choosing clarity
There is something intoxicating about the realm of possibility. That space between what was, what is, and what is to come. It's real, but it's ideal...
It's the realm of the ideal.
There's quite a gap between the perfection of our ideals, and the imperfect world we live - and create- in. But this is important.
Have you ever made something that didn't quite measure up to how you imagined it, before you created it? It's easy to feel discouraged in such cases, but what if that is simply the way things are?
I can't help but think of Plato's allegory of the cave. I dare simplify, as I think it tends to be taught with unnecessarily complexity. Unless you're writing a paper analyzing Platonic philosophy.... we'll be fine.
Basically, as humans in the is world we are like prisoners sitting in a cave, experiencing life in the form of shadows projected on the inner cave walls.
Yep, like shadow puppets.
Now, Plato maps this allegory out in detail, but suffice it to say the concept is that the ideal form of a thing is something we don't see or experience, we just see the shadow it makes.
Our world is imperfect.
But it's what we know, and there is a safety and comfort in that. Even if it is a prison.
With the power of our creative imagination, it is possible to escape this metaphorical imprisonment, and conceptualize what Plato calls the realm of the ideal...
Translation: in our minds, we can imagine the ideal, perfect manifestation.
That gap between our perfect ideas and their imperfect realization in this world is full of anxiety. Some times in our lives, this anxiety causes us to shut down our imagination completely. Other times, we may get lost in our imagination, completely drunk on the perfection we are inspired with.
The opportunity lies in choosing an idea, and choosing to create it in this world.
Sure, there's an element of disillusionment in doing so, but when we choose to continue regardless...
That's where the magic happens.
That's where we alchemize the perfect and imperfect of the ideal and the real, and transform this world. That's how we make it a better place.
Dare I say, that's how we transform ourselves and our audience as well, and make ourselves better people.
Maybe it's just a stick figure drawn on a napkin, it doesn't matter (cave art, anyone? ;)
What matters is that you chose to create
Today I want you to focus on that choice, and the clarity that comes with making that choice. Committing to completing the project, and doing the work, well, that comes next...
Did you cringe? Remember that! And trust that it doesn't have to be drudgery. In fact, as we identify these anxieties and the related opportunities, you'll find that there is another emotion deep beneath the surface...
And emotion that perhaps you've forgotten, at least when it comes to work
An emotion that contains all the energy and vitality you need to complete your creative project, and live life to it's fullest
Here's a hint: it feels good ;)
Xxxx
Jenny
