Martha Graham writes about the creative nature of each individual life:
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.”
If we accept that we are all unique expressions of life then perhaps we have a certain responsibility or obligation towards the world. If we block off parts of ourselves or refrain from expressing the full range of our being, particularly our gifts and talents, then we are not only impoverishing ourselves but we are denying the world a richness which it is in dire need of. The real wealth in life is not what we possess externally but the beauty that we bring forth from within.
How would it feel to see your life in this way? If you understood your job on this planet as to facilitate the unfolding of your latent powers and creative potential, how would it change how you live your life?
Reflection
When do you notice ‘a vitality, a life force, a quickening’ emerging in your experience? Do you translate this urge into action or expression? If not, why not? What blocks you?
How do you express yourself in your life generally? This ranges from the way we walk and talk, to the work we do, the way we live etc.
If we imagine expression existing on a spectrum between inhibition and freedom, where do you generally fall?
How open and aware are you of ‘the urges that motivate you’? To get in touch with these spontaneous internal movements it is helpful to spend time alone, perhaps in nature, listening to music, writing or some other form of creative expression. From time to time throughout your day tune into the feelings and sensation swimming through your body. Notice the thoughts, images and impressions that come to mind. What signals are being sent to you? What actions are they urging you towards?
What would it feel like to express yourself freely and act spontaneously without inhibition but with a deep sense of confidence? Practice authentically expressing yourself in small ways initially gradually building to more challenging situations.