Living Is Art
Published December 15th, 2008 in Spirituality, Your Experiences/Thoughts.In this time of year where we are reborn through the innocence of the Christ child, the end of one year and the birth of another, and the discovery that through a miracle there is still more oil to light our lamps, we each have the chance rediscover or perhaps to confirm our unique presence in the world.
Famous dance and choreographer Martha Graham told a struggling Agnes De Mille.
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all Time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
”The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine: how good it is; nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions.
“It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.
“Keep the channel open … no artist is pleased…there is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction; a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
While Graham’s inspiration was directed towards DeMille as an artist, I posit that to live life is an art.
A life of meaning is not lived for the viewing pleasure of others but lived from within. Lived from this place, others are touched, challenged and encouraged by your exploration of purpose and instinctual composition.
For me, today, I am taking away this particular pearl from the above.
“You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.”
Martha-the Life and Work of Martha Graham by Agness De Mille
Martha Grahams advise to De Mille is so inspirational! Great to be reminded by such a wonderful artist.