“Watch out for intellect,
because it knows so much it knows nothing
and leaves you hanging upside down,
mouthing knowledge as your heart
falls out of your mouth.”
Anne Sexton
I've always loved this quote. I think it's a great little reminder of how we need to listen to both our head and our heart.
Too often people try to convince us that the head is all that matters - that intellect, that logic, that thinking and analysis and deductions and conclusions are the only way to make sense of the world and make effective and wise decisions.
So not true.
Our knowledge and intelligence appears in so many ways, and we have to be oh so careful not to cede all power and authority to intellect and the head.
I often 'feel' the right way to go; I often 'listen' to the work tell me what to do; I often 'know' swiftly and deeply that something is or isn't right - without rationalising or processing it.
I really do listen for my instinctive and intuitive response to things and that knowledge guides me. I also think my way through things and problem-solve but I honour both processes equally.
I come to quiet knowings...
Anne Sexton
I've always loved this quote. I think it's a great little reminder of how we need to listen to both our head and our heart.
Too often people try to convince us that the head is all that matters - that intellect, that logic, that thinking and analysis and deductions and conclusions are the only way to make sense of the world and make effective and wise decisions.
So not true.
Our knowledge and intelligence appears in so many ways, and we have to be oh so careful not to cede all power and authority to intellect and the head.
I often 'feel' the right way to go; I often 'listen' to the work tell me what to do; I often 'know' swiftly and deeply that something is or isn't right - without rationalising or processing it.
I really do listen for my instinctive and intuitive response to things and that knowledge guides me. I also think my way through things and problem-solve but I honour both processes equally.
I come to quiet knowings...
And here is what I love about calligraphy ... that it is the same/not same as type, so the eye happily wanders back and forth seeking its same/not same-ness. A perfect pairing with today's quote.
ReplyDeleteCalligraphy can take you on a lovely little eye-wander can't it Liz? I had almost forgotten this piece until this quote reminded me and I realised i would love to do more like this so hopefully I will! Go well.
Delete(((Fiona))) I love how the magic of making engages the mind and the heart through the hands
ReplyDeleteMe too Mo - You are so right about the hands. They add the something special and magic to the whole thing; without them, it wouldn't work; and they are guided by both. Or something like that anyway!
DeleteI think it's all about the perfect synergy when the left and right brain are working as one. Another great quote and your take on it works for me!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to describe those magic moment isn't it Lesley? And yes the right and left almost merge and offer their best to the work. A fun thought to ponder I thought!
DeleteAnd it's absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteSo true Eli!
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