Sometimes people say things like “You must have so much discipline to work from home” or… “wow, you have such a nice life” …
Do you know Gary Vaynerchuk’s work? He talks about ‘doing the work’ ‘doing’ and ‘hustle’.. and ‘being patient’ and ‘putting in the time’…
So much of our ‘get ____ quick’ mindset or the ‘instant’ results that people see via things like ‘karaoke’ (“I’m a Singer/Musician!”) or ‘paint-nite’ (“I’m an artist!”) make me smile. It’s really awesome to inspire and motivate to have people taste and touch the world of art and music. For a moment, (or sometimes longer), people feel like they’re on top of the world with what they’ve ‘done’.
But it’s a total illusion. Someone else painted it first – and is hand-holding you through things. The result you got, is, …. probably (sorry, truthful) weak, at best. The song you just sang? close – but… pretty sure professional coaches would have a lot to improve. Nothing wrong with that. We all start somewhere – because those who stick things out and continue – get somewhere amazing.
That’s the work in the shadows. The nights and weeks perfecting our crafts, forgoing time with friends, or loves, family or leisure, because we are so passionately in love with our work.
What happens with all this art and beauty that is created? As a dear friend Marjoli said to me this week: “Rebecca, the apple tree doesn’t say ‘who will eat this apple.. who is it for… will they bake a pie?’ the apple tree just keeps making apples. It is its nature”.
For those of us who have been working steadily, producing, producing, paying consistently and generously, with appreciation and respect our teachers, working on our crafts, practicing, sweating it out, keeping it up, passing through the ‘honeymoon’ phases of our studies and continuing for literally years, decades, lifetimes, even when things get tough, uncomfortable, the results are of course incomparable.
It’s just so so unfair to all of you attending mini-workshops, one-off experiences really.. sometimes I wonder who we serve, as teachers, when as guides or mentors we facilitate those kinds of ‘quickie’ experiences; does it ever lead you to ongoing or more profound studies or results?
In my own personal experience with studies, the transformations I’ve received from consistently maintaining my practices with my Senseis over decades in multiple arts has born fruit and changed my life and mindset hugely. On the other hand, short weekend workshops or evening or one-time things I’ve attended? Not so much.. first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
