back in the shop - 10 x 12 giclee print - let it go - Susan Black
A bird in hand is a certainty.
But a bird in the bush may sing.
Bret Harte
I've been thinking a lot about the concept of letting go, if you consider what would be the opposite of letting go you might say & feel that it is ... clinging to, holding tight, being certain of. I've realized that a crucial part of actually being able to let go is to recognize that you are clinging, holding & being certain in the first place. Like any addiction you must acknowledge the relationship before you will ever be able to say goodbye to it. So much of what we hold close, what we've decided, becomes such second nature to us. We become so absorbed in our busy day to day we perhaps forget to check in to re-examine and question those things we have been clutching so tightly. The beliefs & feelings we've become sure of - the person we think we know for certain - that we've become.
The courage to grow demands the courage to let go
Danny Meyer
I've just recently past the point of being frightened of letting go & I must say it's quite lovely here on the other side. Of course you don't know you're even headed for the other side until you reach it and you can look back at the distance you've covered. Hindsight really is it, after all. For so many years I clung to the person I'd made myself out to be, me & my extra thick, somewhat impenetrable, shell of certainty and to be honest, here on the other side, the only thing I know for sure is that I'm not sure about anything.
If we insist on being as sure as is conceivable ...
we must be content to creep along the ground and will never soar
John Henry Newman
It's hard to tickle someone that's encased in an extra thick shell.
ReplyDeleteexactly ;-)
ReplyDeleteI seem to learn more when I am not aggressively defending all of my rights and wrongs. I like trying hard but trying easy works better.
ReplyDeleteLove this print, Susan. I have your little house hanging on my inspiration board at homme. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a very good post. Your thoughts and perspectives have given me some other things to think about as I go through a new, significant transition in life. I'm going to study full-time to pursue my law degree!!
Hugs to you and the furry gang. xo
I like your posts about letting go as much as the ones about needing to have a quiet life and solitude for creativity. The reason I've mentioned this is a book that's featured on the blog The Forest Garden.
ReplyDeletehttp://theforestgarden.wordpress.com
The title is Quiet by Susan Cain.
Have you heard of, or read the book?
The Solitary Walker (another person who doesn't need a crowd) provided the link on his blog, having also enjoyed the book.
I enjoy the thoughts of people who need peace and solitude to reflect and create. I can relate to it.
Your 'letting go' artwork is lovely.
Hi Pam, Yes I do know of that book & I also posted about it here and have ordered it from our library.
ReplyDeletehttp://29blackstreet.blogspot.com/2012/01/im-ok-youre-ok.html
Part of my letting go is letting go of the idea that I "need" to be a more outgoing & social person. Have you done the Myers-Briggs quiz ? also interesting along with the introvert/extrovert quiz. I am an INFP (died in the wool) - it's all fascinating stuff xo to you & yours S + Gang