Life Plan, Distractions and Miracles

What is the Perfect Teaching?

The perfect teaching is the one before you. Richard Baker Roshi once told of a dream he had: He was trying to find the answer to a question, and the telephone rang. He ignored the phone and focused instead on the question. On the 30th ring he picked up the phone, and the answer came to him through the receiver. What he had labeled a distraction was really the point.

Dairyu Michael Wenger


I enjoy it when simple things speak volumes to me
How everyone has there own interpretation of things.

I started reading this and it didn't make much sense or even mean anything to me until the I read the following sentence....what he had labeled a distraction was really the point.....instantly my mind was flooded with thoughts about how this simple sentence applies to where I am currently in life. I always find moments like this to be miracles....what you need to hear or read without you realizing that you needed it in the first place. When it comes a rush of relief streams over and a strange comfort is felt all over. A general feeling of peace....like god directly whispering in your ear "Everything will be okay" .....

It seems like "the life plan" is always being rewritten and rearranged...rather then dwell on the idea that these things that "come-up" are distractions from "the life plan" I think its important to realize that they might just led down to a path of happiness you never saw coming or expected. Growing up, art was always a "distraction", at least according to my parents. Many years I spent wondering what it is I want to do with my life...What I could pursue as a career that would truly make me happy.

A career in art never crossed my mind because of the "distraction" mind set I had.....Letting go of the idea of art being a distraction I realized that it was the answer I was seeking...the endless hours spent worrying about not having a plan or having no career goals were a complete waste of time, because the entire time I always had the answer....

Be Open....never allow your mind to set limits....

Happy Feelin's - Maze feat. Frankie Beverly

On Letting Go.

New Piece: Untitled

Spray Paint on Canvas

Above is the result of attempting new things, new styles, new techniques. This is my first attempt at stenciling....It requires a lot of patience as well as viewing objects in a different perspective. Viewing images at a very basic level, down to shapes in black and white. For my images I used a razor and cut them out on blank white paper, then taking the newly made stencil and spray painted it on canvas. I did not trace the images. For the firearm I looked at the image on the computer and decided which sections to cut from the blank sheet of paper. It was like molding and drawing with a razor. I have found a new love for cutting. Seeing an image appear from a blank sheet of paper....creating something from simple shapes and having the image make sense. I love creating something unique...its bringing something new into the world. There might be a similar image but with art nothing is every EXACTLY the same. With this being my first attempt I was very pleased, at first afraid that I might not be able to view things in a different perspective, but in the end extremely pleased. A good friend introduced me to the world of graffiti, and I can honestly say that I envy her style sometimes. So free with images she creates, from silly ugly monsters to beautiful portraits, I find myself comparing my work to hers asking why I cant let go of my idea of "perfection" why I cant let go of my idea of the "norm" ; what looks beautiful to everyone instead of what pleases me. At times I find myself expecting so much from my art, forcing my creativity, or forcing my hand to create something that is identical to the images I see in the world. That leads me no where. It limits my creativity, stunts my abilities to create something unique. I close my eyes and envision nothing, just darkness, I ask for nothing and I expect nothing and I see nothing. I clear my mind and allow myself to let go....let go of all ideals, of all things...and just create....What I realize is that all art is perfection, all art is beautiful no matter how "different" it might look.....My friend and I laugh as she says "You NEVER have any ideas of what to do when we start painting"...."Yea" I reply with a laugh as I stare at my new piece with great pride..."I don't".

Some of you might not like this new piece, but that isn't what is important. What is important is that I've created something new, something that pleases me immensely. I'm not looking to become a world famous artist, or to be admired by all; I just want to create...create things that come from within me. With this said this piece was promised to one of my very close friends, its very hard to part with this piece, so much that I was considering not letting go of it.....but then I thought....what good would it be to me if it stayed within the four walls of my bedroom? There is someone out there that WANTS to have a piece of me and display that piece and appreciate that piece, why should I hold on to that piece? I have the ability to create....so letting go should be just as beautiful as creating it....Just the same blessing....Its OK to let go...In the end you will always have that memory....that can never be taken from you....

Smile

Recorded By: Madeleine Peyroux

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though its breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, whats the use of crying

Youll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile.....