Omer 4: Study in a Stalled World

The work of study – in my case, research and writing – is controversial in a money-driven, madly chaotic, menacingly complacent world. There are days when the weight of woes both public and personal pulls energy away from the work, or insights and motivation seem too far away to grasp or imagine. Indeed, a certain element of the hard work comes through fighting against the impulse to let these feelings and distractions continue to win.

Yet, in my most recent season during the last year plus, I’ve learned about my own drive, habits, work environments, and necessary support systems than I had in a long time. The time devoted to creative energy for my work, and trusting myself even when inching forward seems impossible, has reshaped my inner thought process. (Don’t worry, I still have plenty of work ahead of me over the years, as we all do!) The need for discovery, stitching together information in new ways, reading something in new ways, and testing ideas will never disappear. The world desperately needs critical study, pushing forward ideas and knowledge tested through methods based in practice and patience.

From my early school days until now, this study has buoyed and transformed me. I look forward to many more years, inshallah, gifted with the desire for learning, knowledge, wisdom.