I've never read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but was blown away by the film years back. I'll pick up the book. That you created a moment of art during an MRI is inspiring. You're inspiring, Claire.
I just listened to the March 22 episode of The Verb podcast. It includes a shirt radio drama by Karen Featherstone about the claustrophobic experience of an MRI machine. Listening to the sounds of the machine was unnerving. almost worse than actually being in one. I think I should read the Butterfly and the Bell Jar again. I think I missed something I might better understand now. Thank you.
beautiful claire! i had an mri recently and found myself focussing on the noises as well, as a way into “meditation” during the scan. i read the diving bell and the butterfly years ago and LOVED it so much, you’re right it stays with you, but i am going to pick it back up again thanks to your nudge. big hugs xo
I think somewhere I read it took 200,000 blinks to write the Diving Bell and the Butterfly. To me, it's one of the most incredible human achievements, up there with Alex Honnold free soloing El Capitan in California or landing on the moon. The book is stunning. Loved your reflections on it.
I have an MRI tomorrow and appreciated this reminder that it can be spent in the company of other good people meditating on their fragile lives, in the form of an audiobook.
Also: my partner and I are also obsessed with “Three Body Problem,” both the book series and show!
I've never read Bauby's book but always meant to. I will go get a copy now. I will also approach my next medical tests with a whole different perspective. A really lovely piece. Thank you.
I've never read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but was blown away by the film years back. I'll pick up the book. That you created a moment of art during an MRI is inspiring. You're inspiring, Claire.
I remember loving the film, too.
I loved the film, too--now I want to read the book. Thank you, Claire!
This was beautiful, as is the question, “If these are the edges of my life — how will I best spend my time?”
I just listened to the March 22 episode of The Verb podcast. It includes a shirt radio drama by Karen Featherstone about the claustrophobic experience of an MRI machine. Listening to the sounds of the machine was unnerving. almost worse than actually being in one. I think I should read the Butterfly and the Bell Jar again. I think I missed something I might better understand now. Thank you.
I am off to listen to the podcast, thank you!
short not shirt 😀
“It brought my attention forward. I became aware of the moment. My mind was able to lighten and take flight.
That’s art? Taking an experience and making it into something.”
Yes! I’m rewarded every time I re-learn this lesson. Thank you for the post and bringing this gorgeous book to mind.
beautiful claire! i had an mri recently and found myself focussing on the noises as well, as a way into “meditation” during the scan. i read the diving bell and the butterfly years ago and LOVED it so much, you’re right it stays with you, but i am going to pick it back up again thanks to your nudge. big hugs xo
xo
I think somewhere I read it took 200,000 blinks to write the Diving Bell and the Butterfly. To me, it's one of the most incredible human achievements, up there with Alex Honnold free soloing El Capitan in California or landing on the moon. The book is stunning. Loved your reflections on it.
I have an MRI tomorrow and appreciated this reminder that it can be spent in the company of other good people meditating on their fragile lives, in the form of an audiobook.
Also: my partner and I are also obsessed with “Three Body Problem,” both the book series and show!
I won't say enjoy the MRI, but I'll be thinking of you!
I've never read Bauby's book but always meant to. I will go get a copy now. I will also approach my next medical tests with a whole different perspective. A really lovely piece. Thank you.
Lovely, Claire. Thanks for sharing! Off to queue up Oh-la-la now! Xo