“To love is to will the good of the other.” -Saint Thomas Aquinas
The more we realize our INTERdependency, just how connected we all are, the more we’ll think, say and do the right things.
Take good care of yourselves and others.
Cuz we’re all we got.
First I had they ear. Now I have they hearts. -Kanye West, “Never Let Me Down”
“This isn’t champagne anymore. We went through the champagne a long time ago. This is serious stuff. The days of champagne are long gone.” -Sam Shepard, True West
Definition of Resonance (noun):
–the quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating.
–the ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.
Advice to any artists (especially writers)…
Aim for resonance over relevance.
Relevance is out of your control. The world is different today than it was yesterday. (And it moves pretty freakin’ fast.)
But if your art resonates…it’ll be timeless. (Just like a great Sam Shepard play.)
How much better would your life be if you took just ten percent of the advice you give to others?
And when seeking advice, do you really want a solution or just empathy for your existing situation?
Is that what you want? You sure? You absolutely sure?
Or do you just want to be wanted?
What would you do or create if no one other than you, cared about the result?
Lean into that. That’s where your gold is.
Shot through the heart
And you’re to blame
You give love a bad name (bad name) -Bon Jovi “You Give Love A Bad Name”
I am trying to break your heart
I am trying to break your heart
But still I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t easy
I am trying to break your heart -Wilco “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”
Strive to make your art feel like…
An arrow to the heart.
A punch to the gut.
A knock upside the head.
If your art delivers one of these, you’ve done a great job.
If your art delivers all three, you’ve got a stone cold classic on your hands.
Alexander The Great was once asked how we was able to conquer the world, and at such a young age.
His response? Two words.
“Not wavering.”
Once you decide, you’ve decided. You’re all in. No turning back. No second thoughts. No wavering.
“You will never stop seeking validation from others. It’s impossible. Instead, seek validation for better reasons and from better people.” -Mark Manson
Institutional validation is a powerful force. It can make or break passion projects, change people’s lives (especially financially) and do wonders for self esteem.
Unless…
You decide you don’t need validation, approval or permission.
Greenlight yourself. Be the cavalry. Go make your art.
And while you’re at it, help others do the same.
P.S. – Speaking of placebos, this recent Seth Godin post.
We gotta make a change
It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some changes
Let’s change the way we eat
Let’s change the way we live
And let’s change the way we treat each other
You see, the old way wasn’t workin‘ -“Changes”, song by Tupac Shakur
“Winners quit all the time. They just quit the right stuff at the right time.” -“The Dip”, book by Seth Godin
Whenever I want you, all I have to do is
Dream, dream, dream, dream
Dream, dream, dream, dream -“All I Have To Do Is Dream”, song by The Everly Brothers
Sometimes it takes just as much discipline and courage if not more, to quit something, then to keep going.
Don’t let sunk costs sink you.
Old way not workin’?
Assuming you’ve done all you could and the pursuit no longer brings you any kind of joy, it’s time to dream a new dream.
P.S. – And when you dream that new dream?…Dream way more about the process, then the result.
“It’s good to be nervous. It means you give a shit.” -Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugarman in the movie HUSTLE
“Pressure is a privilege.” -Robert D’Avanzo
Don’t sweat it if you feel nervous. It’s a good thing. It means you care,. There’s no way you won’t feel nervous. It’s what you do with those nerves that will define you. One thing that helps is gratitude. Be grateful for the nerves. They equal energy. Which then converts to fuel and focus for the task at hand.
Do sweat it if you’re not nervous. It might be time for a change.
Great news…No matter what happens, no matter how badly things go off the rails, you can choose to just, simply, begin again.
That’s probably the biggest takeaway from any kind of meditation practice or trying to be present.
Distracted by thoughts? Can’t focus on your breath? No worries. Be aware. Begin again.
Had a plan for the day, but life doesn’t seem to be cooperating? All good. Be aware of where you’re at. Begin again.
On stage, trying to tell the story of the play, trying to be a good scene partner, but you feel unfocused and your mind drifting? No sweat. Pause. Look at your partner. Reconnect to your want. Begin again.
It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish. Begin again.
P.S. – This essay by Sharon Salzberg and this short meditation by Sam Harris
The Vs. Studio Blog