From Fraud to Fan

This assignment makes me feel like a fraud.

You would think being in a class entitled The Art of The Blog, I would be an avid blog reader however as soon we were assigned the task to write about  a blog we enjoy, I got a tiny, I’m about to be busted tingling in my back…cause of tingle: I’ve never actually read anyone’s blog. I’m a book lover who sometimes bashfully indulges in a gossip magazine (no judgement please) and despite learning the process of writing my own blogs, I haven’t formed the habit of reading them.

Immediately I think of Jen Lancaster – top selling author with the deliciously funny ‘Bitter is the new Black.’ I know from her autobiographies that Jen is an example of a rare case where several book deals emerged from her blogging popularity. I feel a sense of relief that I can pull this assignment off. Unfortunately, after reading two of Jen’s posts, I become less of a fan – the witty, authentic, sarcastic style she writes with is present to some degree but I also find they read more like plugs for her books. I appreciate the business acumen but I can’t muster up enough enthusiasm to continue reading what feels like an advertisement or encourage others to do so.

Jen is out so I’m back to the tingling back. When the going gets tough, the tough go to Facebook to aimlessly distract ourselves and hope for inspiration. Just like that my problem is solved – I’m reminded that a Facebook friend has been posting about her blog which is about her personal, spiritual journey. As a certified Religious Studies teacher completing my Applied Mindfulness Meditative certificate, the topic is of natural interest to me and I’m instantly grateful for the push to check out her work.

http://www.iriesoul.com/
 

The blog is entitled Irie Soul and I’m pleased to see that the author’s purpose to share spiritual experiences, inspire others and sprinkle positivity is met. I approached the blog with no expectations – I know the author enough to say hello if our paths cross but not enough to label her a friend. More of a stranger connected through the internet, I only know that we share a love for a certain rap artist (Jigga what?! Jigga who!?), but other than that I’ve never put thought into whether we have things in common or not - I’m confident she hasn’t put thought into that either. What she has put thought into is her blog and it shows.  

 

I recommend Irie Soul to anyone mildly curious about embracing the divine spirituality present in all of us. It offers exactly what it describes in the form of personal stories about the author’s journey and you can feel the excitement about her revelations radiating from her writing. Spirituality has been an inherent part of my life for so many years and though I certainly never lost my enthusiasm for it, I appreciate the inspiration in her journey. She is so openly and evidently basking in the delight of her experiences - it reminds me of the excitement felt before opening gifts and I'm happy for her. With catchy blog titles and simple language, her posts have an informative and educational tone without being pretentious. They provide a good balance of explaining technical elements of each experience (for example what Float tank therapy is http://www.iriesoul.com/float/ ) while describing her thoughts throughout her exploration.

http://www.iriesoul.com/
 

I appreciate her bravery for openly sharing her ideas – spirituality can be a tough topic. People sometimes label you as a form of new-age hippie. Sadly I know through personal experience that selfies still generate more social media attention than an educational, impactful, post. I can relate to the author of Irie Soul wanting to use her writing to encourage more peaceful, positive thinking with a modern, trendy flare. It’s nice to learn we have something more than a love for rap music in common. 

I'm now a blog fan.