"There is only one real deprivation ... and that is not to be able to give one's gift to those ... one loves most..." -- May Sarton
We are here to create. But we cannot create from the soul of who we are unless we cultivate an awe and faith in something larger and more powerful than our contempt for our own imperfect self-expression and our fear of ridicule. How is it that we deny ourselves the joy that comes from surrendering to our own original nature?
For more than six decades, I've witnessed far too many refuse the claim check for their unique voice. Part of the culprit is buying into the belief: "I think, therefore I am." We suffer under the illusion that creation is reserved only for the "gifted and talented" and not for the rest.
Let's reconsider. What would happen if we "messed around" with a far more liberating possibility that goes: "I AM, therefore I create." This would be telling the truth with a capital T.
There is not a moment when we are not all artists creating our narrative, whether we know it or not. We cannot help but create. It is our nature. Sure, we might not be too thrilled about our results. We might be hanging back, holding out in far too small a box, because we've been taught to believe that creating is not our job. I say, "says who?"
What does it mean to take on your birthright as an artist? Ask any child. They don't know otherwise. Toss a small kid the paper airplane you've made out of scrap, and they will automatically fly it. Hand a tot a color crayon (hopefully not near a wall), and he will make a mark. Scoop up a piece of clay and share it with a girl in nursery school, and she will turn it into whatever delights her soul with glee. Little ones have not yet learned to fear, hesitate, discount where adventure calls. Nor have they taken on the burden of judgments. They create because it is written into their character as surely as a wagging tail is written into a dog's. They create because they have been willing to voice a healthier mantra than the one employed by the bored, the stressed, and the isolated.
"I create because I AM." Time to shake the dust off the sandals and get moving! You want to feel more alive, don't you? OK, then. Let's "have at it." The following is the first installment of what restores my own soul's GPS. I have been doing the tango with my own relationship with art-making all my life.
You would have your own answer, and I'd love to hear about it this week. All I know is that when I have felt disconnected from the soul of who I am, that core beyond circumstances and conditions, the best way is to sit with my soul for a bit and find my way home. When I get stuck in the tedium of world affairs, or daily events leaving me depleted, it is my practice to return to the creative act in its infinite forms. Sometimes, the restorative is conscious breathing, a walk in nature, or stepping outside for a few deep, cleansing breaths, or spying the hummingbirds circling the salvia. Sometimes it means finding the nearest park in Metropolis and stopping by for a brief time in between obligations.
Always, however, it means turning within, becoming still, meditating on that stillness, and awakening to what is within, which seeks expression. Whatever works is fair game. But when I do, I am reconnected with the artist of soul that lives in my DNA as a gift from my ancestors, as does yours. Of course, as long as we pretend that inner yearnings do not matter, we remain estranged. Ask the corporate tigers with whom I've worked, who only come to their inner artist after the body has said "no" to their self-denial through heart attacks, hypertension, migraines, ulcers, diabetes, addictions, and, yes, the "big C." Whenever we say "no" to the soul of the artist within, the price is high on the body, mind, spirit and relationships who we assign the heavy lifting. This is the real deprivation to which May Sarton refers in her many journals. When we say "no" to bringing forward what has never existed in our own original way before, we become a deaf ear to the inner GPS that is here to help us through the labyrinth of fear, doubt, and discouragement.
What, then, are the characteristics of the soul of the artist, which can serve as a self-test, a checklist of sorts, by which to measure your artistic intelligence at the present time? The following 20 are those I've observed over a professional life spanning nearly 45 years:
Top 20 Characteristics of Soul Artistry:
