"Writing, I think, is not apart from living. Writing is a kind of double living The writer experiences everything twice. Once in reality and once in that mirror which waits always before or behind"

Catherine Drinker Bowen's quote perfectly records the intrinsic connection in between the act of writing and the experience of living. She suggests that these two activities are not different endeavors however rather interwoven aspects of the exact same awareness. Composing, in this viewpoint, is a profound extension of life itself, where the writer navigates existence not only in real-time however also through reflective exploration.

When Bowen mentions "double living", she points to the unique capacity of authors to engage with their experiences two times. The very first experience is through direct interaction with the world, where occasions unfold in the tangible realm of truth. Here, the author is immersed in the sensory and psychological aspects of life, grounding their understanding and connection to the human experience.

The 2nd experience occurs through the act of composing, which she metaphorically describes as experiencing life "because mirror which waits always before or behind". This mirror represents the reflective and reconstructive process that authors undergo as they devote their ideas, feelings, and narratives to paper. It is a reflective area where writers re-examine and re-interpret their experiences, giving them included depth and significance.

The mirror imagery also suggests that writing offers a chance to view reality from different angles, recording nuances and subtleties that might be missed out on in the immediacy of living. This double engagement allows authors to not just relive but also improve their experiences, using insights into the worlds they populate and create.

Ultimately, Bowen's quote underscores the transformative power of composing. It allows individuals to go beyond the borders of time and area, to dwell simultaneously in the real world and in the world of imagination. For authors, this duality enhances their understanding of life, providing perpetual opportunities for growth, reflection, and creation.