Monologue of the Mind
Just hear me out.
I believe anyone who is into creative expression —be it writing, painting, knitting, designing, music, photography, film-making, etc.— is an over-thinker of some sort. They also tend to be procrastinators and perfectionists. Don’t know about others but this is true for me. They have this need of perfecting (which results in procrastination) their chosen art form before presenting it to the world. Their endlessly curious mind is often found wondering and wandering; trying to make some sense of their inner chatter by collecting all the possible information from all the available sources. The beauty of simple things that escapes other people is the one where they find their refuge.
They have a certain outlook toward this world, and quite often that vision becomes too overwhelming for their minds to handle. If they carry that vision past its expiration date, it ends up becoming a weight that bogs them down. It's no wonder they feel heavy all the time.
And that is the reason they end up creating something beautiful out of absolutely ordinary things because, for them, there is no other choice than to create and give form to their vision.
All they want to do is release the burden and feel light.
What they desire is a moment of calm in a world of chaos.
The moment their vision is out and about for the world to experience, they feel liberated.
They enter a state of ultimate freedom.
To them, this process of creation is an escape as well as a place of solace where they find a burst of fulfillment.
For a short while, their inner chaotic world feels centered, their thoughts seem relevant; and their feelings are validated. Multiple emotions are at work behind the scenes, however, the one that stands out the most is the joy of creating something; where they see their authentic self come alive. They are offering you a glimpse of their inner world, a place where they rarely allow anyone to enter. That is a gift in itself, although not many people have the capability of understanding it.
In this context, I am reminded of the simple yet powerful words of Naval Ravikant, "The world will assault you with its agendas. You have to learn to say no." Through their art, they are telling the world a big fat NO; it's an act of rebellion against the world that constantly asks them to conform to its demands and expectations. And whether the world likes what they have offered or not is up to them.
As soon as, their creation is out there they stop worrying about it because they have already moved on to the next idea they would like to create and present to the world.
Such is the life of the overthinking collective.
Although, every now and then you have to get off this train of creation to admire the wonderful and simple beauty around you. You must turn down the volume of the never-ending monologue of the mind, allow yourself to relax, and just be.
Tell me, how long has it been since you expressed yourself freely?
When was the last time you surrendered completely to the moment?
When was the last time you took a deep breath and exhaled all your worries?
When was the last time you watched a sunset in wonder?
When was the last time you saw a waxing crescent moon?
When was the last time you enjoyed the sound of waves crashing on the shore?
When was the last time you quietly listened to the chirping of birds?
When was the last time you watched leaves on a tree dance to the rhythm of the wind?
When was the last time you enjoyed a stroll in the park?
For the remaining of 2022, ground yourself in the present moment because it’s time to rest, reflect, and restore.
That’s it for today.
I am happy to be here. And, happy to see you here.
Talk soon.
Priya.