1. Love of adventure.
2. Willingness to step into the unknown.
3. Desire for discovery.
4. Non-attachment to outcome.
5. Willingness to get lost.
6. Receptivity to get found.
7. Sense of humor.
8. Delight in sharing the process.
9. Capacity to stay present.
10. Acceptance of the unknown.
11. Devotion to trusting the process.
12. Disregard for approval or disapproval.
13. Self-permission to learn 1-12 over a lifetime.
14. Self-compassion.
15. Longing to bring harmony and beauty out of chaos.
16. Attitude of the alchemist: curious about impossibilities becoming possibilities.
17. Tenacity in staying true to what matters most to heart and soul, no matter what.
18. Capacity to begin anew when the ego says "why bother."
19. Refusal to stay permanently discouraged.
20. Joy through playful surrender and creative collaboration.
I create because I AM. The point is that anyone can cultivate the above who chooses. It does not matter how you spend your "non-studio" life. When you enter the domain of the creative, or those who dare, it will have a cross-fertilizing effect on the rest of your life that cannot help but revitalize what ails you. It does not matter whether your materials of choice involve ink and pen, oil, watercolor, musical instruments, clay, wood and nails, soil and bulbs, watermelons or bok choy, storytelling or prancing with children. All that matters is that you allow your "I AM-ness" to call you into whatever direction delights your heart and soul. It does not matter how good you are or how awkward you feel. It does not matter whether you make it into a juried show, bake-off, or Idol show. This has not a blessed thing to do with honoring the soul of the artist. What does matter is that you honor your own creative process as a way of stepping out of the box of limited thinking that steals life away from you by "stinking thinking."
What does matter, then? All that matters is that you give over to whatever longing has been held in your breast, embedded from your ancestors, for far, far too long, discounted and judged as irrelevant or detrimental. As long as you are not harming life, say "yes." Just "say no" to whatever "can't" and "shouldn't" stops you short of feeling more alive, keeps you penned in with the pigs in a sty that dishonors your spirit.
I tell you this: The greatest burden you can give your children, your children's children, and those who love you is your own unlived life. We cannot burden the ones we love with our own unhappiness, boredom or regret. If you do not pick up the gauntlet and run your own race, others will be left with the fallout. I am not kidding. Not a day goes my in my practice, or outside it, when I do not meet those who have felt the heavy, impossible weight of shouldering the unhappiness of ancestors who were not true to their gift.
Love Letter to the Artist in Waiting
I know it is not easy. I know that you've had your share of people laughing and making fun of your original creations, even when they did not mean to hurt. I know that this fear of not being understood has affected your willingness to risk more creative living, has caused you to draw back. I know that you have suffered the pain of hesitating on doing what is important to your soul, even when it doesn't make a bit of sense to your head or ego.
What I want you to know is this. Now is your time. I'm not fooling. Tomorrow is too late. By then, you will have forgotten what is rising to the surface in your heart that deserves a good listen, that deserves that we take it seriously, happily, that deserves we "hear" and express it.
Forget perfect. The story tells us that even God had to create our universe over time. Can you not, then, be more patient with yourself? What will it take for you to forgive yourself for being simply human, alive with longing, desiring something more that holds aliveness, meaning, and surprise?
I'm waiting. No one can bring to life what you have stored within you! No one can tell your creative story like you! No one! I say: Come on out and play! Why wait? It will be so much more fun with you along for the ride.
Be the love,
Cara
Your turn: What restores your relationship with creative restoration? What "juices" your body, mind and spirit when you need more aliveness? Whose work revitalizes and inspires? Please be specific. We are building a list for other readers who want to jump start their own process.
For those who wish accompaniment: Copies of "The Love Project: Coming Home," available in second printing. Contact me, below.
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If you put in the Search bar Lisa Godin,(yours truly) my photo of Awesome Pawsome Panda Hanger is the first and the type is listed as Photograph. You'll also see listed a whole bunch of my other stuff. There are five pages. They also list "By" on the far right so you're sure to know whether it's me or someone else sprinkled in the list. You'll see my putting up of a lot of different things. Poetry , animal art, my attempt at soap art, my serial etc. I hope it works as I did each step. My boo boo was giving what I thought was a right address because I had signed in being a member. This one is different as I did it without signing in. Hopefully it'll work this time. Let me know if there are any problems. We now return you to our regularly scheduled morning.
Any ideas folks...???
Love,
Cara
The difficult part is that now I to remember what I said..! Must've been vital.
"The greatest burden you can give your children, your children's children, and those who love you is your own unlived life." Classic. I know it well, I was left this burden by a mother who all felt it my duty to live the lives of a brother and sister whose own lives were cut short. I knew pretty quickly that it wasn't going to work out. My mother never got the message.
Oddly, her burden on me arose again a couple of weeks ago. She left no will when she died, and now her estate has passed to me, much to the chagrin of some people who thought they would profit. Sad how the worst comes out of some people when they think they'll get something for nothing. Sad also that my mother will never know that her estate benefited homeless vets and animals. What she didn't do in life, she accomplished in death.
My best to all in the Cafe. With Peace and Love to all.
Paul
We all have mom’s; we all have been subject to varying degrees of what you allude to albeit how much we love them, and them us. But, you make a fine point.
