Thursday, June 25, 2009

Journey


"A tree that reaches past your embrace grows from one small seed.
A structure over nine stories high begins with a handful of earth.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."
Tao 64

Life happens. And these days I'm not quite as obsessed with my digital art as I was for the previous 5 years. I've decided to blog about bits of wisdom I've gathered along life's journey, and art will find its way in there, too, because that's also very much a part of who I am; but I've had as much counselor education and practice as art training and painting, so it feels right to share this here. Anyway, Deb said if I would write, she would read it. Deb, you're only obliged to read once.

I've been in sort of a meditative, waiting place lately, waiting for whatever inspiration life might send my way to get started on my next adventure (i.e. obsession). It has been said that in order to be happy, we need someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for (a goal to work toward). When I've achieved one goal or simply let go of it, I start looking around for the next goal; without it, I'm as directionless as the 2 opposing fish that symbolize my Zodiac sign. I find peace in striving for my goals.

The Tao of Inner Peace offers a self-assessment tool that asks am I
At peace in my body?
At peace in my career?
At peace in my relationships?
At peace in my family?
At peace with my finances?
At peace with myself?
At peace with my world?

According to the Tao, what matters is not the situation but the way in which we perceive it, * and finding peace within ourselves first, casts a whole new light on the other facets of our lives, but most of us are working at it in reverse, struggling to get all our ducks in a row in order to gain peace. It ain't gonna happen. When we're at peace, we become creative and resourceful and flow with life and change in order to see beyond problems to their solutions. Sometime today, I will take 15 minutes to sit in a quiet room, close my eyes, and be open to hearing what the Universe or my God or my inner Tao wants me to know about finding my own inner peace, about my next goal, and about priorities........and this is the first step in my new journey. Maybe you would like to walk along with me for a ways.............feel free to comment, to share your own thoughts and revelations.

* The idea that nothing's good or bad but thinking makes it so, I can accept for the most part, but there are exceptions where I would argue the point. Maybe we'll get to some of those; maybe not.


7 comments:

  1. And...as promised...I read it. Today I am totally inspired to write my own blog. Tomorrow..might be another story. Anyway I am proud of you and if you will keep writing..I will keep reading!
    Deb

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  2. A beautiful post Cat! You and I are very much alike.....always looking for the next obsession.
    My newest is mouse drawing primitive and country art. I never really did much drawing with a mouse but I find I am really enjoying it. I never did get used to the wacom tablet.
    I guess a Mouse needs a Mouse! :)
    Blessings,
    Mouse

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  3. Deb, I'll be looking forward to your blog; I know it will be creative and interesting.

    Mouse, yes, we're very much alike, except that I'd hate to be without my Wacom tablet. Have you posted your drawings somewhere for me to see?

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  4. Ahh Miz Cat another journey, dont u love the start of a new journey, its so exciting and full of fresh new ideas , well your start is wonderful my friend and i wish u joy and enlightenment on this new journey......

    hugz bev

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  5. I will also be following along your journey Cat. I've missed your writing.

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  6. Cat...my Primitive mouse drawing/art can be seen at http://www.zazzle.com/mousecountry*

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