We act or we are acted upon. Neither condition is inherently superior, so long as we have awareness and, insofar as possible, choice. Realizing we have choice is another matter completely. Sometimes, conditions in our lives bring about discomfort, anxiety, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. When we become mindful, these conditions can force us to look for opportunity and motivate us to seize that opportunity.
Sometimes, we have to knock at the wrong doors long enough to realize that no behind them wants to let us in. Focusing on the locked door in front of us limits our ability to notice that the door isn't attached to a wall, or that there's an open window right beside it. Metaphorically, walking away from one door can often lead us to discover a new path; or rediscover the one we started on long ago.
As in painting, being still and getting ourselves to see situations for how they are takes practice and awareness. Belief can cloud perception, and those ill-formed or limited perceptions end up limiting the lives we are capable and deserving of living.
I've recently been given a rare and precious gift; time. Spending this time in reflection and questioning and mindfulness is leading me to a place where I have new perspective. This is almost always the beginning of something new in the studio. As I embark on the work that will become my solo show next year, I find that new approaches are already presenting themselves.
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