That was a really perfect read for me tonight. I am exhausted by the news and keep wanting to simply not 'see' what is going on as I know that I am incapable of doing anything whatsoever about it. Completely impotent. However, your thoughtful essay gave me new impetus to not look away but to approach tomorrow differently with a fresh view and some hope.
Oh thank you Tina. It makes grappling with my thoughts and then turning them into an essay each week so worth it when what I write resonates with another!
so well said again, Sarah, I love listening to you, I loved the talk you had with Rue, I would like to listen to you do more 'talks' with people, in videos...you would/do make a good interviewer
Oh thank you Phyl! I so appreciate your saying that because I've been interested in expanding that part of my blog, as I do love a good conversation. I'm just trying to figure out HOW I want to do it here on The Pink Teacup. A podcast? The occasional video? Do I need a theme? How long should they be? All thoughts welcome. ;)
I love the parallel between learning to render realistically and learning to "see" the world more clearly.
It's so true that our minds often get in the way of our perception, and we have to unlearn certain assumptions in order to truly see what's in front of us. This applies not only to art but also to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We often have preconceived notions about things, and we have to be willing to question those notions in order to grow and evolve.
Another inspiring message, Sarah. Thank you! And I agree with Claudia that your line drawing is stunning. That you could achieve that in a blind drawing exercise is even more impressive -- and likely due at least in part to your having taught yourself to really look and see, just as you discussed in this essay!
"But to truly see and draw what’s in front of you is an act of love because it requires a willingness to overcome the assumptions of your mind and really notice and attend to the subject of your gaze. Initially, it takes a leap of faith to do that. But once you take that leap, you realize that drawing what you truly see is an act of deep acceptance.
That paying attention in this clear-eyed way is an intimate way of loving the world."
I love your writing, Sarah, and how you connect it to creativity and art, as well as LOVE.
I'm making sure that I see not only what's currently happening but what has brought this creation to its current depiction. It's painful but how else can I create if I refuse to see, feel, and use all of my senses?
Paying attention and creating in a way that's authentic and aligned with my values and heart is how I'm bringing Love into the world.
I appreciate your way with words and the feeling of Hope that comes with them. ❤️
Thank you so much Janine--it makes me feel so good to know that you get a feeling of hope from my words! And I love your dedication to paying attention and authentic creating. I really feel that in your dream work teaching!
These themes have been on my mind a great deal lately, and especially this week. I love the way you've blended a realistic assessment of what's happening with a hopeful (and determined) outlook. Thank you for this. I am going to have to read it again, I think.
Yes, "clear-eyed attention" as the precursor to loving change! RE-creation. RE-structuring. RE-coloring!
Yes yes to all the "RE"s Zing! <3
That was a really perfect read for me tonight. I am exhausted by the news and keep wanting to simply not 'see' what is going on as I know that I am incapable of doing anything whatsoever about it. Completely impotent. However, your thoughtful essay gave me new impetus to not look away but to approach tomorrow differently with a fresh view and some hope.
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that Jennifer. Truly. I hope you surprise yourself with your own powerful creativity!
Beautifully said. Not finding a lot I want to read about right now and this made me say “oh, YES”
Oh thank you Tina. It makes grappling with my thoughts and then turning them into an essay each week so worth it when what I write resonates with another!
I seem to have deleted my reply, but suffice to say your answers will come in response to your questions.. :)
so well said again, Sarah, I love listening to you, I loved the talk you had with Rue, I would like to listen to you do more 'talks' with people, in videos...you would/do make a good interviewer
Oh thank you Phyl! I so appreciate your saying that because I've been interested in expanding that part of my blog, as I do love a good conversation. I'm just trying to figure out HOW I want to do it here on The Pink Teacup. A podcast? The occasional video? Do I need a theme? How long should they be? All thoughts welcome. ;)
I love the parallel between learning to render realistically and learning to "see" the world more clearly.
It's so true that our minds often get in the way of our perception, and we have to unlearn certain assumptions in order to truly see what's in front of us. This applies not only to art but also to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We often have preconceived notions about things, and we have to be willing to question those notions in order to grow and evolve.
Yes! One of the reasons I love making art is that I'll never get bored and because it's always teaching me things!
Sarah this is the most amazing post I’ve seen o this New World yet. Thank you and keep
It up. Brilliant and heart felt GENUUS!!!
Wow, thank you Virginia! <3
Amazing essay. To see what is really there-a deep work in acceptance.
“See yourself as natural born creative…”
Thank you Prajna! <3
Another inspiring message, Sarah. Thank you! And I agree with Claudia that your line drawing is stunning. That you could achieve that in a blind drawing exercise is even more impressive -- and likely due at least in part to your having taught yourself to really look and see, just as you discussed in this essay!
thank you! <3
"But to truly see and draw what’s in front of you is an act of love because it requires a willingness to overcome the assumptions of your mind and really notice and attend to the subject of your gaze. Initially, it takes a leap of faith to do that. But once you take that leap, you realize that drawing what you truly see is an act of deep acceptance.
That paying attention in this clear-eyed way is an intimate way of loving the world."
I love your writing, Sarah, and how you connect it to creativity and art, as well as LOVE.
I'm making sure that I see not only what's currently happening but what has brought this creation to its current depiction. It's painful but how else can I create if I refuse to see, feel, and use all of my senses?
Paying attention and creating in a way that's authentic and aligned with my values and heart is how I'm bringing Love into the world.
I appreciate your way with words and the feeling of Hope that comes with them. ❤️
Thank you so much Janine--it makes me feel so good to know that you get a feeling of hope from my words! And I love your dedication to paying attention and authentic creating. I really feel that in your dream work teaching!
I appreciate you mirroring what resonated because there's so much I wish to say and I just let it loose! But yes, Hope and Love flowed through.
OMG, I love a long heartfelt comment--it makes writing this newsletter every week so worth it!
Yes <3 <3 <3 "Paying attention in a clear-eyed way is an intimate way of loving the world."
Thank you Katie! Mwah!
These themes have been on my mind a great deal lately, and especially this week. I love the way you've blended a realistic assessment of what's happening with a hopeful (and determined) outlook. Thank you for this. I am going to have to read it again, I think.
Oh thank you Jamie--I'm so glad it resonated!
Just beautiful Sarah. So well said. And that drawing is stunning. Inspired
Thank you Claudia! <3 <3 <3