A very thought provoking post Ms. Lesley! So spot on- that my mind consciously created a morning tea party where I individually invited each friend who had passed this past 2-3 years. Now, this may sound a little bit woo-woo, but as I sat in my gorgeous outdoor area I invited each person to come sit with me. Relishing the love my heart holds for them and the opportunity to visit with them again. There wasn’t any “conversation “, just the basking in one another’s presence.
This idea( and it was so very satisfying) came from your post about creativity and the power we always possess to make something greater than just what is a reality.
Perhaps that’s another aspect of creativity we hold in our hands and hearts and tend to forget about.❤️
For years I tried to figure out what the focus was for my paintings. When I figured it out, I realized I was making this search way too complicated. It was there all the time, right in front of me - there in the paintings, many paintings, I had already done! I saw what I cared about, what I wanted others to see in their own lives and so on. Since then I have never been bothered by this....its ME and it will appear when I find the next subject/idea that moves me, moves my soul.
I wonder! I wonder if it's less that I search for myself (which I also do), but distrust what I know to be true of myself. I have a fairly intense critical judgement button and it activates quite easily. With that telling me "I'm not good enough", the "art I make isn't good enough" etc....it's difficult to plant myself firmly in what I do know about myself, trust that and create from it. I'm getting better at that, finding myself right where I left me!
Aging will help with that. I can relate. We are our own worst critics. Learn to trust the process and follow your heart and intuition. Good call on the white piece in the collage. Bravo!
“I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” (Emily Dickinson) I “go seeking elsewhere” when I need to remember myself. Finding something in the physical world that resonates with me serves as a mirror, reminding me who I am, what I value, what I enjoy. I’ve found that browsing through my art journal (and accompanying studio notes) brings me home to myself. “As within, so without.” (Hermetic Philosophy) This was fun to think about - thanks, Lesley! ❤️
I am constantly on the lookout for "aha's!" every day. When I allow myself the time to dive into Substack I invariably find them-- little pieces of wisdom, light, insight. Just like this post of yours today. Thanks Lesley!
A very thought provoking post Ms. Lesley! So spot on- that my mind consciously created a morning tea party where I individually invited each friend who had passed this past 2-3 years. Now, this may sound a little bit woo-woo, but as I sat in my gorgeous outdoor area I invited each person to come sit with me. Relishing the love my heart holds for them and the opportunity to visit with them again. There wasn’t any “conversation “, just the basking in one another’s presence.
This idea( and it was so very satisfying) came from your post about creativity and the power we always possess to make something greater than just what is a reality.
Perhaps that’s another aspect of creativity we hold in our hands and hearts and tend to forget about.❤️
It's a brilliant idea, Susie. Making something doesn't always have to be tangible.
For years I tried to figure out what the focus was for my paintings. When I figured it out, I realized I was making this search way too complicated. It was there all the time, right in front of me - there in the paintings, many paintings, I had already done! I saw what I cared about, what I wanted others to see in their own lives and so on. Since then I have never been bothered by this....its ME and it will appear when I find the next subject/idea that moves me, moves my soul.
Exactly. We always think it's something else when it's been with us all along. Sad that we have to learn it that way, but it makes sense, right?
Perfect post for this rainy Monday. Thanks!
It was pouring here, too.
So beautiful and on point for me. Thank you for this gift, Lesley ❤️
I love when that happens!
Thank you, Lesley!! This is just what I needed. 🥰
Thank YOU for letting me know.
I wonder! I wonder if it's less that I search for myself (which I also do), but distrust what I know to be true of myself. I have a fairly intense critical judgement button and it activates quite easily. With that telling me "I'm not good enough", the "art I make isn't good enough" etc....it's difficult to plant myself firmly in what I do know about myself, trust that and create from it. I'm getting better at that, finding myself right where I left me!
Aging will help with that. I can relate. We are our own worst critics. Learn to trust the process and follow your heart and intuition. Good call on the white piece in the collage. Bravo!
It was driving me nuts!! Why don't I see those things before I post them? Don't answer that.....
“I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” (Emily Dickinson) I “go seeking elsewhere” when I need to remember myself. Finding something in the physical world that resonates with me serves as a mirror, reminding me who I am, what I value, what I enjoy. I’ve found that browsing through my art journal (and accompanying studio notes) brings me home to myself. “As within, so without.” (Hermetic Philosophy) This was fun to think about - thanks, Lesley! ❤️
I do love that Dickinson quote. We all lose sight of ourselves once in a while. It's good to have touchpoints to ground ourselves with.
Great article ! Thank you.
I am constantly on the lookout for "aha's!" every day. When I allow myself the time to dive into Substack I invariably find them-- little pieces of wisdom, light, insight. Just like this post of yours today. Thanks Lesley!
I love that we are wisdom gatherers. Better to focus on that than so many other distractions.