“One does not stand still looking for a path. One walks; and as one walks, a path comes into being.”
Mas Kodani
Every now and again I need to be reminded that being passive doesn't necessarily move you forward. Sitting and waiting doesn't necessarily achieve the things you want to achieve.
A few other 'quotes' come to mind when I think about this: from a Canberra friend, "Hope is not a strategy"; and "If it is to be, then it's up to me" - not sure who said that where or when; but both of those get used regularly in our household.
I like the way Kodani's quote suggests that if you take the first step - most often metaphorically not literally - then the way becomes clearer; a way forward appears and you begin to see where you are going and how you might get there. Whereas if you sit around waiting for the way forward to become clear, then it probably won't.
I guess sometimes the first step can lead you to a dead end; but in a way that too makes the path clearer - it is clearly not this one!
Perhaps this quote resonated this week as I have taken a step forward, spent time in the studio doing this and that - and the way forward is getting little bit clearer.
A steep step path in New Zealand!
Mas Kodani
Every now and again I need to be reminded that being passive doesn't necessarily move you forward. Sitting and waiting doesn't necessarily achieve the things you want to achieve.
A few other 'quotes' come to mind when I think about this: from a Canberra friend, "Hope is not a strategy"; and "If it is to be, then it's up to me" - not sure who said that where or when; but both of those get used regularly in our household.
I like the way Kodani's quote suggests that if you take the first step - most often metaphorically not literally - then the way becomes clearer; a way forward appears and you begin to see where you are going and how you might get there. Whereas if you sit around waiting for the way forward to become clear, then it probably won't.
I guess sometimes the first step can lead you to a dead end; but in a way that too makes the path clearer - it is clearly not this one!
Perhaps this quote resonated this week as I have taken a step forward, spent time in the studio doing this and that - and the way forward is getting little bit clearer.
A steep step path in New Zealand!
I love all of these quotes, and yet I find that sitting still with intention and trusting the mystery is also useful and necessary. But with making art, I must begin and make and make and it might be terrible but it leads somewhere. And definitely showing up to the studio... that often gets things going. Thanks for the thoughts and opportunity to meander on a thought-path :)
ReplyDeleteYes Valerianna I agree that sometimes the paths appear unannounced and unexpectedly. Quietly following the muse is an important part of the art experience Ihtink. But like you I also need to take steps - either being in the studio, being open, or whatever - sitting there moaning that inspiration won't come just doesn't do it for me!
Deletewhat an intriguing path!
ReplyDeleteIt's fabulous isn't it Mo?!?!
DeleteSometimes hope is a strategy. A few days ago a read this quote: "Nothing great can be done with sadness". I think there is the core of the matter. Good weekend :)
ReplyDeleteAlso true Sandra - sometimes hope is all we have. I use the phrase most often when we are doing work-work and need to focus, schedule and make space for the work to happen; just hoping it will happen isn't enough! I like that last quote and have been sitting quietly with it and pondering...go well.
DeleteWhat a timely read Fiona. As many of your posts are. I just sit here and say, 'aaahh, yes'.. sometimes, and don't know what to say. I have steps very similar to this (albeit a little more rustic & overgrown-bush-like) to my cabin, and was walking down them in the dark of night with an almost dead torch last night. I will take these words with me today, thank you for your post.xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise - Sometimes words appear when we can make sense of them or use them don't they? I can imagine steps like this at yours - these were in Corramandel - and I see them coming into being as you stepped into the dimming torch light. Lovely!
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