Monday, September 6, 2010

off the leash

Happy Labor Day weekend! While others were not so fortunate (a hurricane wrought havoc along the Eastern seaboard this weekend), we were treated to a cold front that ended an oppressive heat wave. Now we are enjoying cool temperatures and a gentle breeze under clear blue skies…what I refer to as “perfect Vermont weather.” Don’t get me started…

This kind of weather is great for Famke who has been exploring her new surroundings with us, sniffing at every blade of grass, every fallen acorn, and every stray twig outdoors…and inside, testing every sofa, every bed, and every pillow for softness and warmth. Today I let her run off-leash for the first time since surgery…and I could see her spirits soar! The freedom literally “unleashed” her “puppiness”…her energy, joy, playfulness, and curiosity...

…which made me wonder what it is that leashes the creative spirit in us, when we want to run and jump, to roll in the grass, to spin in circles and wags our tails…when we yearn to write or compose or act, to sing or dance…and instead we trot along obediently because something has us by the neck. Is it fear of failure, criticism, or ridicule that holds us back? Is it lack of time, the absence of support, or self-doubt that reigns us in? There comes a time when we have to look these masters in the eye and say, “Look, it’s time for you to set me free. There’s more to life than mindless obedience and following the same cautious path day after day.”

I took Famke off her leash today but it’s up to us to take our own leashes off…no one can do it for us. The creative spirit sometimes needs to explore a different path, to wander off for a while, to scratch the places that itch, to chase an elusive dream. And then, at the end of the day to come home to a good meal and a soft, warm bed.

What is it that has you on a leash?

“When we put our artist on too tight a leash, it fights us like a spirited animal. When we allow it a little freedom, it often cooperates with us nicely.”
                                         --Finding Water by Julia Cameron--
*
In my next post, I’ll tell you what my best writing days are like...and how hard they can be!
jan
                                                                                                                                    

1 comment:

  1. Now you have more reason to procrastinate: a puppy. What a great distraction!

    ReplyDelete