So many parents don't get the message that individuals (their kids) should live within their own self, their own lives, and not attempt to compensate for the expectations of others, because that’s where the happiness lives.
I guess there is a lot of cultural and generational junk that interferes in this regard, but to excuse their diminution of any person's potentials, dreams, hopes, and aspirations is simply self-serving, egocentric, greedy behavior, seemingly born from the cycles that came before... just saying.
It appears you are making the best out of the situation... good man!
Enjoy the weekend!
Lawson
One of the most difficult moments in my life, was realizing that my mother was not going to be any sort of good influence in my life, and that it was best that I move on from her. She thrived on misery, and that wasn't my style. In the last thirty years of her life, she alienated almost everyone in her life, including her relatives. I had this one last chance to do something good on her behalf, and went for it. And honestly, I've been smiling for a week about the outcome.
I will continue to make lemonade when life hands me lemons. How's THAT for determination? LOL.
I send best wishes to you and yours and to all in our Cafe.Take care, my friend.
Paul
So Happy (belated, but I wished you before), Father’s Day, this is the greatest gift you left for you Son .At least he would know the inheritance has gone for an excellent cause.
Cheers to You!
Yes, I did it! I figured out the best way to use my mother's estate to do some good, and I couldn't be happier.
As for my son, I'll tell you what I tell him, I'm busy spending his inheritance. I haven't worked my butt off just to leave it behind. I'm going to enjoy!
All the best to you, dear friend, and greetings from Tess the Wonderdog and Paco.
Paul
Please be patient. there seems to be a snag in getting my responses to you up, for some reason. Perhaps your responses, as well, are not showing. Just know that I will check back later this weekend as soon as I can after I get back in town.
Much appreciation your way,
Cara
It has allowed me to become deeply involved in becoming a steward of our land. As a wordsmith and able body, I can show up and report upon what factions are directing our environmental policy without fear of retribution ... because I have already stepped into the unknown. Fearlessness may become a by-product, which doesn't mean fear is absent, just boldly and passionately grasped. This then opens for an array of possibilities in devising sustainable means by which to grow food and supply energy within our communities.
The work of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr and all environmentalists inspires me to become a steward of this land. May stepping into the unknown with passion for creating sustainable means by which to carry on in this world inspire many more.
Big Love.
Donna
First good, no, make that great rewrite of 'comm-unity.' How right you are.
You are primo, Donna, at 'just going with the Unknowing (my cap for Unknowning)'. Letting go of control seems to be at the heart of the thing, for what arises in the unknown remains a mystery until it arrives from the Mystery Itself. No accident that spiritual practice is called 'practice.' Art making, for me, is clearly the essence of spiritual practice.
In the dictionary, your picture should appear right next to the word 'steward.' You are, and then some, Donna.
How I love you,and I am not alone.
Cara
I teach guitar and song writing lessons. And over the years I've noticed that your #12 is the biggest deterrent for older students who want to learn to play music. Adults know what sounds "good" and what sounds "bad" (those terms are in quotes because "good" and "bad" are subjective here). But as with most skills, being "bad" (at least initially) is a necessary step toward eventually being "good". When learning music, it's difficult for adults to keep working at it, despite sounding "bad" initially. They are getting hung up on #12, even though the disapproval is their own ear. And more often than not, my adult students quit discouraged, before they have practiced enough to get from "bad" to "good". My younger students don't have that hang up. But adults who can get past the uneasiness of sounding "bad" for a while are the ones who end up being successful (and "good").
Anyway, thats my experience with #12. Great article!
Know you are most welcome here. Your contribution is very appreciated. Your wisdom and experience are surely showing. Although I do not play the guitar, nor teach song writing, (although I love to play with composing vocals with children), I do know the truth of your observations. One of the saddest aspects about our educational system, (elementary through advanced studies) is that we do not prepare people for the learning curve. Ah, if only we could convey the 'normal' of discouragement on the learning curve roller coaster!
But this said, I am so thankful you are on the Creativity Faculty in our world, impacting the willing learner. Good for you! f&f, Cara
Great post.
TO get more "aliveness" in and fear of stepping into the unknown out, I use EFT (emotional freedom technique) which is a simple finger-tapping acupressure technique on the face which stimulates corresponding meridians in the body. It brings up the unknown underlying issue that is holding me back. Then I work on it.
Either that or I commune with my Self to find out what the heck is really going on. We have a pretty good relatioinship now.
