Right timing is so interesting. I've been working away at becoming an artist. One who sells her work and is represented by galleries. Last year, I felt I worked hard to no real avail. This year things have started to happen. But. I have moved the dial. I joined Substack. I wanted somewhere to feel more me and connect to others like me. Although it's very early days for me, I am feeling better. And the universe seems to be paying me some attention. Perhaps it's all just coincidence. Who knows. Time will tell perhaps.
Contemplative questions—rather age old even. Is it the chicken or the egg? Does continuous performance create perfection or the right outcome? As in the I Ching divination: Perseverance furthers. (I always love this one). But on the other hand I like the idea of one being in the right place at the right time. Maybe it’s a collision of both which would practically be magic. And on your last thought provoking question-re aligning action and timing, astrologers would no doubt believe it IS possible to align the two. Thanks for a neat mind twister for the day!
-- Your essay stirred genuine emotions within me, resonating with its profound understanding and sincere articulation. It’s an enriching piece that touches the soul. Xo.
Yes, I’m a convert to the power of cumulative action. Every day at the desk, even if it’s just a few minutes. Doesn’t get easier; there’s always something to distract me. This poem captures it perfectly. https://juliegabrielli.com/lifesaving/poetry/prayer-2/
Ah, that daydream of the perfect writing spot, the perfect conditions in which to create our art! I’ve dreamed those dreams and wished for those stretches of time, but I’m a lot like you, writing and creating in the stolen moments, and remembering that this is the reality for so many of us!
Ah, such a good question ... one that I spend time gently guiding people through in the encouragement sessions. I spoke to two callers at the back end of last week, both of whom were paralysed by a story they were telling themselves of 'the way it should be'. I told the story of JoJo and I as we gave ourselves a mere 6 weeks from flash to bang to open a deli (we'd never had one, or even been in retail). We put a long sheet of brown paper on the wall and added post-its - the the things that needed to be done by 'Day One'. About 10 days before opening day (Day One) we were getting more and more anxious about not getting 'the things' done. We had a realisation. No one except us know what 'Day One' looked like on that plan. Day One for everyone would be the moment they walked through the door and saw what they saw. Long story short, we are all in charge of our own 'way it should be'. I love the idea of a 'writing space' and classical music playing, a pristine notebook etc ... but my best work is done perched at the dining table, JoJo whistling to a tune on Spotify and scribbles on a scrap of paper for a prompt.
Not sure that touches on the question ... but however your words appeared above, they were lovely to read, just the way they should be.
I like to think that is a combination of both things. There is definitely a benefit to just starting and consistently doing things and I think doing that means when the right timing occurs where ready to take advantage of it.
A lovely piece, Priya. Below are two bits I really liked:
“The sun came out briefly and made the hundreds of water drops that clung to the branches shine like diamonds.” — a beautiful line.
“Like a battering ram, we keep hitting at the obstruction until one last blow and it gives way, and we ascribe more value to that last blow?” — I like this idea. I mean, why would we give more value to the last blow of all the ones that proceeded it are what made it the last blow. Such a good idea, Priya.
The first article I every got paid for was titled "Part-Time Creativity" and it was all about squeezing in time for writing between playdates and appointments and all the other things that come with being a mother of young kids. 25 years on I still don't have it figured out, except that there's no perfect time, no perfect place. Routine helps, when you can manage one, but otherwise I think we just have to keep ourselves open to opportunities when they arise.
I love to read you are practicing morning pages- I am re-starting them too! Thank you for being authentic about parts of your process and blocks with us. I try to remember patience when I am feeling stagnant, and I also try to view my mundane daily routines as "teachers"...I'm feeling stagnant because I haven't "got the lesson yet", switching to an observing POV helps me to move through these moments a little bit softer.
“The sun came out briefly and made the hundreds of water drops that clung to the branches shine like diamonds.” This imagery filled me with so much joy 😌 Gorgeous!
I can hear my Dad’s voice: “no time like the present”
The resentment that would build 🙄
And you know what? He was 100% right. I just didn’t want to hear it.
I agree even though my biggest struggle is always with a waiting-for-the-right-time self-sabotage. Thanks, Dee!
Right timing is so interesting. I've been working away at becoming an artist. One who sells her work and is represented by galleries. Last year, I felt I worked hard to no real avail. This year things have started to happen. But. I have moved the dial. I joined Substack. I wanted somewhere to feel more me and connect to others like me. Although it's very early days for me, I am feeling better. And the universe seems to be paying me some attention. Perhaps it's all just coincidence. Who knows. Time will tell perhaps.
