My He(ART)-Full Life



Sunday, September 26, 2010

the messiness of life...

(my studio right now)


The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
                -Rumi,
*one of my fave poems!
So many times we try to pretend as if there is no messiness to life. We hide it or push it away...messy thoughts and emotions. Sometimes we compulsively clean our houses to hide the messiness that lives inside of us...Sometimes we shrug it off and go through the motions.  But it takes so much energy to do this-don't you think? It's so much better to just lay it all out and process it and get to the other side. It's part of being human. Lately...life over here has been very ...well, messy! Tara and I have had a bit of the flu bug, a major migraine headache snuck up on me this evening and we are in the really messy process of figuring out our move to Ca! Plus I have been feeling the start of ...burnout! Yikes! But in the midst of all of this whirlwind, I see the gifts of this whole process ...I am slowing down a little, leaving dishes in the sink and the laundry undone. Going to bed a little early and taking hot baths. Lighting candles and turning off the noise.

                                                            (detail of painting above)
Most of all...I am letting my heart speak. It is telling me to step back, slow down and take a deep breath. To lay bare my anger and sadness and joy and vulnerability...write it down, paint it out, speak it out. And I am listening to my heart more and more these days. Vulnerability feels so good! It strengthens me in all my weak places...How about you...are you listening to your heart? What is it telling you?
A few blogs I am loving right now: 
*Kelly Kilmer  -juicy, luscious journal pages chock full of techniques, tips and inspiration. Plus she offers so many amazing journal e-courses..I would sign up for one right this second if I had the time. Am certainly going to bookmark it for later.
*Alyson B. Stanfield's blog on everything creative biz related. I mentioned it the other day but it bears repeating-head over there!
*Art Propelled -if you haven't discovered this blog yet...it is stunning! Artist Robyn Gordon's carvings are elegant, graceful and mysterious...her work speaks of the secrets of Africa. I love visiting this blog...there is always something to learn and Robyn's art and pics are breathtaking...see for yourself!

9 comments:

ArtPropelled said...

Soraya, The Guest House is also one of my favourites. I'm glad you are slowing down and being a little easier on yourself. The house issue must be pulling you down so I will be very pleased when you resolve it. Thank you so much for the kind words. You are such a dear friend.

scrapwordsmom said...

I love how you just lay it all out there. Really so very good and inspiring and just what I needed to hear. My life is messy, too. As much as I don't want it to be...it is. But I love my life and am so grateful for it...messy and all!!

Thinking of you and wishing you better health...

have a wonderful day my friend. and thank you for these blog links...I will check them out!!

Leslie

eva diva said...

I love love love Rumi's works, I think he has heightened awareness about life and himself relating to life, his writings are always a reminder to awaken to every moment, accepting and embracing each one.

I see that you're taking care of yourself amidst all that mess. Yes, life is so unpredictable. But I always admire your openness to that messiness and being so brave in not knowing it all!

HUgs to u and Tara, hope that you both feel better soon, take care and don't get burnt out!

Lis said...

One of my favorite pieces of writing as well!

And yes, the creative soup pot is a messy one, isn't it? I am discovering I need a bit of the mess to numb out my rational mind and allow creativity to flow in unencumbered.

Hope you all are feeling better and enjoying some healing snuggle time!

And I loved the peak into your sketchbooks ... I had a wonderful course with Sarah Ahearn and she shared her notebooks and how she uses them to store up all the bits and pieces of her life that end up inspiring her art. I knew this, but I didn't really until I saw her books. It made me feel so happy inside! Carrying around my notebook with lists, sketches, snippets of wonder that just made me happy in a moment. I would definitely love seeing more of your messes!

xo Lis

Carola Bartz said...

I love taking a peek into your studio. It looks - well, yes, messy, but such a good, creative mess.
I hope that both you and Tara are feeling better again. Honestly, I think you've had a lot on your plate recently. Please, take good care of yourself - I'm glad to see that you're already doing this. Don't let the burnout take over.

Wini said...

Hi Soraya, I agree that life doens't always go according to plan and can be quite messy. Hope you and Tara feel better now! Its good to take time out. Thanks for the links, I'll go and check them out now! Wini xo

jacqueline said...

Dear Soraya, thanks so much for sharing that awesome poem! So happy to know that you are slowing down and taking care of your self. I really admire your honesty in the messiness. I hope you feel better soon. Sending lots of love to you and sweet Tara.

Unknown said...

Wonderful poem!
Glad I discovered your blog today.
ArtL8dy at e14studio

Blue Moon mama said...

MMM, I can relate to this post. I've been going through a messy period of life myself. Ever since having Nora I feel like I and my life are undergoing a very cathartic and much needed renovation, but the construction mess is sometimes hard to deal with lol :). It's a wild journey and I'm learning to accept that this is where I need to be right now. I'm learning to listen more to my heart and to follow my deepest instincts instead of letting my head and thoughts of what I "should" be doing rule everything. Life feels much more natural and real that way.

By the way, I have a very small gift I'd like to send to you if you don't mind. It's just a little something that makes me think of you and I would like to pass it on to you, maybe for your studio as a little inspiration piece. Could you email me your mailing address? If you aren't comfy with that it's perfectly okay :)