are the ones we fight daily
in the silent chambers of the soul.
- David McKay
I was reading one of Robert Genn’s wonderfully eloquent and informative letters (The Painter’s Keys) the other day, in which he was addressing the struggles of living life as an artist: “We have chosen to be this way…” he writes.
But have we really? For those of us who create, have we chosen to do so or have we just surrendered to an inner voice that has finally spoken louder than those around us?
I don’t know if the decision to live my life as an artist was really a choice at all…it simply happened the day that I stopped fighting myself. By removing myself from the inner ring of contention, I simply began doing what I knew I must do. And suddenly, I was at peace…no longer trying to quell that restless urge to keep searching for something that did not even have a name.
Maybe the choice Robert Genn speaks of has to do with choosing to choose ourselves…I’m thinking this may be because I have definitely found that it is easier to deal with the external pressures and repercussions of living this creative life than it is to fight the tsunami of curious, analytical and expressive energy inside of me.
- Kathe Kollwitz
Great post! I especially like the line about, “choosing to choose ourselves”. I think this sentiment signifies those people who truly are successful in life.
Powerful words – “tsunami of …expressive energy”. I can feel it. About the difference between choosing and surrendering -I need to think. I believe you are brave to say this whole piece.
Wondering if you’ve read the light fictions of Luanne Rice. In “Beach Girls” she talks about creative spirits. I found it to be very enjoyable.
I love the poppies and framed flower combined with the po’ms. And I think Genn is old enough and wise enough to bay attention to. When I claim my intentions, I feel more powerful, more confident, and almost always, I feel happier. Sometimes I want to lie, cheat or steal (or fill in your own)… but I can choose NOT to listen to THOSE small inner voices.