I actually began commonplacing after reading your last piece, and can strongly agree with how it ties you to something that isn't the digital world. A bit similar to my hobbies of cross-stitching and crochet, it allows my brain to completely focus on one thing instead of flitting from one video or app to the other.
that makes me so happy to read! I hope you love exploring it and finding your own method that works for you :) and yes, totally see the link between it and other hobbies that require you to use your hands and properly focus!
I started my first commonplace book a little over a year ago and your point about becoming more intentional with the text is absolutely true. My husband is a synoptical reader and retains everything, but still keeps a commonplace book. I'm was more of an "I know I read that somewhere." Although I do return to my notebook, it's again like you mentioned, I remember it easier because I wrote it down in my own words.
"I think about why I find things interesting, and how they connect with my other interests." That is a such a loaded sentence. It's quiet good and would speak well of anyone who thinks this way.
You emphasized why and connect. It's not my place to ask, so I am NOT asking, I am being rhetorical. An introspective soul (you) will wrestle with why, and the dear soul will wrestle if they are asking why in the right way (depth, breadth, bias, blindness, etc.). On what fundamental / foundational / transcendent / or not transcendent basis do you know if you are asking why in the right way or right direction? And would you know if you really know? How would you really, truly know?
I am not trying to be annoying. Your PhD thesis is a massive undertaking at a time when that topic is so painful and crucial and needed and controversial. Your commonplace thinking and practice is a HIGH virtue and has the ability to produce what others will not produce.
What I am getting at, is that if you get the "why" (and "how" that is in your sentence) and "connect" right, your conclusions, in the right hands can change the world (and a lot of kids!).
I do NOT mean this to be befuddling or discouraging. You're sharp. You're on the right path. Keep doing this... "I think about why I find things interesting, and how they connect with my other interests." Keep your commonplace practices. That's part of the path. You're are doing many good and needed things. :)
As someone who has also gone through grad school, I can wholeheartedly agree that this can be a time of loneliness and overwhelm.
I imagine the decision to pause for a bit was not an easy one to make, but I do hope you find peace in the pause and joy in the journey. Wishing you peace during this time and all the best when you resume your program.
I actually began commonplacing after reading your last piece, and can strongly agree with how it ties you to something that isn't the digital world. A bit similar to my hobbies of cross-stitching and crochet, it allows my brain to completely focus on one thing instead of flitting from one video or app to the other.
that makes me so happy to read! I hope you love exploring it and finding your own method that works for you :) and yes, totally see the link between it and other hobbies that require you to use your hands and properly focus!
I started my first commonplace book a little over a year ago and your point about becoming more intentional with the text is absolutely true. My husband is a synoptical reader and retains everything, but still keeps a commonplace book. I'm was more of an "I know I read that somewhere." Although I do return to my notebook, it's again like you mentioned, I remember it easier because I wrote it down in my own words.
"I think about why I find things interesting, and how they connect with my other interests." That is a such a loaded sentence. It's quiet good and would speak well of anyone who thinks this way.
You emphasized why and connect. It's not my place to ask, so I am NOT asking, I am being rhetorical. An introspective soul (you) will wrestle with why, and the dear soul will wrestle if they are asking why in the right way (depth, breadth, bias, blindness, etc.). On what fundamental / foundational / transcendent / or not transcendent basis do you know if you are asking why in the right way or right direction? And would you know if you really know? How would you really, truly know?
I am not trying to be annoying. Your PhD thesis is a massive undertaking at a time when that topic is so painful and crucial and needed and controversial. Your commonplace thinking and practice is a HIGH virtue and has the ability to produce what others will not produce.
What I am getting at, is that if you get the "why" (and "how" that is in your sentence) and "connect" right, your conclusions, in the right hands can change the world (and a lot of kids!).
I do NOT mean this to be befuddling or discouraging. You're sharp. You're on the right path. Keep doing this... "I think about why I find things interesting, and how they connect with my other interests." Keep your commonplace practices. That's part of the path. You're are doing many good and needed things. :)
As someone who has also gone through grad school, I can wholeheartedly agree that this can be a time of loneliness and overwhelm.
I imagine the decision to pause for a bit was not an easy one to make, but I do hope you find peace in the pause and joy in the journey. Wishing you peace during this time and all the best when you resume your program.