May Sarton was a poet and writer. This soulful advice applies to any life, where we often wonder if our good deeds and intentions are received.
May Sarton’s quote sums up the ideal spirit of the artist, or creative blogger, who, though they may not be recognized for the level of depth they feel and intuit about humanity or spirit or life, the communion with others is a given. They must trust that somewhere, someone is soaking up the intended beauty, no matter how remote or unrefined or inaccessible. In other words, create for its own sake and let it go.
I also recently exchanged several emails with another poet, Ren Powell, whose blog is Sidestepping Real. I mentioned to her how I’ve rediscovered the myriad spiritual powers of the works of creative writers, poets and fiction writers. Though I believe spirit needs to be developed consciously through practice and study, it is easy to see how it also develops unconsciously, through the channels of experiencing creative beauty. There are spiritual lessons in music, poetry and art which soak through the upper layers of conscious awareness into the soft inner workings of the spirit.
I found the above quote and image while browsing other blogs. Unfortunately, I don’t remember where I got it. If the original poster sees this, please identify yourself. I wish to give you credit.
I found your blog through Liz Strauss’s. I am closely connected with her words as I’m sure many people are.
There’s a mixture of beauty and meaning in her writings that are hard to find elsewhere.
I’m a person that needs beauty, meaning and practical understanding to really feel depth and to Re-member.
I’ve only read this blog and am excited to read more. I thought to thank you in advance for growing the circle of people that will help me find my Self, knowingly or not. 🙂 So thank you!
Katrina
“Create for its own sake and let it go…”
Spot on. A readership of even one can result in wonderful connections, support and insight from both directions. And once a work of creativity is completed, it has done something for its creator but can continue to evolve in terms of how it is received by others, who in turn can provide the creator with new impressions and interpretations. It’s one of the main reasons I love poetry so much. It does not dictate the response of the reader, or attempt to manipulate feeling in the way newspapers, say, do.
Writing, and no doubt other artistic and creative expression, is profoundly liberating. x
(I had to click a tab above to be able to type in here). Like Andy, I was immediately drawn to your phrase “Create for its own sake…and let it go.” I enjoyed this post and all others I’ve read here when I’ve dropped in. You have a grand new look here! (well, since I’ve been by)
Hi GEL, nice to see you. Sorry about whatever problems you had commenting. I’m glad you did. I check on it.
I feel better about creating when I let go of the expectation. It’s a hard lesson, but an important one.
peace,
D