Never Doubt...
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I love the creative process more than just about anything... actually, I love PROCESS. Period. It is not typically in the end result where I learn the most, but usually in the midst... in the process.
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I love the creative process more than just about anything... actually, I love PROCESS. Period. It is not typically in the end result where I learn the most, but usually in the midst... in the process.
Part of my morning ritual these days is spending time in meditation followed by reading from my dear friend and mentor, Christine Valters Paintner’s brilliant book, The Artist’s Rule: nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom. This practice is providing a lovely container for both my creative side (as I embark upon NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month) and my deepening spiritual practice (after returning from a 10-day silent meditation retreat.)
The man I share a table with at the airport café snacks on an oversized cookie, takes a quick swig from his paper-cupped coffee with eyes glued to his computer and a cell phone juggled under his chin. Across the way, a mother loudly chastises her young child for dropping muffin crumbs on the ground. She scowls at her spouse and shoos him away to get more napkins as she smoothes her own perfectly coiffed appearance. Outside in the concourse, people rush at (and by) me like flying grains of wheat released from an overflowing silo.
Today's post is written by the amazing and effusive Debra Smouse - a self-proclaimed extrovert. While I'm away nurturing my introverted tendencies, Deb is here to offer her personal experience and exploration on the topic of our "natural types." Enjoy!!
"Deep nourishment doesn't happen by simply reading a self-help book or taking a sabbatical once every five years. Care needs to be infused within us, until it becomes as natural as breathing. Just as breath nourishes and keeps life flowing, self-care allows us to deeply nurture our personal mind, body and spirit. Through this practice, we are better equipped to offer unhindered care and compassion to those we encounter in our work and the world."