✨️ “The energy of attempt is greater than the surety of stasis. You too can be carved anew by the details of your devotions.” — Mary Oliver.
Source: https://unsplash.com/@teodordrobota.
Tracking the passage of time is a personal endeavor for me, manifested through the accumulation of words. Similar to the gradual construction of sentences and paragraphs, it mirrors the layers and lines within my “any hour pages.” Immersed in the pursuit of punctual self-discovery and inspired by Julia Cameron’s artistic world,
has sparked my contemplation on its meaningful purpose through her last essay.In her insightful journey, the first advocates the practice of “pages” — a ritual involving handwritten, stream-of-consciousness art that clears mental clutter and ignites rumination. This endeavor seeks to foster a profound connection with inner considerations and unearth latent dreams, urging the discovery of tangible possibilities. Julia emphasizes the symbolism of the artist’s date — a solitary, creative expedition, transforming it into a sacred appointment with one’s own imagination.
These revealing encounters serve to replenish the well of inspiration and rediscover joy in simple, everyday events. As someone who thrives on the poetical concept of thoughtfulness, I have been building energy from these moments of self-reflection whenever I encapsulate a spectrum of sensorial experiences — fleeting perceptions, memories of joy, stretches of ideas, and the deep engagement that consumes me during certain periods.
I like to define self-discovery as an internal exploration that unveils the layers of our identity and the depths of our potential. Above all, it entails delving into the recesses of one’s musings, emotions, and experiments, disclosing hidden facets, and acknowledging both strengths and vulnerabilities. I see purpose as the quiet fortitude that whispers, ‘I will try again tomorrow’ in the face of setbacks and as the unwavering resolve to confront fears, embrace fragility, and stride forward even when the path is uncertain.
In any profound journey that involves questioning, reflection, and confronting our beliefs, values, and aspirations, there’s a process of peeling away societal expectations and external influences to reveal the authentic self beneath a dream — a decision one must honor every single day.
Certainly, dreams are the ethereal spaces where our imagination takes flight, free from the constraints of reality. They are the fuel propelling us on the odyssey of writing. It is a sanctuary where letters intrepidly dance with the abstract, and the boundaries of what is attainable dissolve into an interlace of endless sensations, beckoning courage and unchained curiosity.
It’s not an exact path; instead, it’s a dynamic and ongoing evolution. It includes assimilating change, learning from experiences, and adapting to newfound insights. As we navigate this internal territory, we may encounter uncomfortable circumstances, but these are often the crucibles of growth, pushing us to expand our horizons and redefine our understanding of who we are.
The quest for boldness extends beyond self-awareness; it requires nurturing self-compassion and acceptance. It’s an invitation to be kind to one’s being, celebrate uniqueness, and acknowledge that personal development is a continuous and enriching trail leading to a more real, fulfilled, and resilient self. It revolves around uncovering skills, cultivating habits, and unlocking the desire for a valor that is more meticulous and purposeful.
In my view, intention is the guiding compass that steers our ‘vida’ through the intricate labyrinth of existence. It transcends the establishment of routines, anchoring us to the deep meaning beneath each morning’s tender epiphany. Much like a confident, good lighthouse in the darkness, purpose grants us clarity amid life’s conflicted forest.
This force is not a static destination; rather, it is a dynamic energy that evolves with each step we take. It creates a deep, introspective pursuit to comprehend the distinct harmony echoing within our soul, weaving with our passions, values, and the impact we aspire to leave on the world.
In the tapestry of art, a word acts as the thread that infuses significance into every moment, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. It extends a heartfelt request to contribute to a grander narrative, connecting us to something more representational than ourselves. Equally, a dream illuminates the way to achievement, prompting us to seek wonder beneath the surface and encouraging a sustained journey of alignment and astonishment.
A cherished lesson I often recall is “as within, so without.”, emphasizing the corelation between mindset and outward circumstances. Thus, as I ponder the act of scattering seeds, thoughts, and wishes physically across this landscape, my inner world is similarly cluttered with notes and notices —
On seeing the transitional periods between seasons — allowing the mind to delve deep into its own realms. In the calm hush of silence, introspection finds fertile ground;
On saying ‘welcome’ to the softness — a peace that blankets the mind in a flurry of inextricable eloquence, becoming a presence.
Secure yet unassailable.
Bold yet blissful.
Epic yet elegant.
Gentle yet soul-penetrating.
A fighter by nature.
Source: https://unsplash.com/@blueberrd.
“I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” — Henry David Thoreau.
I invite you, esteemed friends and readers, to tap the 🤎 button, share, and if you feel compelled to, please let me know how you personally experience the art of self-balance and reevaluation.
P.S. In my mind, this newsletter could just as easily be named after the title of this essay.
✨️ Thaíssa.
“I see purpose as the quiet fortitude that whispers, ‘I will try again tomorrow’ in the face of setbacks and as the unwavering resolve to confront fears, embrace fragility, and stride forward even when the path is uncertain.” Yes!!
This, my friend, is how we must be...filled with compassion and understanding for ourselves. Softening for others, softening for ourselves ❤️
Thaissa, Thanks for this essay. It crystalized something for me, which is that I find my writing and my thought to be consistently "hard" rather than "soft."
By hard I mean self-awareness of the mental effort I'm expending so that I always feel the gears of my mind working away, like a shift of assembly work in a self-contained factory. In your essay, you describe an open approach that allows ideas to enter the mind through dreams or natural observations after clearing away the clutter.
I'd like to evolve to that softer state, but the foreman in my factory is tough, old-fashioned and skeptical!