Yes you can!

What makes us think we can’t (or can) do something?

I have spent many a Friday at my best buddy’s studio helping her show and sell her art to the crowds. I hear over and over, oh I couldn’t do that, I can’t even draw a straight line. First, who says straight lines are required to be a good artist? (and we have these great things called rulers) Second, every person who is good at something was probably bad at it first, or at least less skilled. But Jenny has now spent thousands of hours painting, she’s immersed herself in using her preferred medium of acrylics, and she has developed her own process of creating which continues to evolve over time. This is a serious relationship she has going on with creative expression.

Now if you put in half the time she has and still haven’t found your painting ‘groove’ then sure, maybe you’re not a painter, but if you haven’t how do you know?

The point is that mastery takes time. Playing an instrument, cooking a meal, writing a report, building something, whatever you do well took time for you to learn. And even when you become proficient, you’re still making improvements to your skills, strategies, methods.

This summer we’re overviewing the book Living Originally by Robert Brumet. This book is all about the tools to help transform your life. But it’s a funny thing I have found when people are talking about the spiritual journey, they expect enlightenment to happen in a snap. For it to stick around. If this was any other area of your life, you would expect plenty of time and energy and practice to be required to get some skill.

Just like the folks who say they can’t paint, I hear ‘I can’t meditate’ or ‘nothing happens when I try.’

That old saying, ‘anything worth doing is worth doing well’ is well known for a reason, it’s true! Our spiritual growth is worth doing, and just like that hobby you dabble in, it’s sitting there waiting for you. This transformational practice we’re exploring this summer is as effective as the time we put into it.

Therefore friends, I say you can do it! Begin where you are and be ok with ‘nothing’ happening. Something is happening, you are practicing.

Peace be with you.

Rachel

 

PS, if you want to see Jenny’s art, you can here, or check out the original I have in my office!