\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 My first response to Akiko Busch\u2019s book \u201cHow to Disappear: Notes on Invisibility in a Time of Transparency,\u201d was a spontaneous laugh. I thought how she could have known that all I want to disappear into a land of anonymity. At the moment I was wondering if only I could be invisible from the onslaught of people requiring answers to questions I do not have. The constant push, push from people who have no sense of boundaries. Their hidden agendas, lack of clear expectations. For a reason that is a mystery to me, those unexpressed agendas and expectations were of the same level of urgency and importance as mine.<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In the midst of my chaos, I enjoyed a moment of laughter, which provided a moment of relief and self-reflection. Busch\u2019s title peeked an interested into what she might be talking about that prompted such a spontaneous response.
The numerous reviews that have been written on \u201cHow to Disappear\u2026\u201d reveal a literary work of profound insight into the tension between the drive to be seen and needing to the solitude of invisibility. The complexity of the human soul to learn, grow, and develop some symbiotic relationship between these contrasting parts, is poetically outlined in Busch\u2019s writing. She uses her real-life experiences, blended together with the developmental psychology to take a journey of self-actualization with her.<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0She starts the book with a word picture of what it is like to be still within nature and be an observer. To be still for just a moment in space and time. She invites her readers to take themselves out from being the center of everything that is going on and just be within that particular space. It was reminiscent of the recent weather. The moment when I give myself the space to see that the storm, torrential rains, floods, washed out roads, downed trees, and powerlines to breathe in the moment. It is at that point that I am able to observe the clouds roll away revealing a palette of blue sky on which the free, flying, bald eagle reminds me of hope.<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 Both Simon Walker\u2019s front stage and backstage discussion, Busch\u2019s invisibility, and transparency, reveal an interconnectedness of the two extremes. These examples can either feed a healthy or unhealthy intrapersonal self. Busch adds that the current influx, and desired or undesired invasiveness of technology in the life of the individual. The questions of how do I maintain a sense of margins in this time of such pressure? Where do I find my own borders? How do I find that solitude to see the world with wonder in the midst of those who thrive in the chaos?
My life as a foreign worker catapults me into a position of being a translator of worlds. There is need to be a kind of wordsmith much like Busch, to describe the world in which I live. For years I struggled with people referring the US as my home. It took sitting with the discomfort of this concept in the solitude of space and time to produce the image of the two horses.<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The two horses are distinct in visibility, and purpose yet of equal value and significance. The plough horse is my life overseas. I have blinders of purpose and go about my business day in and out. Unnoticed and anonymously this horse goes about its a solitary work. To our fast-paced, colorful, and information saturated society this horse seems obsolete. Through the beautiful word picture of the introduction of this book, Busch gives a different view. She implies that just because a horse, or anything appears to be worn out, and unappealing it can be the very situation that ushers us into a place of reflective wonder and transformative observation.<\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0When I return to the US, that same horse must morph into a circus horse. The circus horse is full of color and must perform many skills to translate his life of solitude to the public. It would be easy to say that one horse, or lifestyle is better than the other. However, is that really possible? In my case, no. It is the lifestyle and practices of the plough horse that opens the door to observation and wonder. It is the pursuit of such practices or moments of solitude that allows the circus horse to perform in an array of environments at moment\u2019s notice with authenticity. <\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0While the circus horse\u2019s lifestyle makes the plough horse possible. The circus horse is the one who works to create a community of support, affirmation, and connection that would not occur with him. The challenge always is how do the two horses live together in harmony. The tension between the glamour of visibility and the solitude of invisibility. <\/p>\r\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0I found myself struggling with the issue of inconspicuous material. I have to ask is there any inconspicuous material in my life that is contaminating or hindering my walk with Jesus? Are there factors hiding in plain view that is causing damage to my relationships or ministry?
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