What's Your Art?

One day last week I woke up, poured a cup of coffee – and then had the sudden urge to throw it across the room.

There wasn’t a single evident answer to why I felt that urge, so I sat down to do what I do every morning: start my morning practice. By the end of the practice my thermostat shifted from ‘negative’ to ‘almost neutral’. Positive still seemed like a long way off.

Then I took my IEDD (Instant Electronic Distraction Device) out of DND and read the following text from Bronwyn:

“Our episode dropped this morning, and I’m already getting amazing feedback. That conversation we recorded is just the medicine people need right now.”

I knew I wanted to listen to Bronwyn introduce me – she always does incredible, heart-felt introductions of her guests – but I wasn’t sure I was ready to listen to me. Finally, with Rocket and I out the door and on our morning walk I began listening to the conversation we recorded in early January. Turns out, it was just the medicine I needed, too.

I am in awe of people who paint, draw, sculpt, write music, sing, play instruments, and perform. I absolutely do not have any of those talents. (Several years ago I attended a retreat at Esalen. Their clothing-optional hot springs did not give me pause. However, “let’s go to the art barn” prompted me to contemplate an early departure.) After listening to this episode I realized that my conversation with Bronywn is my art. For that, I am grateful.

Here’s a question and a challenge: What is your art? How can you put that into the world today to help someone else? For a boost of inspiration, I’ll close with a terrific reminder from author Julia Cameron. It’s one of my favorite quotes from last year.

“When we make our art in a spirit of service, it lightens the burden of our ego.”