On music and things which are not themselves music

[aesmael]

I have said this before, although not here yet:

I think when we experience a desire to share music [or something else which may be the subject of a similar desire] with others this is often a proxy for a less commonly known or appreciated desire. I think what we often truly wish to share is the experience of the moment, the emotions that are being inspired in us. "I want to share this ecstasy, this joy, this wonder, this passion, this moment of empathy or grief or oneness [...] and the only way I know to even approach doing so is by sharing with you what is the immediate inspiration of my feelings."

Autism is often partly characterised as an extreme self-absorption, and my impression is this is considered some explanation for 'why autistic people are annoying to be around'. Of course I could not speak for everyone but that does not seem true to me. At least in that being so self-absorbed as to be uncaring of others or their feelings would suggest a low likelihood of sharing topical enthusiasm. The irritation to others would come from being unable to distinguish interest from disinterest in those being enthused to (something I have tried to learn). Also at least for me there are times when interest and enthusiasm overflow and I feel compelled to express it somehow - If I try not to I find myself moving to do it some minutes later anyway, without volition in my mental record. Since, thanks to the first thing I tend to feel guilty and end up apologising lots if I try sharing with people in person, even if I try to make sure they actually are interested and even if they actually are interested, this often results in prolific blogging and tweeting. Which I've missed over the past year or two but that's one of the costs of being liked, apparently maybe.

Which is possibly a bit off-track. This is more like two posts squashed together into one, the first expressing an opinion about what drives sharing of emotional inducers and the second saying roughly "The world is fantastic and wonderful and I love it and often write lots because I want to participate in this wonder and joy with other people and share / gain understanding back and forth". That's been said before, will be again. Sometimes get caught up in the urge to.

Comments

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

I agree wholeheartedly with your views on music although I may be somewhat unsual in this respect as I think I have mentioned that I'm gifted (really the only way to see it) with colour/music synaesthesia :o)

As you may remember, I worked for a time with a group of young adult autistic people and it always puzzled me that what gets called 'self absorbtion' in autistic people is simply classed as 'geekiness', 'obsession', or 'anorak' behaviour in non autistic people. Some of the folks I worked with had other problems such as severe epilepsy which could limit their responses, but others shared my own interests (obsessions?) so we got along famously. I can't say I noticed much 'self absorbtion' at such times :o)

And you are right- the world is fantastic and wonderful. Too many people look for a sign from heaven and fail to notice that it is happening around them, all day, every day. They look for miracles and fail to see that nature produces them with consummate ease all the time :o)