Happy Enough

A few years ago, someone asked in passing, “How are you?”

“Happy enough!” I replied, and the querent seemed surprised...not because I was usually unhappy, though I probably was, but because they had never considered such an answer.


“I’m going to start using that!” They said.

This experience was a connection to things I knew for decades, a blessing that brought me back to remembering what makes me happy.  Nothing.

If you know me, or have read my other blog, you might also know that I liken the word “Nothing” to the Void, Source, Brahman, out of which all that can be imagined comes to be...including ourselves and our happiness.

In the context of this quick conversation with a passerby, I saw that I had fallen into the imagining that If/When certain things happened, I would be happy.  There are a lot of things that fall into that imagining, and it is the basis for all addictions, frustration and disappointment.

The truth is, whatever that thing is, is not what makes us happy.  It is the idea that makes it seem so.  When we are clueless to the way we are creating this kind of happiness, we will need to experience something outside ourselves to cause it...over and over again.

We don’t need a reason to be happy.  When we are aware that we are conditioning our happiness on circumstances, we can change our minds and simply choose to be happy without a cause.

If we are able to set conditions on it, happiness already exists. Remove the conditions and happiness naturally shines through.

Everyday I notice the conditioning set upon the experience of happiness.  When I see this in my own imaginings, I let it go, if not in the moment, then by reminding myself regularly, I am happy enough.

True happiness is unconditional.  Breathe it in and smile it out!

Nothing changes, ‘cept us!

ps...its nice to be back. ;)

I Am Really Excited!

Really.  Not just a little. I am really excited. Right now. This very moment. After years of being “happy enough”, I am taking a turn for even better.  And despite there apparently being no reason in particular as to why I should be really excited, I am really excited.  

I am really excited because I don’t know what is going to happen next. Every next moment is a gift to be unwrapped and discovered for the first time. There is no same old, stuck, or unchanging, unless I choose to see that way. And even then, only for me.

  

For now, I am really excited because I choose to be really excited. Everyone can be really excited. Wonderful things are happening in this very moment. Making the choice to allow being really excited, is wonderful and exciting.

100% of being really excited lays in making the choice to be really excited and feeling it, willingly, with excitement!  Actively see the opportunity in every single moment, to be really excited, personify it, and share it.  That in itself is really exciting!

Nothing changes, except us

And when we do, everything changes!

Pic;)

When Dreams Change, Dream On

When we spend a lot of time on creating something special it can be hard to let it go, but so we must if we are to experience the full potential of whatever it is that we created.  Sometimes it is not obvious that we are doing this.  Oftentimes things change when we least expect it.

Just as the process to bring forth new life is called "labor" and is often filled with painful contractions, other things in life can feel as if they're being broken or destroyed in order to be more fully realized.

 If we are attached to the beauty and care that made things the way they are, we may feel the destruction thereof is unfair, an undoing of the work invested to this point.  But just as a mold is broken upon delivering the gold that is cast in it, so too must we release our attachments as a new life arises from everything we have done thus far. 


The changes in the way our dreams are from one day to the next can bring sadness or surprise...it's totally up to us and how we choose to see it.  That's the story behind this Enlightenmeant Cartoon.  The bird could see her eggs broken and destroyed but instead she sees new life coming into her experience.  No longer needing to sit still, she will soon be very busy gathering food for her little brood. 

Dreams are not static things we must maintain indefinitely, they are the Love of Life constantly growing and changing to, in turn, grow and change us.  When your dreams change, dream on.  

Dream Big!
Pic;)

Surrender That

Of all the ego exacerbating words in our language, surrender by far elicits the strongest response in the form of resistance.  From our earliest learnings the ones who wave the white flag are the losers.  Those who surrender must submit to the will of the winners.  But that is just a childhood understanding based on the history of those who would engage in war.  

