You know, it can be a little confusing sometimes.
There are times when I’m working on my novel when I’m not feeling particularly inspired. Should I sit my ass down in the chair and write anyway? Or should I take the morning off and go for a walk where I might find some inspiration?
“The desire that drove you has relinquished. There is nothing to do but rest.” ~John O’ Donahue
These lines taken from “A Blessing For One Who Is Exhausted” feel right to me when I’m in this place.
“Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work.” ~Chuck Close
At the same time, this great line from visual artist Chuck Close also resonates.
So, how might we know when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to sit in the chair and get some work done? Or at the very least, create the conditions for work to be done?
My creative life isn’t the only place I find myself in this quandary. I can also be in a similar place when it comes to my fitness or my meditation practice.
It’s hard to know when I’m just being lazy and would benefit from soldiering on or if I would genuinely benefit from a retreat.
The one tool I use to try to provide some discernment here is to tune in to my body and see what I’m aware of. I can ask myself the question, ‘What is needed here?’ and see if my body responds with anything.
In addition, I try to maintain some sense of curiosity about what I’m currently finding interesting in life. What strikes me as worth paying attention to.
Usually, if I can maintain awareness, the answer to these questions will come more naturally.
I won’t have to be so rigid about my schedule or push myself to strictly adhere to a routine I made up.
Easy, not forced. That’s the way I want to live my life.
So I’m curious, are there areas of your life that you’re having to try a little too hard that could benefit from some ease and finesse?