How Do You Lose Yourself?

"I enter the ancient courts of the men of antiquity where affectionately received by them I pasture on that food that alone is mine and for which I was born, where I am not too timid to speak with them and ask them about the reasons for their actions; and they in their courtesy answer me; and for four hours of time I feel no weariness, I forget every trouble, I do not fear poverty, death does not dismay me; I transfer all of myself into them..."
-Niccolò Machiavelli

Weary from a day of Christmas shopping and package preparation, sharing news of his younger sister's new baby girl's birth, happily scrambling to cook dinner and co-creating the right atmosphere for our daughter's one-night-early birthday celebration, my dear husband still elected to share the above passage with me. He did so as I hugged my pillow, propped up my head, and held dearly to the ounce of energy I had left. But, as soon as I heard these words, I was energized and delighted. I felt I knew my husband even better than ever after nearly 25 years together. I immediately said to him, "Oh, that's the way you get lost. That quotation is about what it's like for you when your creative energies go on and on as you lose track of time. It's like what I have in my brochure for my practice."

And so I will ask again here, What nurtures your soul? What activity invites your imagination to soar in a way that lets you lose track of time and forget your worries?

Practice these activities. Relish them as you put aside the heaviness of time constraints and worries. Embrace whatever it is that allows you to transfer yourself into it wholeheartedly.

- ARC

Explore To Learn

"I learn by going where I have to go." - Roethke

Funny how full of common sense and yet how profound this notion is. Some people are afraid of change or do not want to voice what's going on inside for them. Others like to move, keep things fresh, explore, and play with possible answers (instead of being told the right answers). You "movers and shakers" may be the types who drive your children, partners, friends, employers nuts because you've always got to try things out for yourselves. I'm one of these types. When I'm unsure of what it is that I'm trying to learn, I move towards it. I also try to give birth to my thoughts and feelings by creating a piece of art. Or writing a poem. Or singing my words within. Or dancing a reaction. Or simply having an in-depth, spontaneous conversation with a friend.

Once I've played with and explored what it is that's going on, I inevitably learn something.

Set out on a journey and learn what there is that will open your heart, open your mind, open your horizons.

I'll ride the trail with you and go where you have to go.

- ARC