"Move from patience to presence. Resist the pull of finishing. Inhabit the all the different qualities of time. Come back to the rhythm of work, the simplicity of breath, the light on the water flickering, clouds moving through like thoughts. Release the grip on tomorrow, with all of its hopes and fears and ominous signs. Right here there’s a stillness in the midst of movement, a silence within the noise. It feels like coming home."
All of this was so helpful, but especially this. I finally have stopped pushing myself to FINISH my memoir and I am instead inhabiting the process. It's does feel like coming home. Thank you for putting words to this.
Memoir writing is the hardest, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! It's a long road but such a worthwhile one. All best to you on your journey of dicovery and transformation.
I do run marathons either. And I also never think about finishing, I think about running - because if I think about finishing my body and mind will be not at the marathon but in a place were the marathon do not exist already.
Big sigh. Thank you so much. It reset my energy and brought a calm peacefulness to the end of my day. A wonderful reminder of how much a moment can mean.
Wonderful prescription for creative work Samantha: make time to be fully present by scheduling and protecting that time from interference. Stephen Covey's book "First Things First" is brilliant in noting that we need to schedule the "important but not urgent" things first so our time isn't hijacked by urgency alone.
Thats such a great way to think about it - little chunks of time that contain timelessness. And yes, within all the clamour and urgency, making space for our own quiet thoughts, our own creativity, is a key to staying sane in these times. Hold fast, Hazel.
Always a comfort and an inspiration to read your weeklies! I’m working on a durational, repetitive drawing myself with Radio 4 in my ear as I go. It’s not very conducive to peace and presence!!!! I need to take a leaf……Thank you, Sam.
Oh lordy no, those hourly news bulletins do my head in! When Ilve been on a long slow job Radio 3 has kept me company, mostly because they keep news to a minimum. Past episodes of R3 Night Tracks is my usual go-to studio playlist!
Yes, I remember that Randy Newman story too! I like this very practical, robust and workmanlike approach, that somehow gives space for the mystery of creativity to emerge.
"Move from patience to presence. Resist the pull of finishing. Inhabit the all the different qualities of time. Come back to the rhythm of work, the simplicity of breath, the light on the water flickering, clouds moving through like thoughts. Release the grip on tomorrow, with all of its hopes and fears and ominous signs. Right here there’s a stillness in the midst of movement, a silence within the noise. It feels like coming home."
All of this was so helpful, but especially this. I finally have stopped pushing myself to FINISH my memoir and I am instead inhabiting the process. It's does feel like coming home. Thank you for putting words to this.
Memoir writing is the hardest, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! It's a long road but such a worthwhile one. All best to you on your journey of dicovery and transformation.
Thank you for this lovely reading. It was the nourishment my soul needed today.
I'm so glad to hear this Teresa. May all our souls find the nourishment they need in these times.
I do run marathons either. And I also never think about finishing, I think about running - because if I think about finishing my body and mind will be not at the marathon but in a place were the marathon do not exist already.
I love this - metaphysical marathon running!
Big sigh. Thank you so much. It reset my energy and brought a calm peacefulness to the end of my day. A wonderful reminder of how much a moment can mean.
I am so happy to hear this! Thank you.
Just what I needed to hear today! Thanks for putting it so clearly and calmly!
Glad to hear it helped you today, Mark!
Wonderful prescription for creative work Samantha: make time to be fully present by scheduling and protecting that time from interference. Stephen Covey's book "First Things First" is brilliant in noting that we need to schedule the "important but not urgent" things first so our time isn't hijacked by urgency alone.
That differentiation between 'urgent' and 'important is such a useful lesson to apply in so many ways.
Oh I do love a time container. You are so right - inside it there is timelessness!
The need to make space for creativity feels more pressing than ever right now. It’s a remedy in so many ways. I appreciate your reflections.
Thats such a great way to think about it - little chunks of time that contain timelessness. And yes, within all the clamour and urgency, making space for our own quiet thoughts, our own creativity, is a key to staying sane in these times. Hold fast, Hazel.
Always a comfort and an inspiration to read your weeklies! I’m working on a durational, repetitive drawing myself with Radio 4 in my ear as I go. It’s not very conducive to peace and presence!!!! I need to take a leaf……Thank you, Sam.
Oh lordy no, those hourly news bulletins do my head in! When Ilve been on a long slow job Radio 3 has kept me company, mostly because they keep news to a minimum. Past episodes of R3 Night Tracks is my usual go-to studio playlist!
Thank you Sam, you have no idea how much I need to read these words today.
You can't get much longer haul than writing a book. Hang in there Sara! Coffee soon?
Indeed. Hanging on and trying not to look at the news atm. Coffee would be lovely, give me a shout when you’re free. (Tea Rooms?)
Yes, I remember that Randy Newman story too! I like this very practical, robust and workmanlike approach, that somehow gives space for the mystery of creativity to emerge.