Perponderance of Thought

There’s a word for that. It’s called, “papancha”. Pondering is a way of letting the creative process flow through us. It is a way to get in touch with our feelings, good or bad. It gives us a byway by which to inform our conscious of our subconcious likes, dislikes, insecurities, failures and wins. Without thought, we would not be human, we would be more like robots on an assembly line.

But how often do you allow yourself to sit and think? Not on your phone, iPad or television. Just sit. Observe and listen? I bet not often enough.

I recently set up a drawing table/art studio in my basement. I have only 2 windows down there, and I knew I wanted the drawing table in front of the window because the view of the mountains is stupendous! Why? Why would I want to gaze out onto the mountains while I’m trying to create? Because even old masters had to take a step back and ponder what it was the art was trying to communicate. Without reflection, art would just be a photocopy.

My favorite medium is watered down acrylics and water colors which require one to step away, on occasion, to wait for each wash to dry. I have found if I keep pushing the work, it often turns to mud. There is an advantage to pausing and reflecting that cannot be overrated.

“(Our) mind has a tendency to respond to our experiences with a avalanche of chatter”. Rick Rubin in The Creative Act-A Way of Being.

Pondering always allows us to let go of some of that “avalanche” and sift through our thoughts and feelings with intention..

Sometimes our fears get in the way and can strangle the creative thought process. I find it is better to name those fears and recognize them, then try to illuminate them. It doesn’t help to run from fears of failure when it can best be addressed and accepted as part of the affair of undertaking a new way of moving forward.

It is possible to doubt yourself all the way to greatness.

So sit, ponder, waste nothing your mind wants to show you. Whether you are drawing, painting, cooking, writing or making beautiful music. We are all given glimmers of the Divine, so pause, listen and let it flow.