to write, to do whatever. In my case, I’m afraid I’m not pursuing other things I might find Passionable (I just made that up! LOL) because of this cord I spoke of.
Today I’m inspired to write about my own passions. Maybe it’s the clue for my next step.
Thank you so much for your honesty and wit!
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How cool is that? I just came from checking out your blog, Janece. As I was reading, I was wondering if you came to me through Souldipper and sure enough!
I thought my connection to this computer had to do with the fact that I never used a computer at work and that what I do here is quite opposite from how I made my living. Many of my friends who work in front of a computer monitor all day long shy away from using one at home and I understand that. But you are hooked to the freedom to use the tool for your own interests and curiosities. Very interesting.
I’m honored that my post sparked a bit of inspiration for you! That makes me happy. Have a wonderful day and a wonderful exploration.
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I really, really, really enjoy reading your posts =)
You’re amazing!
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Thank you, thank you Merry. There is so much fine writing here, I am really honored that you find mine rewarding.
What happened to your blog? I can’t find it. I miss you.
Thanks for your kind comments. Linda
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¡Hola!
My blog is still there, at least I can see it. How weird. Maybe tomorrow it’ll be fine. If you don’t see it then or in a few days, can you let me know? Although I haven’t posted anything new yet.
And of course your posts are rewarding! =)
Keep up the wonderful work! =)
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Weird. I clicked the “iwishicouldbut…… link (below) and it went to the WordPress FreshlyPressed page where there was a message telling me that your blog had been taken down. I tried a couple of times previously too, and couldn’t find it.
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