Life is not a war. It is not even a struggle.  The idea that we must try hard is lost on the concept of trying to win. The true winner has confidence that s/he will not - cannot - fail.  By remembering that there is nothing to be won or lost (except for our perspective on the way things are) we can surrender the win/lose perception of surrender, and surrender in a whole new way.

 

"There is a fine line between letting go and giving up."

Right beside the surrender that gives up is the surrender that lets go.  In either of these two ways of looking at surrender there is a sense of loss.  But there is a third way that gains and multiplies instead of producing loss.  

This is the surrender which opens hands not to let go but to receive.  This surrender knows there is always more to learn and experience and enjoy in life, and refuses to settle for what is already known. This surrender is effortless. The only hard work about surrendering is not thinking there must be difficult. 

This surrendering is part of the flow. Whether or not we willingly let go of what we have known, earned, or expected, things will change. When things change and we are not resistant, this surrender is able to receive countless gifts in the form of fresh insight, wisdom gained, new skills, and the freedom that is born of such wonder.  

"There is everything to gain and nothing to lose."

 

So, the next time life gets tough, and you've tried so hard...and you feel so close you don't want to give up...surrender that, and with complete abandon open your heart to receive more than you already know.  In this way the way is made clear.

Peacefully,

Pic;)

The Re-Genesis of our True Nature

Every morning my dog Max takes me for a walk and I am usually moved to take a few photos of the things that stand out along the way.  Today it was the little things.  By the time I finished writing this blog I was connected to the story of Genesis and what is often referred to as "original sin".  I've written about this before, because beyond the religious overtones it is so deeply engrained in our existence, it really is something we need to forgive and forget every day.

In the story of Genesis, Eve is often cited for eating the apple she was told not to eat, but that was not the sin or - literally translated: error.  The mistake humans made in the story and often make every day is worrying they don't have everything they needed to be happy, healthy and whole. 

From the Toltec tradition as it is taught in the Four Agreements to the view of modern psychology, we are deeply conditioned to doubt our strengths and seek safety from our weaknesses from the time we are little children.  This is human nature.  Fortunately more and more people are seeking freedom from this limited view. The trick is not engaging it to do so.  For that we can take our cues from Nature.

Being human is a natural thing but human nature is often far from being natural. Nature unfolds without a second thought.  Human nature is all about second guessing what we should do to make things happen. Nature happens, humans set goals.

When we have a goal...the list of things we need to do in order to overcome challenges and accomplish the task at hand begins.  It's natural for things to develop over time, but it's human to try to control and worry about it. 

We worry because we don't know many things that could happen along the way. We worry because we know we are aware of ourselves as individuals.  We worry because we aren't confident we have the tools we need to make it through.

Nature doesn't worry the unseen and amazingly the details take care of themselves resulting in beauty and wonder day after day, season after season. No flower worries about winter, no snowflake conspires to harm flowers, the ground opens to receive seeds, and seeds become food and new flowers to be enjoyed in the spring. 

While it is human nature to take control and plan, the intention behind our true nature is to appreciate this creative process called life.  When we are centered in nature as it unfolds all around and through us we are uniquely qualified among all that is natural to recognize the meaningful and beauty of life. 

Peacefully,

Pic;)

. 

Grandmother Moon Print

Grandmother Moon, digital enhancement over original watercolor, 2015  

 As she receives life from the east Grandmother Moon, grounded in the wisdom of the north with the childlike playfulness of the south, out-pictures to the west with no attachment to outcomes.

Digitally signed archival prints start shipping October 19th

In Sync with Shifting Seasons

While the calendar sets a date on the arrival of "Spring" on March 20, those in the Flow, simple know a time of new growth is upon us.  We are leaving what indigenous people refer to as the time of Rest and Cleansing Moon, ( obviously so named before there were cars and streets to dig out of the snow. ;)

s

On March 21, we are moving into what is known as the Budding Trees Moon.  The small buds some of us have already ogled will move into full bloom during this time as gray clouds that have blanketed us will part to let through the light while the earth opens to let through more sprouts.  Water as rain will soak into the ground and help feed the new growth, and the wind will circulate seed and pollens to further the process. 

