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I am suggesting that we try this out for the next few weeks to see how it feels. (If it is not your thing don't feel obligated.) How would it work for people if we posted one goal that we have and one micromovement for that goal at the beginning of the week and then check in at the end of the week to see how we did? One small movement can be powerful. It might also help us to think about what is stopping us from moving forward in some small way.
"Much of what stops us is the ordinary." SARK
Here is one example of how micromovements have helped me: I had been talking about wanting to go to graduate school for many years and never made any movement towards getting there. It was too overwhelming. Some of the things that stopped me from moving forward were that I believed that I could never take the time off from teaching, I would have large school loans, I would never get accepted, I didn't have a portfolio, etc...the list went on. When I decided that this was something that I really wanted to do and set a goal for myself I started with these micromovements:
1. looking up schools online.
2.making a list schools
3. calling the schools for information
4. reading the information
5. setting up appointments to visit the schools
6. applying to the schools, etc...There were endless micromovements that eventually got me into a graduate program that has transformed my life.
What is one goal that you want to work towards? Do you need help breaking it down into tiny pieces? My goal for our group is to support and nurture each other and create forward movements within our lives. We can all help each other if we know what to support in each other. Any feedback that you can give me in regards to this would be appreciated.
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It has been nice to read the blogs (although I just figured out that there are new posting with each thing that Laura writes, I think I posted my last thing in the wrong spot...) and start to think about what my goals are. I guess I don't really know. I am just looking for something that I am passionate about that can lend itself into doing something creative with my time. I have started writing, and I want to read more as well. I know that many of you work very closely int he art world, but I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for good book that could lead me to question where my interests and passions may lie and then will lead me to more of a self discovery phase. I have to be honest, I don't think that a book about art is going to be for me, I am looking for something more philosophical, yet personal and intersting. Let me know what you think. I do love to question my own thoughts. I think a micromovement that I might have (my bigger goal of finding out what I am passionate about and how I can express that) is to write some of the questions posed on this blog and to answer them in my journal. I will also find times to write stories, but I belive the journaling might lead to creative writing ideas. So any book suggestions to help me get going??
Hey Dan~
I am not sure if you would like this book or not, as I have just started reading it myself but it is called, "Wild Mind" by Natalie Goldberg. I just finished reading her book called "Living Color" that I LOVED! I had read it a long time ago and it was nice to revisit it at this time in my life. It is about a writer who paints her world and is so lush, vivid and inspiring that I wanted to read "Wild Mind" and work on my own writing. Even after reading the first five pages of this book I feel like I am writing better so I will look forward to continuing my journey with her. Has anyone read her book, "Writing Down the Bones"? I could swear that I have that book somewhere, but never read it. It is funny how things come back to you when you are ready for them. Does this happen to anyone else?
Dan, I also think ideas will flow through your journaling and would love to have you share what you learn about yourself by answering the questions~when and if you feel ready. Also, I know we talked this morning, but as you learn and explore your new home and all that surrounds you I am sure that you will find new inspiration and appreciation for your new place. When I moved to Connecticut I decided to be a tourist in my own town and go out exploring. What I learned was that this is a great place to live. People come here as a destination to vacation and I needed to appreciate where I was. In the process I have discovered two vineyards (wish you were here!), many art galleries, artists and cultural events. I also learned that the Modern Impressionist Movement in America was started only 15 minutes from my house with the Lyme Art Colony (now the Florence Griswold Museum and a great place to visit). As if that weren't enough, I have developed a deep love and appreciation for Bluff Point and the wildlife around me. We are all in the process of discovering new things about us and being in your new place will teach you a lot. By moving I have learned so much about myself and I like who I am becoming. You have so much to give and share and I am so grateful to be sharing this journey with you.
I have several large goals that I want to work on. They are to learn Photoshop, work with my pastels and the to work on my writing (these are LARGE goals). My micromovements for the week (and you only need to have one that is attainable for you)are to read five pages of "Wild Mind" open up one of my instructional videos for Photoshop and watch it for ten minutes and to take our my pastels and experiment with them for five minutes.
friendly reminder: I put out several goals to show you different ways that I use them, not to make anyone feel like they need to do more than one. Remember that they only need to be five seconds to five minutes. I think that we can all be inspired by each others movement and I can't wait to hear what you are all up to! Smiles, Laura
Danielle-
What Laura said about trying to experience your new surrounding as an outsider is certainly helpful! I can indentify with you because after living my whole life in the lush green surroundings of New England, learning to embrase the sometimes harsh surrounding of the desert can take a while. And although New England will always be my home, I've learned to enjoy and appreciate this new environment I find myself in. Laura & I have talked a lot about how moving can help you change and grow, but be scary at the same time. I hope you're enjoy your journey!
As far as my movement for this week... it relates to my daughter. My larger goal (much larger!) is to create an environment to raise her in where she is constantly surrounding by creativity and the idea that it is an important part of life. Ever since she was born I have brought her to art museums and tried to document her young life in creative ways such as photography and scrapbooking. Her father, who plays several instruments, plays guitar for her and encourages her to explore the guitar too (with supervision of course!). I want her to grow up to see creativity, in whatever form it might take, as something that is essential to a full life... not just a side hobby. Anyways, one of the projects I am working on for her is a quote book. I am collecting quotes that I think are inspirational on many different levels. My hope is to collect 365 by the time she is an adult. Then I will make them into a book for her as a high school graduation present. Hopefully she will be able to read them daily and use them to guide her and inspire her in life. My goal for this week is to find at least one really good quote to add to my collection. Here's one of my favorites that I have so far.... "You must be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
PS- A fantastic, inspirational book: Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now by, Maya Angelou
Liz and Laura: Thanks so much for your suggestions. I know that you can identify with where I am with my new surroundings. Since my last post I have thought a lot about how to fulfill myself out here while not being an "artist". And I really think that taking the tourist persepective out here is going to really open my eyes. And I will use what I see and write since I am not the best drawer, and certainly can not portray what I want through pictures. I am going to look into Wild Minds, as well as find books that will guide me to some great site around here. I am excited for new adventures, where I do not want to transplant the life I had in NH to AZ, but rather dig for new seeds.
Liz-I LOVE the idea of a quote book for your daughter. What a creative and original idea. I also love the idea of having goals to raise her to be surrounded by creativity. I am learning so much from these discussions and getting great ideas.
Anything by Natialie Goldberg is fantastic. Yes, Laura, it is called Writing Down the Bones and I have used it frequently in my writing courses. You will love it. Some other favorits for those of you who are trying to journal or write more are Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont and Writing Towards Home by Georgia Heard. These are great for a quick inspirational reads before you write. Again, I have used these often in my writing courses and they allow you to choose the ones you want to respond to!!
Write Naked!! ( I am reading Sarks, Eating Mangoes Naked and love the Neruda poem from the movie Il Postino where every line begins with naked. Funny how at times when you are aware even just words appear everwhere you go!!)
Create Naked!
Tomasen
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