Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Be Good to Yourself

I think it is time for a dose of inspiration. I have been reading too many blogs of late that have the “blues”, including myself. We have had trouble finding the inspiration we need to create. We are tired, worn down, too much thinking, not enough rest, etc. Our inner well is dry.

A single day is enough to make us a little larger or, another time, a little smaller. ~ Paul Klee

Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less. One is always living a little more or dying a little bit. ~ Norman Mailer

We are becoming smaller, dying a little more each day instead of growing, mentally, spiritually, and artistically. I could say, read your Bible. Get into the Word of God and focus on the positive. Yes, I can say that, but have I been doing that? Ashamedly, no. Should we give it a try? Definitely! We will be no worse off than we are now. We can only become better.

How do we better ourselves mentally and artistically? Go to the pages! Start writing in a journal every morning before your day begins. Write three pages of raw, unedited script about what is going on inside of you.

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware. ~ Henry Miller

Lately, I have had a heightened sense of things going on around me. It’s rare because normally I go around in a fog, trying to get through the day. So, be aware! Inspiration is just around the corner or in your own backyard.

Take yourself on a date to your favorite place to find inspiration. Go alone, don’t even take the dog. Go to a museum, art gallery, coffee shop, library, etc. Go once a week. If you are working at full speed, take time to go twice a week. Our inner wells dry fast and we need every source of inspiration we can find.

Being an artist means ceasing to take seriously that very serious person we are when we are not an artist. ~ Jose Ortega y Gasset

Now, go out and do something good for yourself. I know I am in the weeks to come.

2 comments:

Kasie @ ~The Art of Life~ said...

Thanks for posting this Valerie! It's something I've needed. I think lately I've been overwhelmed with this feeling of life speeding by; as though I'm running behind, trying to catch up. I heard something yesterday that reminded me that this is a silly way of thinking. It doesn't help me to enjoy life. It only leaves me feeling frazzled for no reason. Psalms 138:8 came to my mind: The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, Oh Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of Your hands.
It reminded me that my life and future are in God's hands and timing. I need to learn to let go and trust that.
Whew! Sorry to write a book in my comment, lol.
(((Hugs)))
It's too bad we couldn't meet at the coffee shop and have a little chat. :)

Jo Castillo said...

Your advice sounds great. And it is too bad we can't get together for a chat. One of these days.