It is a time for opening and as is usual with my art and writing (and ancient systems of knowing), these four elements are all symbols for the opportunities we have to open ourselves in the Universal Flow of life.  Each of us possesses and demonstrates qualities of all four elements at various times.  Sometimes we are the earth, solid yet opening to support growth, other times we are radiating light, warming, encouraging growth.  We each also can bring the qualities of water softening the earth like rain, bringing nourishment and deeply drenching life to the roots, and like air we circulating life and connecting it from place to place throughout our world. 

Like birds building nests, flowers breaking forth, and fawns stumbling into life for the first time, Spring represents an opportunity to be open, adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, imaginative, and expressive. This is not a season for micro-managing our lives to make sure we don't miss this opportunity. 

The turning of the seasons is a macrocosm of what can happen for any of us in a single day, or even a moment. Recognizing the transition between the seasons and the elements as they symbolize our gifts and challenges can be helpful in releasing, receiving, and more.  Just as the magnolia will surely carry the blossoms appropriate to its type, we don't need to worry, we will be, have, and express what works in the moment when we are in sync with the Universe.

A Natural Process is the topic for the Universal OS Wisdom Group.  More here.

Peacefully,
Pic;)

Life is a Flawless Work of Art

Unconditional Being

Just for today remember that whatever is happening, 

no matter how beautiful or terrible feeling, 

Nothing is perfect and there are no flaws 

only opportunities to breathe and take pause.

For there is nothing to fix, because nothing is broken.  

We are ever whole and healing, and we are always open. 

Though some things are more desirable than others, 

nothing is ever wrong. 

Only different, unexpected, seemingly unbearably long.  

Nothing is ever right, just according to plan, 

what you've been waiting for in sight.  

The important thing is "No-thing", 

The unconditional base of delicious goo 

out of which every thing grows, 

and into which ultimately every thing goes.  

There is no loss, there is no gain, 

only a chance to remember our wholeness not then

but in this moment, now, just a little longer and yet 

always another chance should we happen to forget

each one of us is a gift, a challenge, a dream,

a perfect manifestation of the Unconditional being.

Peacefully,

Pic;)

Budgeting for a New Year

So, I have just finished my first month at a new job for the first time in 15 years.  It's a big change from the contract work I did for so long. I find myself budgeting time for "shifts" and spending differently.  Recently I realized I was "budgeting" according to my perceived limits.  How sad.  I sat down and wrote my budget for 2015.

The first thing I needed to do was identify what I had and how to spend it through the coming year, rather than focusing on cutting back. The list that quickly materialized reminded me of what I have that makes life something to look forward to rather than learn how to do without. 

Though it doesn't seem to have a lot to do with actual cash currency, I think the way I'm planning on spending my time and energy will make everything a little more affordable. When I look at my new budget I just want to spend, spend, spend!  

Seize the day! 

Pic;)

Faith

When I drew this cartoon at the end of February I wondered if it would hold meaning as it was running in the Whole Living Journal well into April.  The answer is "yes" in so many ways.  It snowed last night, which is not unusual for this region, and the most basic application of the cartoon still holds. This winter was so cold and snowy we began to wonder if it would ever end.  Just as it seems things were changing, we are reminded of process and the need for faith.  Just remember that this faith is to be invested in one's ability to plant and cultivate opportunities whenever possible.  Start your seeds regardless of the appearance of outer conditions and have them ready to take hold at the right time.

;)

Everyday Meaning

Sometimes it seems only right that we wait for some event to be completed or a milestone to pass before we take the time to appreciate its accomplishment.  And yet it is only through appreciation that anything is ever accomplished and milestones are marked.  That conundrum illustrates the delicate balance of what goes into every moment, every day of our lives -- our imaginations. Without this, there wold be no amount of thanksgiving, faith, or love, nor would any sacrifice, victory or act of service be of any value.  We imagine our needs, we imagine the fulfillment of them or not. When we are aware this creative process is not an event; and we are mindful about how we manifest it through our attitudes, words, and actions, we give our lives meaning beyond measure.  Make everyday a holiday of possibilities and intent, and the whole of life will be special.

