5 Things I’m All About
So, I’m working with Naomi Dunford of Itty Biz on my work-related stuck points. I like Naomi because she shoots from the hip, and she’s okay if you get weepy on her. It’s a rare combination, the straight shooter + the compassionate co-freaker-outer. I like it.
As part of my prep for some upcoming work, Naomi sent an email asking me to write down 5 things I should be talking about. Five things that I am so passionate about that I feel compelled to write them in capital letters. Five things I’m almost afraid to say outloud, because they are a little bit unpopular…or radical…or debate inducing. And yet they are the rock-bottom hardcore reality of what makes me who I am as a teacher and a coach. So here it goes:
- You MUST do less to live more. Full Stop. The American go-go-go, drive-your-kids to 3 different after-school activities, never cook at home, decorate your front lawn for every holiday thang? It is not working for you. Changes must be made.
- You DESERVE to find a spirituailty that fits. It is perfectly acceptable to build your own religion. Protestants have been doing it for centuries, they just don’t like to admit it. You have permission to make-up a set of spiritual practices that work for you. And yes, you can pick and choose. There ain’t nothing wrong with a buffet.
- You don’t HAVE TO BE MAD to be an artist, but a little bit of CRAZY HELPS. It’s better to manage the emotional roller-coaster than comes with the creative cycle, then to not follow your creative impulse. Are you going to sit in a corner doing nothing and go stark raving mad? Or are you going to pick up your tools and follow your art?
- It’s PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE to kneel in an art gallery. For many of us art is worship. What takes you to a transcendent place? What ushers you into the presence of the Divine? Our culture would prefer it if your answer had something to do with a pew. But if it’s more likely to happen for you in an art gallery or a concert hall, you’re in good company here.
- You CAN build your own community. Just because you feel like an odd-ball doesn’t mean that you can’t belong to a tribe. Family of Choice is the new black.
I feel really clear about these. Crystal. It’s the place I’ve been writing from here at Magpie Girl. It’s the place I’ll teach from beginning September 13th with Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power. (Click here for more info.) And it’s the place I’ll coach from beginning September 15th. (Email me for more information.)
What 5 Things should you be talking about? What is your business/passion/thing you love. What deserves capital letters? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below, or give us the link to you blog.
Much warmth to you on you amazing adventure.
Love,
Rachelle
20 comments
totally agreeing on the “do less live more” mantra and the sacredness of art
especially soul art, that which is created to improve understanding of ourselves, others and the world we live in
What a great list! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I’m in love.
That is fantastic.
Especially all of it (and the bit about the protestants doesn’t suck at all).
Friend. I LOVE how brave and strong you are in this post. Whatchout I might need to cheer in front of my computer right now.
i adore these 5 things,
magpie-girl.
what a gift it is
to find you & your soulful blog.
kneeling & sending love.
I need you to be talking about these things … especially 2, 3 and 5.
I am off to meditate and figure out what five things I should be talking about.
Cynthia,
As for Finding a Spritiuality that fits, I’m starting a more focused series on creating your own seasonal high holy days in Flock, my online soulcare community. There will be a lesson/suggestion every Monday or Tuesday beginning next week. Flock is a lovely community, and the high holy day celebrations are adaptable to using with your IRL friends to create a celebrative community.
For anyone who’s interested here’s how to join: http://flock.magpie-girl.com/
I can’t wait to hear your 5Things. If it comes out of meditation it’s bound to be good!
Oh, and I almost forgot. Here’s a handy link to get started on Managing the Crazy. It’s part of Magpie Speak: a new vocabulary for soulcare, a free course. Anyone who’d like to join can sing up by clicking the icon, stage right.
http://www.magpie-girl.com/magpie-speak-managing-the-crazy/
Not gonna lie, I’m uncomfortable with the invocation of “crazy” here — there are lots of kinds of mental illness that really impede people’s creativity, so the conflation of “mental illness that upsets your neurochemistry” with “creativity can go hand-in-hand with being a little bit ‘off’ ” really troubles me,
That said, I’ve enjoyed the “Chronically Creative” series and have bookmarked them for possible use in the book I may or may not be writing on what the Christian tradition has to offer those struggling with mental illness.
I hear you Elizabeth, I really do. And I did consider that before chosing my lanague. But for me, managing my creative cycle has actually required therapy, and I until I had some tools, it felt as overpowering as depression. I think the Chronically Creative series balances the playfulness of my language and shows that I understand the difference and the challenges.
I’m glad the Chronically Creative series was helpful to you. Let me know if you need copyright permission for them in your future projects.
Much Warmth,
Rachelle
Man, what an amazing list!! I love that you say a little bit of crazy doesn’t hurt! I think that as artists, we feel and are trying to express things that others don’t always understand. And then we’re viewed as “different” and maybe a little “crazy” but the folks who are just living up to the status quo. I’m always saying that you’ve got to embrace your crazy to really be who you are. Thanks for the reminder!!
I love do less, live more! For me I need to add buy less, you really don’t need it. I suspect it will lead to : get rid of more, make do with less, and live your life to a higher standard.
[...] rock-bottom hardcore reality of what makes her who she is as a teacher and a coach. Her answers are here. My answers are (today) [...]
One of your best posts. I love it!
WOW! this is a great post and i love all 5 points!! the one about Protestants making it up all along is funny =-)
This is inspiring to me to think about what 5 things are most important to me and it comes at a good time as I’ve been musing about what I really want to start addressing on my blog. I’ve recently begun to talk about my process of creating – it think it helps to demystify creativity and some of my readers have been quite appreciative. I also believe in the healing power of art whether its viewing artwork or listening to beautiful music/singing, reading amazing words, watching the grace and strength of dancers and especially creating something with your own hands. I’ve got at least TWO things I can start with – thanks for inspiring me to think about this Rachelle!
My 5 things (not in any order)
- do less to live more
- worry less to connect more
- art is vital and needs space to grow
- in education – provide a healthy, interesting environment and follow your kids’ lead
- speak up in the face of injustice but do it with non-violence, owning your own baggage, and with your heart as open as you can manage
I NEED to do more crafts. I have the supplies I have the ideas and the time now I need the motivation.
I NEED to contact my out of state grandchildren more often. Not exactly sure I don’t I guess I’m sad about the situation.
I NEED and WANT to connect more with people online or in real life – but it’s hard for me sometimes being chronically ill.
I NEED and Want to build my own community also.
can’t think of #5 LOL
All I can say is I can’t wait until your course Rachelle – I think it will be great for me at this time.
So inspired by this. Come on over and check out mine.
oh yes the do less is SO IMPORTANT !!! AND RADICAL AND REVOLUTIONARY !
Thank you! certainly words to live by…or to change by! love your blog! love your enthusiasm!
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