Elizabeth Gilbert is our teacher for this week, and today’s message really is a two for one!
Her wisdom is a refreshing antidote to our culture’s obsession with perfection. She reminds us that creativity, far from being the exclusive domain of artistic geniuses, is an inherent human capacity, and we can infuse everything we do with a touch of creative magic. It’s the spark that ignites our imaginations, propels us forward, and infuses our lives with color.
And when we embrace our creative nature, we’re also more likely to embody our playful side. Life happens, and when our carefully laid plans crumble, and our dreams seem to shatter into a million pieces, this is where Gilbert’s philosophy truly shines. Instead of succumbing to despair, she invites us to playfully embrace the messiness.
1st – You are a creator whoever you are!
“Creativity does not belong exclusively to professional artists and geniuses; it is the birthright of every single human being. Creativity is our common heritage. You don’t need to quit your job and move to Paris in order to lay claim to this heritage – all you have to do is clear some space in your life for whimsy, invention, sensory pleasure, and play. Most of all, you have to learn how to follow your curiosity more than your fear.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
“Creativity itself doesn’t care at all about results – the only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens next happen, without fussing too much about it. Work like a monk, or a mule, or some other representative metaphor for diligence. Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you, regardless.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
2nd – We can have fun even with the things that go wrong.
“The world is like a dropped pie most of the time. Don’t kill yourself trying to put it back together. Just grab a fork and eat some of it off the floor. Then carry on.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
“Mistakes will be made. Failure will occur. You pick yourself up and carry on.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Make this a goal for yourself this week: If your pie happens to fall on the floor, will you remind yourself to grab a fork, sit on the kitchen floor, and feast on the best parts of this broken pie while you have a laugh, or even a cry? And then clean up the mess, pick yourself up and get back to what you’re trying to create.
There is magic in you! But do remember that while magic takes serious focus and dedication to pull off, it is only ever enjoyed with the heart of a child. You have the capacity for both.
A few mantras for self-reflection:
- Sometimes life is like a dropped pie; enjoy the flavours.
- Creativity is my birthright; I give myself permission to play.
- Love the process, not just the product.
- Embrace imperfection as a catalyst for growth.
- Find joy in the journey, not just the destination.
You are a creator! You possess the power to shape your reality, to turn challenges into opportunities, and to find beauty in the ordinary. Embrace the process, love the work, and let go of the outcome. And when life inevitably throws you a curveball, remember the dropped pie. Grab your fork, savor the moment, and keep creating.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Jumpstart the week!