miserly heart

{{Here is where I would put a picture of things I'm making for the wedding.}}

My recent days have been filled with wedding planning (fun), Grafting Happiness writing (heaven), puppy pee spot cleaning (endless) and working out (yoga + cross fit = a whole new level of body awareness). It's all part of the adventure.

{{Here is where I would put a picture of me looking all strong and wicked powerful in a Warrior Pose.}}

I was listening to a {spirituality} radio program this morning and the guest was talking about our personal gifts and how they do not belong to us. That in fact, they belong to the community of humanity. I get it...even though I have to wade through all my defenses first to really feel and step into the truth of it. For me, at least. I think about all the work I've done, all the art and jewelry I've created over the years (a drop in the bucket compared to some folks) and it's obvious to me that the tangible version of my gifts are being enjoyed by many people. But I don't think that's the all in all of my "gifts belonging to the community".

{{Here is where I would put a picture of something I've made.}}

I could spend every ounce of energy I have making works of art, putting an astonishing amount of volume into the world, but if I did it with a miserly heart, it would all be empty. Void of any real message. Void of my gratitude for being able to live my craft and all its incarnations. Void of the spirit that would encourage one to follow her desire. And so I think of that. I think of how all I want to do when I make stuff is to make something that awakens a spirit of love and gratitude in the people who witness the work. I don't want to create separation of any kind - accidental or intentional. I think of mixing compassion, kindness, hope, playfulness, connection, and joy in everything I make and it feels like the way it should be. I am so far from adept at all of this but I see it clearly as my intention and I keep moving forward in that direction holding generosity in heart as kindly as I can. There are times when it is very, very hard. Very. (It's those times when I've confused my identity with what I do.) I am a stumbling-child-in-shoes-too-big in that.

I also include the wish for someone who has seen my work to feel inspired to create for themselves in whatever small way that may be. And the best part is that when I am giving what my heart is called to give, I am free to move into and away from it according to my heart. This means when something I'm doing does not hold my heart any more, I can release it with gratitude for the time I had with it, for the lessons I learned through it, knowing that I am being led ever forward into knowing myself better so that I can give better.

I'm going to take all this rambling, boil it down until only the sugary sauce remains and go swimming in it.

{{Here is where I would put a picture of me swimming in a giant pool full of fruity syrup. Be glad I'm not in a picture-taking mode these days.}}

"Your personal power is the wisdom of your mind + the generosity of your spirit."

-Iyanla Vanzant

 

Comments

[carlanda williamson]

ok, i'll go swimming in that sugary pool with you! i won't be sceeeered! (and i promise not to pee my pants!) xo

[Jen Worden]

Okay. So here's where that weird cosmic connection shows up yet again.

Only last night I was ruminating on how I happen to be in a place I thought I would not be. Ever again. And yet. Yep. I recognize the road signs. The surrounding terrain. (sufficiently obtuse? Oh. I think so.)

Giant sigh.

And I pondered on how if anyone I knew. Briefly. Not even deeply. I would hold them and with kindness say, "It's okay. You can do this. Just move forward." and pat them on the head. With tenderness.

"with kindness"

Yes! Of course. Nothing of any worth is born in anger or hatred or "a miserly heart". Not so difficult to muster kindness and tenderness for others. So very very difficult to treat ourselves with the same love.

And I tell myself.
It will get better.
It will get easier.

It has to.

right?

[Tifffany tihany Harris]

To me, Inspiration is so powerful. I long to be inspired; I consider it a gift to me. And if I inspire, that is a compliment of the highest order.
I am going to think about our gifts belonging to the larger community all day. Thanks for the inspiring thought.

[lalyblue]

An inspiring thought indeed... And to me, it feels sort of reassuring: it's not so scary out there if it's not just me, not just my little self...

I wanted to share a bit of my work with you, as I'm a french mixed media artist who is just beginning to feel confident enough to "put it out there". It's at http://www.lalyblue.com

Oh, and thanks to you I've recently discovered plaster bliss, so a big THANK YOU for that and for all your inspiring thoughts!

Have a lovely day :)

Laly

[Kathy Kenney]

Oh thanks! You said just what I needed to hear about releasing what no longer gives pleasure. Funny how hearing someone else say it makes ot so much more obvious. Thanks for being that calm voice I needed to hear.