I am a collector. Unfortunately!
This means that I always have a bit of a mess because I have too many things (including thoughts and ideas, by the way) and I keep them, e.g. books I love and self-written sheets and music notes and notes on all kinds of topics.
Maybe I just don't have enough space! Just kidding ;-)
Besides too many clothes (you have to be prepared for all situations and weather!), it's these physical, haptic things that simply need a lot of space in the flat.
My romantic idea is that later, when I'm really old, I'll sit in a rocking chair in front of the fireplace and finally have the time to look at everything, read everything that interests me, remember and continue to think about the snippets of thoughts on the pieces of paper. But if I haven't even sorted it out beforehand, I may not even experience it because I'm suffocated under it.
Yes, I tidy up and part with things in between. But the notes, the ideas... Oh my!
It's an inner struggle: if I were to implement the ideas and thoughts directly, I wouldn't get anything else done and then the new thoughts might not be born.
And then there are an infinite number of virtual, digital things that can be collected or stored.
I don't want to whine all over you, but rather quickly create an elegant transition...
I also collect screenshots of texts and pictures and links to websites that I really want to read.
And clever sentences!
For example this one:
Much happens only in the process of making and cannot be planned.
Unfortunately I didn't make a note of who said that, or maybe I just wrote it down because something resonated with me.
Because it's true.
This is "flow" that releases creativity. This is "stream of consciousness", which draws deeply from the unconscious and unearths images, thoughts and insights that we didn't know were inside us.
For example, when I sit down to write a newsletter, that's exactly what happens.
I have an idea (or not).
I find an entry point, start and let go.
Then I have to filter what I want to write down and put out of all this abundance of words, pictures and stories. I don't want to bore anyone.
It's similar with composing.
It needs an idea (or not).
In any case, it needs openness, momentum and the impulse to start. And then to continue of course.
Sometimes it's pure curiosity about what's new and unexpected that drives you.
And it takes gentleness, kindness towards oneself, a gracious attitude if the perfect result is not there immediately. Perfection is actually never there.
It is important to recognise the strength and to focus on it and from there to go further into the depths. And to continue shaping and honing what is special, what is one's own.
And a few more wise sentences:
Don't forget: beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies. - Paulo Coelho.
How true!
Or a little more poetically:
There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen
So, don't be afraid of mistakes! The supposedly imperfect may be what makes it beautiful in the first place.
The Wabi Sabi Principle
In Japan, by the way, there is the aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi. It is closely linked to Zen Buddhism and is based on not only accepting transience and the state of imperfection, but also recognising the hidden beauty in it. A good point in our time, where striving for perfection and the most likes often becomes a burden. In wabi-sabi, perfection only becomes possible through mistakes.
So, that was my PEP talk of the day! :-)
For you, but also for me, because just because I'm writing it doesn't mean that I don't have to think about these encouraging words in between.
Because there are days when you think everything is really bad. When you only see the clouds and not the sky.
But, to use a "clever" phrase of mine:
If you see a shadow, you can be sure that there is light somewhere.
Go for it!
With this in mind, I wish you that spring comes soon and gives you light and many flow moments!
Love, Britta
