”We waste so much energy trying to cover up who we are, when beneath every attitude is the want to be loved, and beneath every anger is a wound to be healed, and beneath every sadness is a fear that there will not be enough time.
When we hesitate in being direct, we unknowingly slip something on, some added layer of protection that keeps us from feeling the world, and often that thin covering is the beginning of a loneliness which, if not put down, diminishes our chances for joy. It’s like wearing gloves every time we touch something, and then, forgetting that we chose to put them on, we complain that nothing feels quite real.
In this way, our challenge each day is not to get dressed to face the world, but to unglove ourselves so that the doorknob feels cold, and the car handle feels wet, and the kiss goodbye feels like the lips of another being soft and unrepeatable.
As you breathe, let each breath undress your being–of attitude, of mood, of history.” – Mark Nepo
Inspiration isn’t happening these days, not in the form of writing, anyway. I get these moments of creative wonder and both hands are on the wheel of my car as I taxi someone somewhere or take myself across town. The moment passes and I face my keyboard with a fullness I can’t express. Not just yet. We writers do have our seasons of going simply on commitment. If we’ve the time. I have precious little these days.
This quote from Mark Nepo is a beautiful reminder of why we can take a deep breath and just be…unhindered. Even if all the writing projects are languishing somewhere under the rubble of too much to do.
J. Ruth Kelly 
There is such courage and honesty in those words. On a business course a while back we were told that establishing a persona is ‘necessary’. The world is so predatory that we need the protection engendered by that separation! But it’s a slow death from lack of reality. Thank you for spreading the real, honest alternative.
Thank you for reaching out and sharing… I do believe sometimes we need a protective persona. It’s maybe better described as authentic defensive armor. I’ve had to tell my youngest to be sure and put it on when he’s amongst those who care more about intimidation than relating. The trick is in remembering the armor isn’t who you are… Sad we have to bother with it at all.
Yep. That’s an amazing quote. And…yep. Same goes with painting. Love when You say You sometimes sit at Your keyboard SO full, but it isn’t time for it to come out. I can’t count the number of hours I’ve stared at a canvas or just walked by. Weeks sometimes. And like You say, SO full….
Thank You for the quote and Your thoughts, Beauty Spreader! Cheers and Namaste. 🙂
Hugs to you Katy…so glad for the companionship of your rich and creative heart…
Oh, I fully understand what you mean. I have those moments too, and then they are gone, so fast… But this is quite an amazing quote that should keep us going! Thanks.
I was thrilled to come across it. Such comforting encouragement… Thanks for dropping in and commenting.