Artists have a distinct relationship with time and space. It doesn't matter if they paint, write, sing, photograph, sculpt, lay stone or color with crayons. An artist's age matters even less. What does matter is their ability to suspend time so that they may create in the space between.
Most of us have lost that ability. We are tied to schedules, clocks, timers, going and doing. For most of us, productivity is what counts.
Artists have the natural ability to just be in the true energy of creation. It is a beautiful place - a place where the world external to their artistic focus recedes and even vanishes. In that sacred territory energy, ideas and magic flows to and through them manifesting in matter. Matter equaling art, designs and sounds that take our breath away.
Being in that magical space between time and space can be dangerous. Teakettles can whistle until they go dry or photographers don't see the car coming too fast down the lane because they are in the place to get the perfect shot. Yet, luckily, and rather paradoxically it might seem, most of the time, because they are in a magical vibration, they are protected.
The experience is mostly a solo event, though sometimes it is shared. For example, singing or playing an instrument. That is a different kind of sensation. There is usually another element - a medium through which one creates. There can also be a subject, but it is still within the creator's heart, body, head and soul that the creative experience happens.
Sadly, as a society we have forgotten how to be in the magic - in the space between time and matter. Our souls miss it terribly. We try to compensate for this lack or find it through distractions such as texting, spectator events and TV. I am not saying that these distractions are wrong per se. I watch TV and I love pro-football.
And yet such activities don't replace what our souls craves; the magic of creation.
I have tried for years to make myself go for a walk in the morning. It makes sense. It is cool, quiet and good for my body. Yet, my soul refuses. Why? Because I need to simply be in that marvelous magic still present in the stillness of dawn. I need to stand in the silence, sip on a hot cup of coffee and absorb the creative energy before it dissipates into the noise and chaos of the day.
When we love our work, we experience a suspended time. For me, because those moments are focused on others, it is their magic, not mine. It is important and I love being in that space with them. At the same time, in order to open the door for their magic, I must experience my own.
How about you? Is there time in your day or week for magic? Do you do something creative for you? Do you remember what it felt like to color or build or play make-believe when you were little? Do you remember how big and powerful you felt? Do you remember how happy you were?
We need that back in our lives now - today, this moment. When it is part of our life it increases our longevity and peace. It heals our stress and gives us a broader perspective on life. We know ourselves in a different and more potent way. We experience a kinder relationship with others and Mother Earth. We laugh and love more easily and freely. We are then more whole and authentic.
I wish for all of us to embrace our creativity and to feel the magic that lives between.
