Uncommon Narratives: Speaking from the Heart in an Underappreciative World

In a world where the fast-paced exchange of information has almost eroded the patience and appreciation for the unconventional, speaking from one’s heart is an act of defiance. I have often sought to articulate the ineffable, the overlooked in attempts to connect with readers on a deeper level. To express what lies beyond the commonplace is to walk a solemn path, one where vulnerability and undiluted honesty are currency rarely exchanged or appreciated.

It has been my experience that when I venture beyond the readily digestible narratives and into the labyrinth of complex thought, my words are often met with a glazed-over look or a hurried dismissal. The irony is palpable – the same platforms that promise inclusivity and a voice for everyone have, in a way, homogenized expression. My own vulnerability and the struggle to communicate original, nuanced ideas that reflect the intensity of my experiences have frequently been sidelined.

This occurrence is not unique to me; it is a reflection of a broader societal issue. People often fear what they cannot understand, and the unconventional narratives that diverge from the mainstream are automatically categorized as mere indulgences in verbosity. The intellectual or eccentric are adjectives too readily assigned to those who dare to explore ideas with depth, often reducing the intention behind their words to a novelty or a burden.

There is a weight to every word, a responsibility to convey not just information, but the nuances of emotion and thought that underpin every story. It is a responsibility that, at times, can feel insurmountable. As a writer and speaker who immersed myself in the realm of unconventional thought, I have often faced the daunting task of finding the right words. These words are my vessels of the Spirit, carrying the honesty and rawness of emotion, to the listener or reader who may be eager to understand—but frequently, they do not reach their intended port.

This weight is the struggle of every genuine expression. It is an albatross that often goes unseen, noted only by the artist or thinker who must bear it. When words of depth and emotion become lost in the cacophony, the tale they attempt to tell is often reduced to soundbites or fragments, relegating the soul of the story to oblivion. The reader or listener who feels overwhelmed by the sea of words must listen beyond the surface noise. In these uncommon narratives, in these winding journeys of thought and feeling, there are truths waiting to be acknowledged. The challenge lies not in the vocabulary, nor the length, but in the depth of the message.

I would ask the reader not to shy away from what might at first seem too intellectual or wordy. They may be the only traces we have of the authentic voices in our society, the quivering attempts to bridge the gap between the sacred silence of our soul, our thoughts and our shared experience. It is in this willingness to engage with the message at its core, to feel the emotional vibrations of the narrative, that we dismantle the barriers that stifle genuine connection.

When we create spaces where uncommon narratives are respected and valued, we foster an environment for authentic voices to be heard. This is not a plea for the abandonment of brevity or simplicity, but a call to recognize that the silence that follows a heartfelt expression is often the most misunderstood. The spaces we create, both in the tangible world and the digital one, should be vessels for these voices, not vacuums that silence their resonance.

In the expression from a deeper place, there is a beauty that transcends the mundanity of everyday communication. It is not an indulgence but a necessity, for it is through these stories that we come to understand the depth of human experience. We should not be quick to dismiss the unconventional, for it is often in these narratives that the most profound human truths are discovered.

In truth, the burden of expression is not solely on the speaker or writer, but on the listener and reader as well. We must be willing to meet each other halfway, to listen with open hearts and to be vulnerable in our interactions. Only then can we begin to appreciate the uncommon narratives that weave the fabric of our society. It is to this appreciation, and not to the words themselves, that I speak. This dialogue of uncommon narratives is not one of superiority or elitism; it is one of inclusion, where every voice is given the space to echo its personal truths.

I continue to provide narratives to a world not necessarily ready, or prepared, to receive them.  I see my words as seeds, often planted upon rocky ground. Some seeds eventually sprout into massive shared understandings, however.

That is why I continue to write.


Bruce

Presently, I am 67 years old, and I am learning how to live the life of a retired person. I am married to Sharon White, a retired hospice nurse, and writer. Whose Death Is It Anyway-A Hospice Nurse Remembers Sharon is a wonderful friend and life partner of nearly 30 years. We have three grandsons through two of Sharon's children. I am not a published writer or poet. My writings are part of my new life in retirement. I have recently created a blog, and I began filling it up with my writings on matters of recovery and spirituality. I saw that my blog contained enough material for a book, so that is now my new intention, to publish a book, if only so that my grandsons can get to know who their grandfather really was, once I am gone. The title for my first book will be: Penetrating The Conspiracy Of Silence, or, How I Lived Beyond My Expiration Date I have since written 7 more books, all of which are now posted on this site. I have no plans to publish any of them, as their material is not of general interest, and would not generate enough income to justify costs. I have taken a deep look at life, and written extensively about it from a unique and rarely communicated perspective. Some of my writing is from 2016 on to the present moment. Other writing covers the time prior to 1987 when I was a boy, then an addict and alcoholic, with my subsequent recovery experience, and search for "Truth". Others are about my more recent experiences around the subjects of death, dying, and transformation, and friends and family having the most challenging of life's experiences. There are also writings derived from my personal involvement with and insight into toxic masculinity, toxic religion, toxic capitalism, and all of their intersections with our leadere. These topics will not be a draw for all people, as such personal and/or cultural toxicities tends to get ignored, overlooked, or "normalized" by those with little time for insight, introspection, or interest in other people's points of view on these troubling issues. There also will be a couple of writings/musings about "GOD", but I try to limit that kind of verbal gymnastics, because it is like chasing a sunbeam with a flashlight. Yes, my books are non-fiction, and are not good reading for anybody seeking to escape and be entertained. Some of the writings are spiritual, philosophical and intellectual in nature, and some descend the depths into the darkest recesses of the human mind. I have included a full cross section of all of my thoughts and feelings. It is a classic "over-share", and I have no shame in doing so. A Master Teacher once spoke to me, and said "no teacher shall effect your salvation, you must work it out for yourself". "Follow new paths of consciousness by letting go of all of the mental concepts and controls of your past". This writing represents my personal work towards that ultimate end.

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