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Dialogue about Pushing to Complete This is another Dialogue with Cathy on Her Path. My creativity coach has been gently nudging me to consider whether or not it's still important to me to complete a series of bowls this year. Clarifying my deepest intention makes it clear that just enjoying a creative process isn't enough for me. I also want to put artwork into the world that will embody and radiate aliveness long after I'm gone. So clearly I need to complete work. The question is: if I just keep doing whatever I most want to do, will I naturally complete my artwork? Or do I need to push myself to complete it? I decided to ask the Self who's really on my true path: Cathy on Her Path. Dialogue with Cathy on Her Path: Cathy (C): I want to know - if I need to push myself to complete pieces. In one sense I'm way behind schedule. In another sense, I've left goals and schedules behind. Cathy on Her Path (C on Path): Yes and yes. You've left goals and schedules behind, yes. And yes, you need to push yourself to complete pieces. You have too much fear of completing artwork to expect to do it without at least nudging yourself. To nudge yourself without criticizing or judging is an art in itself. What has worked for you in the past? C: Needing the money from the sale. I'm only partly joking. It really has been a factor. C on Path: That's fine - and I know you can find other ways too. The habit of going to the studio first in the morning, and working first with iron, will carry you a long way. C: Isn't that just another rule, though? C on Path: Think of it as a useful habit. If you want to free your Artist, make art in a process that enlivens you, and make art that embodies aliveness permanently - then this is your best bet. Work with iron first thing in the morning. C: Well, but what about doing what I most want to do? C on Path: Yes indeed! Just start doing it from the center of the iron studio instead of from the Nest or the dining table or the computer. If you need to scan and print something to use in the studio, you can do that the afternoon or evening before. C: OK. Start in the iron studio - do whatever I most want to do there. C on Path: Yes. Then you have the air conditioned Nest for afternoon artwork. This is all simple and obvious and you've been told this many times. C: OK. Every day for a month I'll do this - so it becomes a habit. C on Path: Good plan. How do you really feel about it? C: A little sad. A little diminished. A little less free. Therefore - a little angry. C on Path: I think you'll discover that you feel happy, expanded, and more free - but you'll have to try it to find out. And of course if you make up your mind not to like it, you may not. C: Ah. So I could decide to feel happy, expanded, and free - while starting with iron first thing every morning. C on Path: Exactly. C: OK, that's how I'm going to do it. Oh wait - I have a new qualm about this. What about movement? Stretching? Things that could loosen me up to really be aware and alive in the iron studio? C on Path: Start in the iron studio. If you want to bounce on the trampoline or stretch on the bar there, fine. Just trust me on this. If you do this for a month, you'll be amazed at how much you complete. C: OK. I'd love to be amazed at how much I complete. C on Path: Are you sure? You've gotten awfully used to seeing yourself as someone who doesn't complete work, as someone who's not productive. Are you open to discovering that this is something you can do easily and well? C: Yes. I could even pretend for this coming month that I am already a very productive artist who completes her work with ease. C on Path: Good. You have a great imagination. Use it! C: OK [smiling] - I will! ------------------------- |