How to Freely Enjoy Life

It's easy to get caught up in wondering what we can do to fix, prevent, or work through conditions of loss, lack and limitation.  That's the way most of us learned life works. It would be nice if we could just forget about the things that don't work, but we've learned it's best to face them head-on. This is how we get hooked into struggling with our own perceptions.

Beautiful Vistas

A recent issue of the Whole Living Journal focused on the topic of the Divine Feminine. I couldn't think of anything better to include in my cartoon than a beautiful view of the Earth.

No Running Leap, But I Do Have Shoes!

Last week I had an interesting discussion with a young lawyer in the mixed-use building where I am currently in the process of revamping my studio.  We were talking about art and the economy, the cuts to state, federal, and personal budgets for the arts and he said, "Well, maybe artists should lower the prices of their work, that's the way things are these days." 

Believe it or not, I smiled at him and asked if he was willing to pay back a percentage of the income he made 5 years ago, then reminded him that gas prices, food (not to mention his ego) are at all time highs.

The value of a piece of art is mostly found in the things you can't see in it, the rough sketches, experiments, countless paintings that came before, and unfinished works, as well as the color, brushes, studio, canvas, stretchers and frames, and in my case wire, sand, paper and paste, spent throughout the hours no, the lifetime it took to bring that work into the physical world.

Last month I blogged about a piece I hoped to finish that did not make it in the show in Columbus. Instead I finished a set of shoes I had dreamed of creating in Warhol style, each having six surfaces over which six colors were rotated.

The artist reception is this weekend, always a little awkward moving from studio isolation to gallery party, but I'm feeling a little celebratory after taking 18 months of work up there in a rent-a-van. They say the stock market is a speculative investment.  I think being an artist beats most investments, it pays in diverse ways, the best of which is creative fulfillment.  Unable to get to Columbus?  Some of the work, and more show dates are online here.  Hope you're well!

 

An early shot of the  "Fashoenistas" in progress (from upper left) Hot Heels, Melting, Dipping In, Hammer, Kick-off, and Summertime. Copyright C. Pic Michel 2012, all rights reserved

Change Happens

Just when I thought things were going to slow down, they pick up more steam.  It seems to be like that for everyone these days.  Trying to control it is crazy.  We simply don't move as fast as our fast paced world.  Just ignoring it, as mother used to say, doesn't quite cut it either, when being consciously engaged in life is something I would like to keep on the front burner.  So what then?  The sage advice, Just let go...and enjoy the ride, seems to capture both sides and wrap them into a fun time.  So here's what's up as a result:

• Enlightenmeant has a new look (it's about time I added a little color to the banner).  And there are new tabs at the top which cover the full offerings of my other creative interests as well.  Lucid Change is my favorite new addition. With short lively updates Lucid Change supports transformation through awareness and intent. Check it out and sign up to get email updates.
• You might enjoy my Process updates about my art and projects.  I will definitely be processing the art and philosophy behind my solo exhibit in Columbus this coming August, Not As Seen on Television, all 3-D wire and paper works.
• On Friday, June 1, 6pm-12am, is the opening reception of  SOS Art 2012, a community art show and event of creative expressions for Peace and Justice. This is a potluck reception with artist talks.  Two of my wire sculptures, Hoodie and Somalia, will be in the show which includes hundreds of artists of all ages and backgrounds.  Running through June 10th, the exhibit is hosted by The Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street, OTR.
• On Saturday, June 2, 6-9pm, I will be drawing Intuitive Renderings at the Center for Spiritual Living's Prosperity Potpourri fundraiser, 5701 Murray Avenue 45227.
• Also in June, New weeknight art practices will explore getting comfortable with not knowing so we can discover, explore and make some really cool drawings paintings and more.  I am also starting an artist support group for those who would like to live their art more.  If you feel drawn to either of these two opportunities, just email or call 513-549-4607.

