In January I printed every blog.spot post published since 2012. Printed because I am old fashioned enough to need paper in my hands to really study something. After rereading 350 posts, I imagined inspiration waking me up in the night with a fabulous idea for a new creation.
Let’s just say this project has stalled.
Perusing posts has been gratifying (remembering connections forged, marveling at variety of subjects), shocking (not remembering what I wrote and forgetting books I quoted), and startling (some posts sound intellectual or businesslike, some not clear what I wrote or what I was quoting).
Posts in May have focused on exploring why what is in back of us is as important as what is in front of us. This now strikes me as another occasion my unconscious was involved.
The other day, I was following behind the scene internet links and found an article by Aura Glaser that coincidentally was published in 2012. I found inspiration in this line:
“Our capacity to turn toward whatever scares or repels us, and remain present with it, depends on our access to inner goodness.”*
I am disappointed that I haven’t created something new. It helps to express this. The helpful message I receive from Aura Glaser: Appreciate my effort. Appreciate my motivation. Be in contact with and appreciate my inner goodness.
Weekly Clue for exploring your mysterious Self: Each day, appreciate an effort that you make even if you don’t produce a product. Pick an effort that you often overlook that you do out of the goodness of your heart.
Please share where you place your attention. I am notorious for dropping kleenex all over the house. When I stand up, I usually leave a crumpled one behind me. I’m going to appreciate myself every time I notice that I dropped one and actually stop and pick it up.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
8 comments
I'm going to argue that you have created something new. I don't think creating is limited to physical things. I think creating a new awareness, a new philosophy – those count too. You need to appreciate yourself for taking the time to become more self-aware and analyzing your actions. That is the way we grow, and a more thoughtful and mature self is a very valuable creation.
I loved this post! Taking stock of previous work can be gratifying, shocking, and startling, and you captured that beautifully! Effort, apart from product, is so often overlooked. Thanks for giving us that "clue." This week (and hopefully for all weeks to come) I will give myself kudos for the time I spend writing or even thinking about writing projects and for being more conscious of my thoughts and actions all around.
Do you think everyone has an inner goodness, or that everyone believes they have an inner goodness? My thoughts went to how we treat others, especially during hard times as opposed to accomplishing a task.
Hi Nolan, Just found this buried so want to thank you for sending and apologize for not responding sooner.
I think everyone has an inner goodness. There are many causes and conditions that block the development of the goodness but I think it is there.
I'm not sure what you mean with your last sentence but I think that we often want to get something done and don't think of how it might affect others. Let me know if you have other thoughts.
Again, sorry this took so long!
Diane – I love your message and am so sorry it was buried and I didn't find it until today. Thank you for your kind words – much appreciated.
I am so happy that the clue will help you be more mindful. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Susan – I just found your message and wish I would have found it sooner! I love your thought that I have created something new – I think that is in many ways true. My thinking and self awareness has increased.
I also love the thought, and agree, that a more thoughtful and mature self is a valuable creaton! Amen to that!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message! Hope you will comment again and that it will pop right up for me to publish!
Nicky: love this idea. What jumps to my mind is something literal. Coleridge, the great English Romantic poet (author of The Ancient Mariner) said this: “Memory is the flip side of Imagination.” I read this as whatever I remember I can use to create. So I try to remember as much as possible… thanks for the prompt!
You are most welcome Simon. What a treat to read your message.
I love the quote memory is the flip side of imagination and your explanation. I will need to think on these words for awhile.
How you read it makes sense to me and encourages me to be mindful. We can't remember what we don't know so as you point out, it is important to pay attention if one wants to be creative.
Thanks for your kind words and contribution to this discussion. Hope you will return!
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