I came across an interesting question on Instagram, written in Arabic. So here I am, translating and sharing it with you.
When you’re alone and you start talking, who are you— the speaker or the listener?
Interesting, isn’t it?
It happens quite often that I’m alone at home. My sons have already moved to other cities for work. They are not too far, and usually visit us on the weekends. So when my husband goes to work and my daughter to school, that’s when I am alone.
But by alone, I don’t mean lonely for my hands are usually full with chores, studies, and other interests that make time pass in the blink of an eye.
Now do you mind a bit of philosophy today?
Great.
Here’s my own interpretation of the question.
When you are alone, wherever you are, with no company but yourself, and you feel like breaking the silence around you, will you speak out loud to yourself or will you listen to it?
Can you make yourself a case study?
Imagine it’s all quiet around you as you begin writing your post. In that moment, are you speaking or are you listening? Which one are you doing right now?
But first, before the experiment, can you consider that it’s a bit strange to talk out loud to yourself, especially when you are alone. You might start to doubt your sanity!
Funny how a memory just crossed my mind that fits with all of this.
Years ago, my father-in-law saw a man walking down the road, talking out loud with no one around. He felt sorry for him, thinking; oh poor man had lost his mind. He couldn’t stop laughing when he knew that the man was using headphones.
Sometimes, out of anger, happiness, or disappointment, you might burst into a tantrum even when you’re alone. In those moments, speaking to yourself can actually be good for your sanity.
Now back to the question, and the case study.
In my case, before writing, I am the listener. But, as I write, I become the speaker. In other words, before I begin, I mainly listen to things around me, including my own thoughts. Then, when I sit down and decide to write, I break the silence and speak.
Why don’t you write your own interpretation?
With hope and peace,
Nahla
Pure and Simple 