Oh yeah, I sing too... loudly
Cheers
Catherine.
You do, indeed, have a good relationship with the above. As for singing, sometimes, I sing so loud in my own dragon fight, that I love to roll up the windows of my car and go for it full-bore. Whatever it takes, eh? And, yes, on the open road, those windows are down and sun roof wide open! Nothing like singing in the wind on an open road.
So much joy your way.
Be the Love as I know you ae,
Cara
Here is another twist, my cousin’s daughter, I call her my niece, just a couple of years ago adopted one young girl from Mother Teresa’s organization. The time and money they spend just to travel. Oh, they would do all sorts of research on the couple, until they are satisfied with their inquisition, then perhaps you may qualify. All the parents knew, a girl was ready to be in their arms, from an okay family and that’s that...
That little girl with UNKNOWN DNA is the luckiest girl their ever is. She is the great grand (adoptive) daughter of my aunt I always talk about. Father of the (adopted) girl is the only child. So two sets of grandparent doting over her. She is already singing, dancing, a chatterbox and the story continues…
THanks for sharing the story of your papa's voice. You remind me that my dad loved to sing, had a very nice tenor voice, and told me that when he courted my mom, he sang as they canoed. I think it embarrassed her Finnish nature, for she was not a good singer, and mouthed the words when other's sang. Her's were different gifts.
The thread of your dad's voice to his nanny touches me. How very sweet. How easy to imagine this scene, and it brings a smile to my heart and lips, gratefully.
Re adoption: I understand. When my daughter was born, and we saw her for the first day on day one, (she is adopted) my son reminded me of something he had realized on his own. There is biological family and there is Soul Family (He figured this out for himself at 10.) His message was 'let's always remind her that she is Soul Family for us.) Sounds like your niece has made her way to her Soul Family. I rejoice with you and your family.
As always, gratitude your way, gypsy,
Cara
Fist I want to come over and give your daughter a big hug. My aunt was married to my uncle, but she loved me more than her flesh, and I was right next to her when she passed. I kissed her forehead and her feet and knew she has left me and I let her go.
For this other two year old girl, let’s see how she draws her life on the blank canvas, it could very well be a masterpiece.
Shall keep you posted...big Hugs...always yours, Gypsy
I like to think I’m pretty good with my priorities, but continue to be amused by the way they rearrange themselves while I’m sleeping.
I’m tellin’ ya, turn your head for a second….!
Actually, I spent too much time dancing the Twitterbug, yesterday. I find it very pinteresting; so is facing a book; although, perhaps, smaller doses are more prudent.
I consider one of the great gifts in my live to have been the wiliness to pay attention to old people. Hahahaha You’re an old person and, now, so am I. I’m still listening, but have tuned to a wider generational arena.
Anyway, I think there’s a glitch in the American culture. Somehow all that rugged individualism disrupted a rather natural order of trickle down wisdom. Thank God I was a recalcitrant young man. It is such a wonderful stream to flow with; even or particularly when engulfed by white water and bouncing of rocks.
250 words slide by quickly ….
Yes, yes and yes … You have recently tapped into an expanded form of edification flowing from the fountain and are lucidly articulating the contents of the trickling tributaries.
Namaste - Dear One
GemsviaThailand aka/Sammi aka/ @viasammilaw www.sammilaw.asai
Sometimes I think the future is predicted pretty well by science fiction writers.
What a fine question you ask! Let me contemplate it and I will be back....
Tried to send a blank post ( to represent silence) in response to the question at the end of this article but the little pop up stated that my comment was empty and that I had to write something. Silence is creativity... no?
Obviously, it did not fit into the so called rules or norms :~)
Great 20 points Cara! It is so true that we mainly have been indoctrinated to view creativity as some sort of grandiose work when the process of creation is ever occurring.
P.S. Don't recall where I read this and probably messing it up some but there was this humorous story about Descartes walking into a bar and ordering a drink. After a while the bartender noticing that his glass was empty asked, " Another drink, Mr. Descartes?
" I think not " replied Descartes.
Much love...
much love to you,
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree.. many many outlets for creativity all stemming from the one great 'Mother of creativity.'
Gardens are definitely a work of art whether small or large. I love to be so close to the earth and then when the little buds start to come up it is such a joy to watch them grow. Now, weeding is another story :)
Since you were kind enough to ask, I have been at a wake and funeral over the past few days. My very close friend's sister's husband made his transition. Just last summer we all went on a short cruise together and I am close to the whole family. They are almost like family.
love right back at you .....
