1.
Both sides now — a poem by Síodhna
From the Community
in fleeting moments
beyond stretch
and roadmaps
I reach to name things not fully known
precise argument reasons right, from forthright,
left, from wrong,
proving points. measured. perfect.
comes at the price of the song
the knowledge of the parts is static, micro,
unlike the wisdom of the panoramic whole.
unknowable, unownable,
wild things that evade control
we're resurrecting deity now,
intuitive mind is gift,
imagination is rebel, is revolution,
gathering pilgrims as she goes
I must have read this poem at least a hundred times.
When I first encountered it on Síodhna's Substack (👇🏽), I read it about 4 times - the first time stopped me dead in my tracks. The next 3 times, I felt the poem start to penetrate my body.
About a month ago, I wanted to write a post about it. I read it 10 more times and felt it deeper in my body... still I didn't feel ready to write about it. Like I didn't know the poem and hadn't yet received its message.
Two weeks ago, I wanted to write a post about it. I read it 20 more times and felt it even deeper in my body... still I was missing something important that the poem was trying to tell me.
Yesterday, Sunday, I wanted to write a post about it. I read it 50 more times... still, I was missing something. But this time, I was so immersed in this poem I could hardly write anything else.
This afternoon, I read it 1 more time.
I understand now that it's a poem that talks of poetry. And there was nothing for me to say, and my only job is to share this with you knowing that the unknowable - spirit, source, love, space, universe, god - is right here speaking through your creativity - your poetry.
2.
Dawn — music and video by Dobrawa Czocher
From the Internet
As I was listening to this piece of music, I started to think about our collective life as one giant symphony. Not one note is separate from another. The beat - the time signature - doesn't exist in and of itself - it emerges from each note tumbling out and into each other in a melody, in harmony with other melodies. Each instrument gives texture and richness to each note - what comes of the violin is not the same as what comes of the piano. Furthermore, albeit more subtly, what comes of one pianist is not what comes of another pianist.
This is our nature as human beings. To be a singular note floating around in isolation doesn't make sense. It quickly dies. It's merely a noise, readily forgotten.
To be part of an opera, on the other hand... there we find life. It's in that togetherness, the balance of tension and harmony, of story and experience… that the unknowable makes its presence known. And that... isn't that the point?
3.
On remaining untamed — a quote from Clarissa Pinkola Estés
From the Library
Make sure a part of you always remains untamed, uncategorisable and unsubjugated by routine.
— Clarissa Pinkola Estés
As a productivity junkie, I'm a huge fan and a proponent of systems, routines and a wholesome discipline. As a business owner, I crave predictability.
But as an artist... the untamed, the uncategorisable, the unknown is what's sacred. And I encourage you, dear creative, to protect it at all costs.
☀️ 21-Day 1:1 Summer Sprints - Coaching Offer ☀️
My year officially completes in August and begins again in September. I like to use this time to reflect on my creative practice and dedicate a deeper level of intention and attention to it.
As I do so, I wanted to offer something for you to join me in this spirit. So I created the 21-Day 1:1 Coaching Summer Sprints.
What’s that ONE project that you’ve always wanted to take on, but have never got around to? Maybe…
❤️🔥 You’ve wanted to put together an art show to exhibit the paintings you've created over the years.
❤️🔥 You have endless boxes of negatives in the loft, and you wish to curate them into a photography book.
❤️🔥 You want to take the songs on you know about into the studio and finally make that album.
If the answer came to you quickly… then consider applying. This is an intensive 3-week 1:1 programme designed to give you the structure, energy and intentionality to make your project happen.
Here's the deal:
You’ll fill out a quick application and book a 20-minute call here. Together, we'll work out if this is right for you, right now.
We’ll have our first (of 6) 1:1 session to clarify your ‘why’ as a creative and breathe fire into your project. We will also create a practical, actionable game plan to accomplish your goals in the next 21 days.
In sessions 2-6, we’re going to check in and make sure you stay aligned not only with your game plan but with the artistic spirit of the project. We will adjust things as needed, and keep you accountable.
In between sessions, I will also be available to you via message and voice note on Telegram every day, so I can support you every step of the way as you take big and small actions.
There are currently 3 SPOTS available, and I will close this offer on 18th August.
High praise indeed, thanks for these readings Raphy. Blown away by this to be honest.