“Sometimes you have to act out your dreams, because circumstances can get you crammed down. And instead of getting angry and jealous of what they got, why not get artistic about it and create a little work site, a little fiefdom. As long as it don’t oppress anybody or something, I think it’s kind of healthy.”
– Mike Watt, quoted in Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad
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“Remembering this life’s journey beyond our present daily commute is one of life’s great disciplines, but keeping it as a constant, inspiring companion is beyond most of our powers. Sooner or later we forget, we lose sight, we come to a place in our lives where the vision splendid begins to fade into the light of common day.”
– David Whyte, Crossing the Unknown Sea
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We are often the lowest lying point in our personal geography. Life, demands, busyness, stress and responsibilities trickle, flow, then pour down to us.
It takes a mighty effort to rise to higher ground. From there we can survey and see the flow and rush of life.
Up here I can create a refuge. A place to create and reconnect with myself.
I cannot live and stay up here indefinitely. I must descend into the turmoil and broil to earn a living and gather inspiration.
Each ascent is taxing and takes conscious effort. There is no elevator to the top. Only those of us who are committed reach our personal fiefdom.
I use my elevated position to observe the world through books. I have space to let my thoughts converse with interesting works.
I must be vigilant against the erosion of my fortifications. If left unchecked, a crack can render which can let in a little of the real world. This can easily open up under this great pressure sweeping away this fortress of solitude.
I must patch the gaps with focused work.
Then it is time to look up at the sky and dream. And the dream realised is meaningful creative work.
The more I do this work, the more secure this refuge becomes.
All it takes is a little vigilance and the will to create.
Conversations With Quotations 