Commit me....please!

I like to ask other artists how they work. How they structure their day. What’s their magic formula for finding that sweet spot of inspired productivity? The creative wellspring of countless ideas and manifestation? Is there a magic formula to syncing the right and left side of the brain----to being in “The Zone”? Some like master goldsmith, Daniel Brush, is known to sweep his entire studio floor before embarking on a days work. I liken the ritual of my mornings as rubbing two sticks together, trying to get that spark to catch. Rituals aside, I begin before sunrise with my morning practice of Ashtanga Yoga and meditation. By the time I cross the threshold of my Studio, the left side of my brain clicks  on and and I begin to assess which two sticks to rub together first.  Anyone looking at the multitude of projects scattered across every working surface of my studio, will know in an instant that there is a lot going on here. Now it’s a matter of getting out of my own way to let the right side of my brain take over.

Mostly it is about making space for myself to just do the work. As in yoga, taking down the mat from off the shelf....is like sitting myself into the chair in front of my workbench.
For this is only the “Opening Act” for the Commitment that is required to do your best work. I have had many inspiring teachers along the way, but it was Phil Poirier who passed along this little gem that I try to live and work by.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues
from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

- Goethe