motivation vs inspiration

A human life is the most complex narrative of all: it has many layers of events which embrace outside behaviour and actions, the inner stream of the mind, the underworld of the unconscious, the soul, fantasy, dream and imagination.

~my favorite John O’Donohue

I’m quoting him here because I seem to have let go of my connection to some parts of myself, I realized only today. Today. The day I finally felt a slight bit better after 7 days of something that was meant to bring me to a standstill. Only now am I beginning to feel appreciative.

And very appreciative.

I got sick. I pride myself on being healthy. But this one got me. It got me when I was going too fast and sensing I still wasn’t going fast enough. I was so stuck on the outside, so not in touch with the inner stream.

One of the pieces of art I was creating was this huge ocean/tide piece. I looked at it today and this crazy thought crossed my mind: I don’t want to make that. (!!!!!) I was going to push myself to do it. I had it all planned out.

Now, possibly tomorrow I’ll wake up and think otherwise. But today, NOW, in this moment, what I want to do is create this a piece whose idea is much more exciting to me. I can’t wait to make it. Wow! I could not say that about the other piece.

Well, there are some technical issues to figure out on this nascent idea. But I can get help with them. It can happen.

Perhaps 7 days of doing nothing saved me a ton of days of doing (you fill in the word). These kind of moments make me feel such a sense of relief. I’m reassured that the self will find a way to be whole.

That the lake water will rise up to join the clouds.


Discover more from Salley Knight Studio

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.