Act: Work

Musing…

Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working. -- Pablo Picasso

One of the most prolific artists of all time, Picasso produced around 13,500 paintings, even more drawings than that, 2,500 original prints, 1,000 different ceramics, and 700 sculptures in other media. Given that many of the prints and ceramics were released in an average of seventy-five editions (though the edition sizes varied widely), the total number of original Picasso works is over a quarter of a million.(lycos.co.uk)

To move forward on any creation, we must take action – any action – even if it is a baby step following a thought or hunch that beckons you. This action changes you, shifts the energy to lead you that very step closer to your results.  Picasso’s results certainly give him credibility in the above quotation to the working he remained faithful to.

Kate’s Turn:

My working these days entails being visible as I network in building my life coaching practice, and spending time in a creative flow to continue nurturing my creative output, both in watercolors and writing. When I remain faithful to these ventures, I get surprised often by a serendipitous encounter that offers me work sometime in the future (such as the presentation I was called upon to give last week). Or I’m inspired by an idea for writing that bubbles up as I am on my morning walk (one of these ideas was published last week in a local women’s publication). 

It seems as though I get stuck often, not sure what the next step is. But if I just act: scribble that thought; sketch that image; write that email to make contact – I stay in the flow, and it DOES lead me to the next step. And, eventually, to a result or outcome in the creation of my work.

Get Fired Up:

Instead of getting overwhelmed with the entirety of a project, try focusing on simply that one thing you can do next – just one baby step.

Just keep moving, acting, working – you’re among the Masters!

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. -- Thomas Edison

Act: Opportunity

"Freedom" sculpture by Zenos Frudakis

Musing…

“There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”  -- Leonard Cohen

In a classroom on the lower level of the Holocaust Museum, we are doing yoga. There are no windows here, but natural light from the level above comes through frosted panes near the door. The light changes, moves, according to the weather, and that’s how we know we are part of the world outside.

Charise’s Turn:

While going full steam to build my website and move toward more private practice of both yoga/dance and coaching, I receive another request to bring yoga to the workplace. This time it’s the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, as part of a wellness program for the staff. Initially there are 14 people signed up, by the third week of classes, there are 21. This is where yoga is needed, desired, in the midst of the workday in this extraordinary location. This is community outreach, social work of sorts, benefitting the organization by benefitting the participants. Of course! A larger frame of reference, a greater impact.  “Om Shanti”, meaning peace, is what we say at the close of each class.

Get Fired Up:

While you are focusing on your endeavors, imagining what you are building or developing, be prepared for anything to happen!

There is a need, a desire, for your gifts, for your voice, for what you have to offer. Seek it out and also let it find you.