Space to Hear from Your Soul
At one point in my internet blogging venture I determined to only write when sincerely motivated. That is why you have not read much by me for several months. And now you are hearing from me because I want to talk about waiting, clarity, and space.
A few months ago a
friend shared with me three points. I began reading them first thing
every morning and they grew more valuable and powerful each day.
1. Create space to hear from your soul.
2. Listen for the voice of the genuine.
3. Cultivate the discipline of stillness.
Every morning and before each painting session I breathe deeply and try to open my mind to do these three things.
I
also continue to do my Alexander lie downs and frequently take
"nothing" breaks. Breaks where I don't allow myself to do or think
anything. The results are that whatever I paint or write or do
afterwards seems freer of needless clutter and my direction and purpose
have ringing clarity.
I had a very interesting
discussion with a gallery owner this week that echoes the vibes I have
felt all summer from "the outside world." She said that many of the
artists she talks to are in a funk and having a hard time finding
sincere clarity and direction. There just seems to be a lot of mud in
the air and it is hard to see our way clear through it.
So I wait. I don't force painting. I don't lie to myself or flatter myself. I just wait.
Harry
and I used to talk idealistically of the great artists of the 50's and
wish we could join them in their heady discussions. We idolized them and
believed that we had to work hard every day, torment ourselves and each
other with relentless introspection and critiques, and grind out art
and never stop in order to ever express anything worthwhile. But I think
differently now. I think you have to sharpen the saw and oil the gears
periodically. Sharpening can only happen when you STOP the machine.
Meditation, Alexander, and naps are the best sharpening & oiling tools I can think of.
If
you are dependent on selling your art for a living, you need these most
of all of us, if you are to make honestly good art and keep from
burning out. That pressure of having to produce is a handicap, but if
you can surmount it, sometimes you end up with greater power to ignore
it. "Surmount" means to climb OVER. Rise HIGHER. My most efficient tool
for climbing is, yes, meditation, Alexander, and naps.
wait, breathe, listen,
suzy
PS. We continue to get emails from so many of you interested in the Workshops. We are also waiting for clarity on those. It has to be just right. If you got an email leading you to this post, you will also be one of the first to get workshop info!