Do What You Can, Now...

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably always focused on what’s next.
As an artist I’m always aware that every job while eventually come to an end––and thus, I’m constantly on the look out for another opportunity.
This year I’m giving myself the permission to sit in the unknown and focus only on the task in front of me; which has been terrifying.
Learning to be present requires absolute trust;
However, if I can master living in the moment––focusing only on what’s in front of me NOW––I imagine I will find peace, grow creatively, and experience more brilliant opportunities on the journey ahead; wherever the path leads.

I Am Awake.

I’ve spent too much of my life trying to plan every moment down to the last detail.
Worried that I might miss an opportunity, I was constantly seeking to do more.
Always aware that I had a problem staying present, and often concerned that I would end up like those people...
The kind who are never happy with where they’re at or what they’ve accomplished.
They experience only fleeting moments of (what they perceive as) joy.
Until one day I woke up and realized I was, one of those people.
That was the instant I decided to surrender.
Now, I constantly seek balance through living in the present.
It’s not always easy––more often it’s difficult––but I’m aware of my patterns and ready to live the life that is waiting for me.
My creativity, passion, and tenacity are fueled by Faith instead of fear.
I am awake.

Breathe In The Climb

Living in the present requires relinquishing control;
For someone who identifies with type-A personality traits, this is similar to a mental expedition up Mount Everest.
Without the proper tools, the trek will be impossible.
Even after doing the research, training and preparation––there is no guarantee that I will reach the top.
That is the beauty of an endeavor so massive;
The fulfillment is not found looking down from above––instead the gratitude is inhaled one breath at a time.
The past is gone, the future is never here––the present is all we have time for.

Ego

My ego tells me I have to accomplish more;
My soul reminds me that my ego is a bully.
The ego fears death;
The soul embraces life.
Live in the NOW!

Dive Into Pain––Find Joy.

Some people think that an artist has to live a tortured life in order to create a true masterpiece.
I believe the beauty of a brilliant work of art is not discovered in the pain, but rather through the acceptance of who we are; flawed, insecure, filled with doubt.
Compelled to uncover a deeper sense of joy, artists dive forward into the pain in order to experience the joy that radiates from the awareness––stripped from everything we are all the same: humans in search of inner peace.

The Joy of Release

The intoxicating sense of gratitude;
Surrendering to the simple fact: We are in control of absolutely nothing.
The release of expectation––gives way to the joy of abundance.
Walking through the darkest trails only enables us to appreciate the light of a new direction.

The Time Is Now

My active mind is always questioning time;
Practically speaking, time is the primary way we function in society: meetings, planning and marking special occasions.
Time also comes in the form of past and future;
Neither of which really exists in the present: the past is gone, and the future will always be a distant marker.
It is in the release of those boundaries that we can escape the restrictions of time.
Looking back will not change the past anymore than planning ahead will bring the future closer––today is the only moment which we can truly live.
Understanding that surrender brings me a peace of mind and allows me to utilize the only time I really have: NOW.

Present

Managing to stay aware;
Trusting that nothing before or after can effect this moment.
The Faith in releasing the unknown––the confidence to accept what is now.