A New Day Dawns: Where Do I Begin?

During a recent Dialogue Learning Group meeting, Bob, an artist, used the image of a blank canvas to help us reflect on how we individually approach life.  Discussion ranged from intimidation of the emptiness, fear of the unknown, anticipation and excitement of the creative process, and becoming in tune with the emergent image and energy.  Bob's invitation was to touch that intimidation, fear, anticipation...  and begin with a single dot!

How would you respond to a blank canvas?  Would you approach the emptiness in silence?  Would you desire a plan before you began?  Would you wait for inspiration to emerge? 

Or, in the waiting, could you begin with one dot, not knowing what would happen next?

White Canvas: artist and art (Art in Chicago, 2014)

Each day dawns as a fresh Canvas of Possibilities.  Similar to Bob's question, how do you enter this new day:

• With images from yesterday... or a blank slate?
• With the same fear, intimidation, or excitement of starting a new project?
• With low energy and lack of focus?
• With wonder and awe?

At times, we may encounter all of these emotions and thoughts interwoven into our expectations of this Day Awakening!  Bob's reflective process provided time to become aware of self, to hold lightly and become compassionate of thoughts and feelings, and to focus on the creative moment of beginning, placing that First Dot or First Mark on the Blankness.  Our silence and reflection starts the process of becoming Co-creator of these 1,440 Minutes, the Daily Canvas that is unfolding.
 

Beginning with one dot, possibilities reach outward!

Rather than live in the fear of beginning, placing that first dot on the canvas of the day will open possibilities that are interconnected with the next marks of inspiration.  It is as if that first dot begins an unveiling of the Mystery-Within: a portrait of Self.

As the next steps of the day move outward, the patterns of noticing, seeking Sacred Worth in the Created, allows the Outward-Mystery to reveal itself through Other.

Mystery of the Heart: creating together
(Etsy.com: Heart Love)

Our daily canvas takes on new hues as we work together to understand the Mystery-Revealed.  Red Cheevers, at last week's Dialogue Retreat, reminded us that even as we learn about Self and share these gifts with Others, we will continue to encounter the Mystery-Not-Revealed.  Each of us are Sacred Mystery: as our lives unfold and we think we understand ourselves and the people closest to us, we begin to realize that there is so much more unknown.

Creating intricate designs: working together

 A new day dawns: where do I begin?  This week, as we begin each day, let us:

• Sit quietly in front of the Day Awakening;
• Notice how we want to approach this day;
• Listen, imagine; and,
• Begin with a single dot!

May the waiting and wondering invite the Emergent Mystery to unfold.  May we move forward with freedom to accept the unfinished masterpieces we may someday become.

Larry Gardepie