Since I started reading Sei Shōnagon’s The Pillow Book, I’ve been so intrigued by idea of zuihitsu (“random notes” or “occasional writings”) which is a respected literary genre in Japan. I don’t think we have anything quite like it? Journaling is (or can be) very similar, but I don’t think we consider it to be a literary genre, just private writing.
When I started this Substack (after months and months of waffling), I didn’t know what it was or what I want it to be. I just wanted to share. I was tired of creating thing that sat on my laptop, never seeing the “light of day.” But I was also afraid to make it public—what would people think? I love a lot of things and I don’t focus; I drift (like that feather I use for my icon). It’s Greek goddess and myths one day, Heian poetry another, music, music videos, video shorts, history, erotic stories, naughty things—even a rant or three now and again. No plan, no organization, no predictability…
Who’d want to see that?
It fascinates me that Murasaki Shikibu got so annoyed with Shōnagon because she just so disorganized, flighty, entranced by every little thing.
Me too. And I thought most people would feel the same about me: disorganized, flighty, entranced by every little thing; “Why can’t you just settle down for once?”
Yikes! Was I ready for that? But Riley Rose encouraged me, maybe ironically Murasaki did to. I reread what she said in her diary “But from now on I shall fear nothing. Whatever others may do or say, I shall recite my prayers tirelessly…” and between her words and Riley’s hope, I thought “Why not”?
Fear is not a very useful feeling. It paralyses us more than anything. We don’t profit by it, especially when it’s fear of what other may think of us. So I did it.
I created my little space here. My cluttered, messy, disorganized little nest. It probably doesn’t deserve to be called a zuihitsu; I’m not at that level as it feels self-indulgent to even say it. But it’s a cool word. 😉 I like it. So maybe I’ll say it.
Just a little.