The answer to your question about silence being creativity or not is that of course it is. For example, if the spaces between written words represent silence (which they do of course), and they were removed from creative writing, allofthewordswouldruntogether, and art would not be well served or well presented.
Creativity is found and expressed in the balance between what is said and what is not.
Doesthatmakesense?
Lawson
Thanks ! Wasn't really a question although it was worded as one in order to stimulate a creative response andjustlookatwhatflowedthroughyou. :~)
Well done, my friend.
Love,
Cara
Today, I am an artist. I will not live an unlived life. I will never take on anyone's unhappiness again.
I am free to create anything I want.
Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring article.
None of us can fully go it alone, for we are here as part of a greater design. What an honor to have you visit. Always you are welcome...and in all ways.
To Life, to you, with love and respect,
Cara
Glad to have you here with us Noetic.
hugs....
Joy to you and yours,
Cara
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I cherish them.
Yes, my friend. Art comes from that place beyond thought, between thought or notion, for when the 'stream is flowing' what comes is inevitably a surprise. We cannot plan our way to this outcome with the monkey mind's chatter. More on this next week.
And, what is 'great art' after all? Is it great because some authority tells me this is so? Or, does the greatness not lie in the fact that when in the Presence of Creation, something in me that has fallen asleep comes alive?
How are you, Arithrianos?
Be the Love,
Cara
By the way I must compliment you on your beautiful writing. It's a joy to read.
HH
Your Buddha installation sounds divine. Sometimes it is 'just the thing to leave the material bare: gives a textural, primitive quality that's hard to top. My own Buddhas are placed where the mood strikes me: one 'sits' alongside some beautiful books on symbols on the floor, two sit comfortably within geraniums and ivy, another on the mantle. Oh, so many possibilities....
Love your way in the world,
Cara
Jasmine tea (phoenix pearls) gives me a gentle hint of the sweetness of life. Many are my thoughts as I ponder what I most want to do today; mostly, I plan to be--aware--of life that surrounds me, and not to miss the moments of awe in the simple things. The tilt of a person's head, the stride of their step, the twinkle in their eyes, the magic of their laughter, and the sacredness of their tears. I want to breathe in all of it; and I shall. Even before the sun rises, even before the first car engine sound, and before the motor boats push through the river at the rear of the house, I plan to enjoy the lush greenery that is still recovering from last year's tornado. Because so much changes in a flash, a split second, I am learning the sacredness of each moment and coming more and more fully into the essence of the breath of life--mine and others. When I was a child family members chided me for being "too emotional." I shrank inside of myself for a while and became tiny; now I unfold each morning and smile to myself, with myself. If anything, I am probably more emotional than before, because I laugh a heck of a lot and I cry when I feel like it. And I speak to strangers.
Have a beautiful day, and thank you again for the ever-so-touching article.
India
hugs
Cara
Hope you have a wonderful evening dear Gypsy.
Your plan for today is grand. What else is there than to be aware? Gifts do unfold.
I have a secret to share with you, my dear. Don't tell a soul! When I was a little girl, I was told the very same thing: "too sensitive for your own good." It took me many years to realize that they did not know, nor did I that this was the artist in me coming to life. Now, I know better as do you.
cont.
Begin by considering it all:
urns that have shaped us, putdowns that have reared us
these hands that froze the ocean and spun it round
on a gramophone because Jack Frost and Mrs. Wind needed to
make a runaway lion. Do you have child bearing hips? Use them, use
whatever you have. And become
ground, battleship gray. Memories, clouds, bands of wild horses
drift across you. Potatoes push out of you. Farmers and philosophers
bend over you
wrapping your hair in their knuckles,
pulling the dead garden, old fragrant Mr. Wellington, from the lawnmower’s
jaws. The moment of creation can throw you
faraway. We find
ourselves driving
through the industrial Midwest alongside Mary Jane’s magical sons,
rain blurring the windshield with the seminal fluids of gods
fighting in the sky
and somewhere in Asia, langurs in trees
scream it into being as if they were bells swinging from
church steeples.
I did enjoy reading your work; I unsually read poetry aloud to see how it feels in my mouth and on my tongue, and this one worked well. Thanks!
As for the langurs... they are like the neighbors I had in Columbus, GA, those old world monkeys are always screaming... :)
Lawson
fx
Be the Love,
Cara