Here’s a photo of me at Tawas Lake in Michigan waiting to catch the fish that never bit.
In order to create you have to gather materials first. For art you buy easels, paints, brushes, for dance you grab your music and shoes, to write you need your pens, journals, or computers. To fish you also have to gather the equipment; rod, reel, and worms. You can fish off the shore or a pier or take the boat out into the middle of a lake or even into the ocean. To do the arts you might sign up for a class and dive in that way or find a mentor to guide you. And then you have to go for it, cast the line and wait and be patient. Maybe that day you will catch a fish or create a masterpiece but maybe not. Either way you showed up and tried and that’s what really matters. You can always go fishing another day.
I have to agree – but never thought about it this way! I’ve always enjoyed the ‘atmosphere’ of fishing, the quiet lapping of water against the pier or the boat…the expectation. When I sit down to write, I do set the stage, music, incense and meditation…and then comes the expectation…
Indy – Yes, the excitement of expectation is part of the thrill of creating.
As you stated, the most important thing is to keep showing up, never give up, and be open to what comes to you, whether it is inspiration, happy feet, or hungry fish! Much better than sitting home in front of the TV !
Marti – I agree TV can really sap creative juices!
Nice article and love the photo of you and Jerry. It is so “Out of Africa.”
Thanks!