Time For Drastic Measures
I’m good at holding the vision. I stay on track. I stick to my daily practices, my nurturing methods, painting! I’m willing to work with whatever I find. I notice glimpses. All that good stuff.
I find inspiration everywhere. In nature, in my work with clients, in my relationships, in art, music, poetry.
It’s not hard to find.
Until it is.
Lately, I’ve been struggling to stay inspired. I’ve been using all my tools—allowing it, not resisting, making space for the dullness that’s part of any creative process.
But sometimes everything just feels… blah.
The state of the world doesn’t help. People being displaced, at war, losing family members. Knowing so many people around the world are fighting for their life doesn’t motivate me to seek joy in mine.
What right do I have to experience joy?
The state of the country doesn’t help either. You know.
Are we allowed to seek joy in this climate?
The vision is that we are. The vision is that cultivating joy, creating for its own sake, celebrating that we are alive, is not just allowed, it’s needed. It is one of the things that can counterbalance the suffering.
But some days I have a really hard time believing it.
So I’ve been borrowing inspiration from others. I’ve been going to exhibitions, attending artist talks, soaking up the creativity around me.
Seeing the art of others transports me. It makes me feel. It reminds me I'm not alone. Others are continuing to create in this climate.
There is a sense of abundance in art that amazes me. It fills me with wonder and hope.
It gives me the courage - the audacity - to not only keep creating but to put my work out there more. To share the joy it brings me.
It’s important, damn it! This world needs art! The world needs reminding: There is more than suffering.
There is another world out there - one with more kindness, more softness, more understanding. It’s here. We just have to look for it.
We have to water and grow it.
That’s what art does.
It’s radical. It’s what I mean by drastic measures.
You won’t hear me fulminating about all the things that are wrong. You won’t hear me laying blame. You won’t find me on the barricades.
That’s not my role.
My role is to keep the softness alive.
And maybe, hopefully a painting of mine can be a doorway to that softer world for someone.
What About You?
Is there anything you have a hard time giving yourself permission to do, even if you enjoy it? How do you give yourself permission to actively seek out joy? Drop me a line to let me know.
As always, I’d love to hear what moves you and what’s inspiring you lately. Your notes mean the world to me, so please keep them coming.
Much warmth,
Mary
