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Exercise #364

Exercise #364: Self Knowledge
Posted 4/16/10

Sounds are all around us, and while they are just sounds, we attach emotions to them. The bubbling of my aquarium, for instance, soothes me even when I’m not watching the fish. I know the sound equals the aquarium which equals calm moments spent watching the relaxing antics of the fish.

For today’s exercise, spend a few moments identifying all the sounds you can hear. Then analyze them for how they make you feel. Are most of the sounds around you good ones, or are they annoying?

Take a little longer to bask in the ones that please you, or see if you can find a way to “fix” the ones that don’t. When you’re done, show us the chain of events, from sitting there listening, to identifying, to doing something about irritating sounds. If your sounds are good ones, help us feel what you feel when you listen to them.

You may, if you wish, show a character tackling this exercise instead.

Critiquers, with an exercise like this one, you might choose to answer these questions rather than using a different technique for critiquing the piece:
     * Did you catch any spelling errors or other standard proofreading items? If so, note them for the author.
     * Can you understand the author’s reaction to the sounds? Do you think your reactions would be the same? Why or why not?
     * How well did the author help you “be” in the scene?

Word limit: 1000
Please use the subject line:
             SUB: Exercise #364/yourname

Why this is a self-knowledge exercise: Sometimes we take things around us for granted. This exercise will help you find the pleasure you once got out of some sounds, and help you realize some reactions can be changed.

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