Hello, Susan. It’s interesting to think of it as a cooperation of action and timing. Thanks for reading and commenting! I just subscribed!
Contemplative questions—rather age old even. Is it the chicken or the egg? Does continuous performance create perfection or the right outcome? As in the I Ching divination: Perseverance furthers. (I always love this one). But on the other hand I like the idea of one being in the right place at the right time. Maybe it’s a collision of both which would practically be magic. And on your last thought provoking question-re aligning action and timing, astrologers would no doubt believe it IS possible to align the two. Thanks for a neat mind twister for the day!
Thank you for reading, Jeanine! I was thinking of astrologers when I wrote.
-- Your essay stirred genuine emotions within me, resonating with its profound understanding and sincere articulation. It’s an enriching piece that touches the soul. Xo.
Thank you, Thaissa, for reading!
Yes, I’m a convert to the power of cumulative action. Every day at the desk, even if it’s just a few minutes. Doesn’t get easier; there’s always something to distract me. This poem captures it perfectly. https://juliegabrielli.com/lifesaving/poetry/prayer-2/
What a lovely poem. They might’ve been writing about me. I wonder why it is that way. Thanks, Julie!
Ah, that daydream of the perfect writing spot, the perfect conditions in which to create our art! I’ve dreamed those dreams and wished for those stretches of time, but I’m a lot like you, writing and creating in the stolen moments, and remembering that this is the reality for so many of us!
I’m sure that given the perfect conditions, I’ll be wishing for something else! Thanks, Shinjini!
Touché!!
Ah, such a good question ... one that I spend time gently guiding people through in the encouragement sessions. I spoke to two callers at the back end of last week, both of whom were paralysed by a story they were telling themselves of 'the way it should be'. I told the story of JoJo and I as we gave ourselves a mere 6 weeks from flash to bang to open a deli (we'd never had one, or even been in retail). We put a long sheet of brown paper on the wall and added post-its - the the things that needed to be done by 'Day One'. About 10 days before opening day (Day One) we were getting more and more anxious about not getting 'the things' done. We had a realisation. No one except us know what 'Day One' looked like on that plan. Day One for everyone would be the moment they walked through the door and saw what they saw. Long story short, we are all in charge of our own 'way it should be'. I love the idea of a 'writing space' and classical music playing, a pristine notebook etc ... but my best work is done perched at the dining table, JoJo whistling to a tune on Spotify and scribbles on a scrap of paper for a prompt.
Not sure that touches on the question ... but however your words appeared above, they were lovely to read, just the way they should be.
Keep writing. Barrie
Thank you for the encouragement, Barrie! I loved the Day 1 story and will remember it the next time writing should-itis strikes!
So happy if it hit the spot, Priya 💛
I like to think that is a combination of both things. There is definitely a benefit to just starting and consistently doing things and I think doing that means when the right timing occurs where ready to take advantage of it.
A lovely piece, Priya. Below are two bits I really liked:
“The sun came out briefly and made the hundreds of water drops that clung to the branches shine like diamonds.” — a beautiful line.
“Like a battering ram, we keep hitting at the obstruction until one last blow and it gives way, and we ascribe more value to that last blow?” — I like this idea. I mean, why would we give more value to the last blow of all the ones that proceeded it are what made it the last blow. Such a good idea, Priya.
Thank you, Michael! I agree with you that taking action means you are ready for the right timings.
The first article I every got paid for was titled "Part-Time Creativity" and it was all about squeezing in time for writing between playdates and appointments and all the other things that come with being a mother of young kids. 25 years on I still don't have it figured out, except that there's no perfect time, no perfect place. Routine helps, when you can manage one, but otherwise I think we just have to keep ourselves open to opportunities when they arise.
Routine does help as a fall back and for removing unnecessary choice points. Thanks, Stace, and yes, no perfect places or times.
I love to read you are practicing morning pages- I am re-starting them too! Thank you for being authentic about parts of your process and blocks with us. I try to remember patience when I am feeling stagnant, and I also try to view my mundane daily routines as "teachers"...I'm feeling stagnant because I haven't "got the lesson yet", switching to an observing POV helps me to move through these moments a little bit softer.
“The sun came out briefly and made the hundreds of water drops that clung to the branches shine like diamonds.” This imagery filled me with so much joy 😌 Gorgeous!
Thank you, Jennae, and welcome to Ten Thousand Journeys!