I hope to see you around!
Pic;)

Working Overtime

 

Well, Mother Nature didn't give it much of a rest last winter and the rest of us have also been working like crazy.  A couple years ago a visiting Mayan Elder explained that time seems to be going so much faster, even though the days are still 24 hours long, because the whole solar system is presently zipping around the galactic center at a faster pace.  I asked how long this would go on.  He estimated a couple thousand years. I guess I'll just have to trust that.

10 classes/week for the past 4 months has kept me zipping right along making masks and completing an abstract art exhibit with teenage girls in residential treatment, now showing in University Heights.  I'm currently completing a mural with teens in the Upper School at The Children's Home of Cincinnati while starting a fresh stream of surrealist drawings of what goes on inside the minds of teenage boys in residential recovery after a winter of working in watercolors.  Shifting gears to get with 8-10 year-olds, this week we explored the positive consequences of sharing by borrowing from primary colors to create secondary colors in watercolor.  In addition to adult classes and a wire sculpture commission of a couple dancing (to be given as a wedding gift from his mom); I've also (somehow) been working on Not As Seen On TV for a show in Columbus that will feature solely 3-D wire and paper sculptures.  So, (big breath) I just wanted to take a moment to catch up a little and send out Happy Spring wishes that all is well in your world and hope you're finding ways to challenge yourself creatively.  If I can help, let me know!  Summer is on the way and I look forward to exploring new/unusual creative endeavors.

To Thine Own Self Be True

The masks we wear are determined by why we think we wear them. We may have different masks at home, school, work, only when we see certain people, or under certain circumstances. Masks, as collections of agreements that condition and limit self-expression, seem to be a pretty handy tool for getting around in the world and some would say masks are an unavoidable necessity. Then again, if we search through this process we will see that masks are based on what, how, why and when we think. The "self" that is conditioned and limited is not the personal "I", but that from which the personal "I" is shaped. My "I" is an artist, a daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, ex, in a relationship, a teacher, and more. "I" is lost, won, accomplished, failed, inventive, worried, forgetful and remembering. "I" is not and "I" is, but if any of these were true, they would not change and they always do. "To thine own self be true", is to detach from the limits and conditions we have enabled. Rather than seek to replace old masks with something we think is better, we can just be and see through the eyes of the limitlessly, unconditional, omnipotent, omnipresent self. That, we truly are.

Photo courtesy of exfordy at flickr.com

The Synthesis of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

Sometimes we think we know, we think things never change, sometimes we think we don't know, everything is changing. That could be one thought, or it could be viewed as two or four and even more depending on how the phrases are fractured with punctuation. Maybe that's a little much for a Monday, so I'll be brief and you can follow the links when you're ready to enjoy. Such fractals are the organizing principle underlaying a great deal of perceived chaos, in which case you can see the role of perception as punctuation in the determination of what we think we experience.

Pictured here, the Sri Yantra, a design which is thousands of years old and traditionally represents not only abundance on all levels, but also the beauty of the three worlds, as well as the wisdom of non-duality. It is pictured with the most popular image used to represent the Mandelbrot theory of Fractal Geometry which basically connotes the same meaning as the Sri Yantra. Which came first doesn't matter, in truth the idea that they both support the notion of an underlying unified principle through which everything else seems to emerge yet remains the same, doesn't really matter either. Yet on a Monday and at other times when life might seem chaotic or broken, we might take a deeper look at where our thoughts lead and see that there is abundant beauty in its fractured state.

zoom in on this cool 4 minute youtube

(I like the song)

fractal image posted by Wolfgangbeyer at Wikipedia

sri yantra posted by SharkD at Wikipedia