For me the idea of privacy on the platform of social media seems nonsensical. Perhaps it's because I'm from a time before the internet really took off that I still have the weird notion in my head that you can actually still exist if you aren't on line. For me, it's very simple, if there's something you wish to keep private then don't put it on line in the first place. I have just as many paper diaries and art journals that are for my eyes only. I have dream diaries and sketchbooks and I know this might seem retro but, I have actual conversations with people too! Privacy is an extremely potent topic to manage and I feel it has changed it's dynamic dramatically over the last 20 years especially for the younger generation. We all cringe when we see those “overshares” on social media and whilst I am all for emotional expression and freedom I do also think one of the benefits of growing up is learning when and where to exert control over what you share.
Now we all know that I like to share. I love to blog, video blog, sing, make art and I write in here every day to connect and share with you but there is PLENTY that I keep to myself. It is very clear to me what to share and what to keep to myself. I am actually starting another blog this week. I am going to build something more focussed around my creative work. So many of you have reached out asking to buy my art and I am walking more steadily into my creativity again that I want a place to share that journey with anyone who wants to come listen. It's the same reason I write this every day, because the thought of not doing it seems ridiculous. This all got me thinking about how we view ourselves and how we portray ourselves when it comes to our on line lives. What is it that we want people to know about us? What do we keep to ourselves? What is it that we want to bring to the world? For me, any and all platforms on line are a result of inspiration. If I feel particularly drawn to do something then I go ahead and share. It is a symbolic action to offer out what I love to do and I hope beyond hope that it touches anyone seeking it. I also want to use what I love to help create a gentler and more kind society. So that in itself inspires me to be more vulnerable and that's where the tricky work has been for me. How do you stay in the place of emotional vulnerability without inspiring the toxic energy of sympathy?
It's all about compassion and empathy. It's about exploring your wounds in a way that is empowering and uplifting for yourself and those around you. I always urge people to look more closely at the things they put on their social media and on the internet in general. I see “rants” every now and again and I always wonder why people feel the need to share that stuff. Perhaps they don't have good people around them to share that stuff with. What you give out, you get back. It's in every spiritual text I have ever come across. You reap what you sew. So when I see those people ranting I am not surprised that they always seem to have something to rant about. You have the power to take every situation you come across and make the best of it. It's a lesson we are all constantly learning as we are stretched and enlightened further each day. So when you next stare at the blinking light that is your facebook/twitter/instagram status, what will you put there? What do you want people to really know about you?
Thank you for listening,
Big Love,
Ryan James
www.facebook.com/psychicswansea