“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.”
May Sarton
Who is it who said authenticity is pretty on the outside?
In today’s video there is some videography one may call really messy or one may call exceptionally “in the moment.” I prefer to see it as in creative presence because that is exactly what the focus was: intuitive journeying into that precise moment - living into today.
I made this video after a morning of forward progress, backward progress, pushing against and falling forward. I needed fresh air and processing so back I went to my Palo Verde/Volunteer Palm friend for some inspiration.
Yesterday's video may be viewed here.
Take a moment to watch and listen not for the exceptional editing - there is none - or the artistry of the filming - it is definitely more about presence than polish.
There is a reason you are here, watching. Now engage and listen and take note.
Now that you’ve watched the video I can tell you the “biggest” thing for me was seeing the scar on my face from my melanoma. It isn’t always that noticeable, but from the angle and from the shadow there is no mistaking the heart-shaped scar with the slightly jagged line toward the back of my ear.
That, in and of itself, is a metaphor.
My scar isn’t pretty in the conventional sense AND it is beautiful AND it is me.
What is my scar saying to me?
I will write a response to that today.
The symbolism that appears in our life doesn’t necessarily speak all at once, it is more of a slow download, a peaceful hug that takes its time to be felt completely.
I can’t pretend away my scar any more than I can pretend away any of my life. I can mindfully interact with whatever shows up - be it an unconventional tree or my dog, Beth, snuggled up to me as I write or an inspiring quote from Vironika Tugaleva that reminds me of what I now know: “You’ll never know who you are unless you shed who you pretend to be.”
Now it is your turn to go more deeply into your rich life experiences and what surprises surround you in symbols and metaphor.
This sweet bird reminds me to go beyond conventional listening.
Like I say in the video, “Little bird, what are you trying to tell me?”
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Julie Jordan Scott is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy-extraordinaire and mixed-media artist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming in Spring, 2015 and beyond.
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