Jerry, Waxler. "Is writing a memoir therapeutic?." Memory Writers Network. 28 Sep. 2007. Wordpress. 30 June 2008 <http://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/is-writing-a-memoir-therapeutic>
Franklin, Antoinette, and Iriel Franklin. Interview. StoryCorps. Antoinette Franklin and Iriel Franklin. NPR. 30 June 2008 http://www.storycorps.net/listen/stories/antoinette-franklin-and-iriel-franklin.
In the blog posting "Is writing a memoir therapeutic," author Jerry Waxler argues that writing memoirs is the best technique one can use in order to delve into their past and make sense of all their life experiences. Writing memoirs, says Waxler, is a way to avoid the concentration and time consumption involved with meditation and journal writing, and also takes away the guesswork associated with counseling and therapy. Furthermore, writing memoirs can, in itself, be therapeutic – “[brain] imaging shows that words stimulate the thinking part of the brain and soothe the emotional part.” Waxler goes on to cite Louise DeSalvo, a Literature professor at Hunter College. Desalvo makes the point that “writing is an introspective activity that lets us reach into our mind for words to help us make sense of life.” Once making the discovery that writing is a healing tool, Waxler concludes stating that documenting life stories will ultimately help to understand the mind and healing process.
The audio recording on StoryCoprs involves Antoinette Franklin and her niece Iriel Franklin discussing their past experience with hurricane Katrina. Antoinette stated that all of the destruction caused even the strongest people in her family to fall apart forcing her to keep her head. She further says that in the aftermath, the hardest decision she had to make was whether to go back to New Orleans or not. Antoinette ultimately decided to stay away from New Orleans for the time being even though she would miss so many things about living there. Her dream is to one day return to the city. Out of all the disaster and destruction, Antoinette was able to learn that “love, family, and faith are more important then anything in the whole world.” Her niece Iriel was audibly not as composed as Antoinette. Iriel stated that the hardest part of Katrina for her was the uncertainty about where her family was. However, she said that the experience forced her to grow by making her step up and do what was necessary to survive.
Personally, I agree with Jerry Waxler on his position that writing memoirs can be therapeutic and, when used properly, can aid in healing and the understanding of life. There are many instances where this sort of technique can prove to be much more helpful then counseling or meditation when trying to make sense of life because it pulls together real life experiences instead of involving “psychological theory.” On the subject of Antoinette and Iriel Franklin and their involvement with hurricane Katrina, I can’t begin to imagine the chaos they experienced and the horror they felt during and after the disaster. Even when the interview was taking place, it was still hard for Iriel to remain calm and not break down into tears. Hopefully neither I nor my family will ever have to witness such a catastrophic event.
If I had to ask three questions, one would go to Jeremy Waxler. I would ask if he believed that writing memoirs would be the most therapeutic technique for everyone seeking to understand the human psyche and their past. The other two questions I would ask to Antoinette and Iriel Franklin. I would ask Antoinette what she planned on doing if she ever returned to New Orleans. I would ask Iriel if she believed there was anything she felt the United States Government could have done better in order to alleviate the stress and trauma caused by hurricane Katrina.
4 comments:
I like that you mention in your last question the role of the government. I think that sometimes when we write or relate our stories we don't think about all the influences at work.
Nice observation.
I strongly agree with Leo’s opinion that writing memoirs can be a more helpful and also more effective therapeutic aid than counseling or meditation. I feel that the therapeutic connection that you can make while discussing your memoir with friends, family and close ones is far better connection than any connection you will ever experience with a counselor or psychological theory expert. I also like the fact that Leo brought up the whole governmental issue with Hurricane Katrina. I strongly believe that FEMA made the situation so much worse and that our country needs some serious prioritizing to do.
I agree with Leo's opinion on memoirs. To write a memoir you must dig deep down into your emotions and thoughts. The result of this self-reflection may be very therapeutic in that you can use it to express your true feelings. In a memoir you may say more things than you actually would to a therapist. When writing a memoir you are in your own little world. You are writing to yourself, not speaking to the therapist who not long ago was nothing more than a body with a Psychology degree. Writing a personal memoir would make almost anyone feel more comfortable with expressing his or her true emotions.
Hi Leo,
I am honored that you quote my blog entry on writing memoirs as therapy. It's true that I believe memoir writing is a fantastic tool for personal development. I didn't mean to suggest it was *better* than meditation or therapy. I believe all these methods add up. Meditation lets you become more familiar and comfortable with the introspective process. Therapy lets you share your thoughts verbally and get feedback. There are other ways too: exercise, self-help books, joining groups, serving others. Living successfully turns out to be a "bag of tricks." The more options you have available for personal growth, the more successful you'll be.
Best wishes,
Jerry Waxler
Memory Writers Network
Post a Comment