Life is not designed to hand us success or satisfaction, but rather to present us with challenges that make us grow. Mastery is the mysterious process by which those challenges become progressively easier and more satisfying through practice. The key to that satisfaction is to reach the nirvana in which love of practice for its own sake (intrinsic) replaces the original goal (extrinsic) as our grail. The antithesis of mastery is the pursuit of quick fixes.
Terry Laughlin
Last time we talked, I was struggling with “loving the process”. I know that is what needs to happen in my head, but I still feel myself rushing to get to the finish line.
The above quote has helped me immensely.
Still, the question is “how” do I learn to love the process?
As I let this question dance with me for a few days, I ran across this gem:
I have found that my absolute best is the best possible outcome. That is a ‘win’. To do your best may sound easy, but it is anything but. It requires everything you’ve got…and no less. The beauty of it is that it is totally within your control.
Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir
So is that the key to not only enduring plateaus, but loving them? Going all in? To find a way to truly leave everything on the table?
Do we rush to the end result for praise from people or a sale, when that is actually completely out of our control anyway?
It feels really, really good to write these words. They are giving me light in what has been a very dark tunnel.
Only two pieces of art will make it to my online shops this week.
I have a few larger ones in progress. I’ll show progress shots next week if that’s all I’ve got. The first one is a large version of “Takeoff”. An idea for my first “collection” is forming, and I’m excited about it.
I broke up the work on the large painting with this little bird. I kept seeing one fly onto the small deck outside my studio. Birds always feel happy, don’t they?
Love the plateau. All worthwhile progress occurs through brief, thrilling leaps forward followed by long stretches during which you feel you’re going nowhere. Though it seems as if we’re making no progress, we are turning new behaviors into habits. Learning continues at the cellular level…if you follow good practice principles.
Terry Laughlin
Onward friends! See you next week.
P.S. I am accepting commissions for Mother’s Day line drawings, like the one you see above. Reach out via my contact page if you would like a photo or video memorialized for a special woman in your life. Prices start at $250.00. Some customization is available.
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