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There is a peak, where I have the option to leap into creativity (LEAP AND THE NET APPEARS,
says Julia Cameron in her book, "THE ARTIST'S WAY", ) or to fade back into the dull routines
which, like a forest of dead trees, populate the desolate existence of my daily life. Why do I not leap? Because, so often in the past, I have leapt -- created -- and enjoyed that wild ride of exploration and discovery -- then, so often also, no rewards came at the end of the journey.. The exhilaration of creating is forgotten. Also forgotten is the timeless saying that, "It is the Journey, not the Destination," which is the reward. Do a flip-flop therefore. The Destination is the Journey. At every impulse to paint, to write -- any urge to do anything, LEAP. Just do it. Why do I not leap? Because I remember that so often I did leap. I grabbed my paintbrushes and while then standing at the easel, the blank canvas tormented me. I sat at the keyboard to write, having leapt to it -- and the blank screen was daunting. Words would not come. A painting idea would not come. The problem's answer, hidden among the flurry of frustrating urges and defeatists resolutions -- is that I stopped leaping. I leapt to the easel, to the keyboard, then I stopped -- waiting for ideas, for words. Here, at the very edge, I defeated myself by not continuing to leap. How easy it really is, to call forth the creative spirit. "Just do it" -- "Leap" -- "Begin." Smear on some paint -- write some words -- phrases. Any color of paint. Don't stop to choose. Any words -- even four letter words if that will express what you feel -- love, hate, joy, inspiration, whatever you feel, write it, paint it, do it. Into this chaos will appear a shining idea -- a glimpse of what is to come as you create. The creator within has made it's appearance. It is just this appearance that is the reward. The only true reward, which comes like a gift from on high, the reward which is both Journey and Destination. Seek not fame nor money nor even the completed project. Seek first and only, the great kingdom -- then stop seeking and let it come. Ideas and energies and exaltations course through, onto the paper, the canvas, the pottery -- the project. Joy unexcelled as you and your inner spirit create in harmony. The lesser rewards flow in, though they are pale by comparison. Life is joyful and bountiful, as you are leaping on all fronts. WOW!!! ### |