When the object is the same, but the mental field is different, the way of perceiving or the level of understanding the object will be different
- Patanjali’s YOGS SUTRAS, BOOK FOUR, SUTRA 1.5
This week the same sentiment out has been making it’s presence known to me ‘Slow down, what’s the rush?’ via many different forms/mediums. Maybe it has something to do with Mercury still being in Retrograde motion, prompting us to pause and revisit certain things. Nonetheless, l took heed of the message and in the process alleviated some of the pressure l’ve been feeling.
Reflecting on this non easeful feeling that was arising. l was reminded of the above Sutra and circled back to one of my favourite texts on ways to cultivate Freedom (a very important characteristic if you are a Sagittarius like me!)
In this written work, we are asked to reassess our truth, where we think it comes from and how to break freedom for self imposed restrictions that we have been influenced from. In the age of the Internet, AI and social media this is an important reminder to reflect upon.
The hope for truth and ultimate freedom can’t come from someone telling you what to do, say or even believe; it can only come from your creative self-understanding.
- J. Krishnamurti
When l talk about pressure, l am of course talking about my self imposed commitment in terms of a doing a Podcast a week as well as crafting my new discounted subscription offer package due Sept, (more coming on this during next week). As well as a busy week of catching up on Substack, Beth Kempton’s Summer writing sanctuary and meets/replays with Elena Brower for Simplify and thinking about the next steps forward, yes it’s been a lot.
Part of what Beth was speaking about this week really hit home in terms of committing to producing our work in terms of quantity and quality, and how the latter really should take centre stage. Her guidance serving as a gentle nudge that we should really stop to feel how we are feeling in terms of creating, timelines and ultimately how and when to share our work with others.
Like with anything in life, when you love what you do, you should never forget why you started and what your key purpose was/is. It is so easy when we are creating a business out of what we love to do to get swamped into the busy business of it all.
Therefore, constantly reviewing our structure and purpose regularly can prevent burnout and help us see how and what we need to adjust to move forward aligned.
Our passions/work, whether a it be a hobby or another source of income should be watered and nurtured with a loving attentiveness. Just as we do with gardening, cultivating a greater awareness and responding to what is needed to help the plants flourish, which often requiring changing things around.
Adjusting our choices and schedules where we feel necessary can often help us bring forward our best work, instead of falling into the trap of just churning mediocre works just for the sake of it.
Something that l like to affectionately refer to as FONKUWO:
F = Fear
O = Of
N = Not
K = Keeping
U = Up
W = With
O = Others
All of which in the age of the internet unfortunately has become second nature.
For that reason procuring even some intermittent time away from your creative projects can help reseed your inspiration and improve the quality of your work.
Some prompts to enquire how and if you are producing your best work
What the key ingredients for you to produce your best work?
Are your schedules and timings still really realistic?
What did you base them on initially:
How you felt?
or Observation of information/and of what other’s were doing?
How influenced are you by social media?
How are you creating?
Is there a sense of ease to how you produce your work or do you always feel pressurised?
Is there a thread of you running through your work?
Is your heart still in what you are doing?
Are you generous with yourself and your creations/offerings?
Do you allow time for inspiration to create something valuable to offer to others?
What is your purpose now?
What is your goal now? Has it changed since you started your project/creation (which can be anything)?
What or who has been influencing you, in the past and currently?
Does the influence align with you true feelings?
Do you currently feel at ease with what your doing? If not why?
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