A New Moment on an Ordinary Wednesday Morning

On a wednesday morning, early in the studio, I take a look around to see what my world is made up of these days. I notice many things in process, unfinished, being contemplated, in flux, in planning stages, sketches. 

And instead of seeing things not done, not finished, I am trying on some new eyes, just for size, and looking at all these pieces as possibilities, things that will be, ideas that are being born.

It is all a matter of perspective I think, all a matter of looking at the positive, at the process, the flow.

Twyla Tharp in her book The Creative Habit talks about ritual, pattern and repetitive memory to tame and quiet the fears and the self-doubts and the ugly, awful voices in [my] head. And so this is a change in ritual for me. To see the unfinished as potential instead of seeing it as things I have not finished, plans I have fallen short of, ideas that have not bloomed with the fruition I had hoped for, projects that have [gulp] failed.

"When you have selected the environment that works for you, developed the start-up ritual that impels you forward every day, face down your fears, and put your distractions in their proper place, you have cleared the first hurdle. You have begun to prepare to begin." -Twyla Tharp

And so, I begin with developing a new Start the Day Ritual: looking at what is ready to burst forth, what is wanting to lay still, and thus, prepare to begin, and see my days, my work, and my life with these new eyes of mine: looking for the positives, stepping up to take my place at my painting table and begin this new day, this new ritual of creation.

Wish me luck, as I wander down this new and alternate path, with a new faith and these brand new eyes with which to see: the water feels great over here, and I am jumping in.

Comments

[Sare-bear]

I've started keeping a Gratitude journal. It's a great way to see the world with new eyes. Enjoy swimming through your creativity!

[Swirly]

I am reading this book right now for the first time, and loving it! What a wonderful shift in perspective - seeing all of these creations in the works as flowers that aren't fully bloomed yet, still full of so much possibility. Love it!!

[Irene]

I really think perspective is the key. It's so easy to worry when things aren't flowing and so hard to turn it into a time for exploring without applying pressure to ourselves to create. Sounds like a lovely book. One I just may have to pick up.

[Gypsy Alex]

Beautiful tenderness, Liz. I'm looking around and realizing all I want to do is soak in this creative yumminess all around me... All unfinished actually, but all bubbly with energy and possibility! Gotta check out the Twyla book too ~ Hugs ~

[tangobaby]

I love these photos, and admire you for working on seeing things in a new and gentle way...although my guess would be that you do that already.

I will look for that book, too. Thank you for the recommendation.

[jess gonacha]

Thanks for the book tip! Sounds like it's really inspiring. I'm also trying to change the way I see things in my life, so this is a very timely post for me. Thanks!!

[Paris Parfait]

A very inspiring post! It was so good to see you in San Francisco. Hope we can spend more time together the next trip (and convince that jazz musician that Paris is the place!). xo