11 Comments
Sep 21Liked by Clintavo

I’ve been experiencing this throughout my life but lately more so due to health issues. I’ve not been able to get into my studio and work for about a year. I stand outside the door and cry so deeply. It’s so crazy how I long to paint as if it is to survive! Your explanation here describes my experience and inner struggles. As I’m healing physically, I put myself inside my studio even if it’s only for five minutes. I’ll get there. Small steps. But I just want to say that this resonates with me in a very deep way!! I look forward to your book as well 💯🙏🏻

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Continued prayers for your continued healing! 🙏

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I spoke with my GF a few weeks ago challenging her about the false solace of seeking out living in the light (solis), avoiding the darkness.

Life needs be lived on the edge of darkness to expand the border. For the light to expand. Retreating only expands the darkness.

Dare to look into the abyss [as Nietzsche said best], engage the daemon square in the face, lock its gaze, and diminish it.

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Great way to explain it!

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This phenomenon is one I’ve understood in simple “if/then” terms, and you have fleshed it out so well here. The Shadow as dark, raw, creative energy…yes!

I often feel guilty for the irritability and sometimes rage I feel when I don’t have time to create. Your explanation helps to clarify the feeling. Thanks.

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Sep 21Liked by Clintavo

wherever you hide, it will always find a way out.

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Sep 21Liked by Clintavo

YES, YES, YES! Thank you for writing this. I look forward to your new book.

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This is incredibly resonant, as I can see many others agree. Every part of you that isn't accepted boils beneath the surface until it's borne out as a menace of some sort. I find it very interesting the way you combine the conscious with both the Shadow and the "Muse," though. I'm not sure I've seen that triad before, but it certainly makes sense when you see the Shadow and Muse as two sides of the same coin.

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What makes you say, the muse talks to the shadow? Interested to understand more.

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Great piece; it makes me want to become an artist! A question that popped up in my mind, though: If "The Muse" (i.e. Divine force/intelligence) is real, and we are connected to it, part of it, and co-creators with it, [which I conclude is the case!]...then why would "the Mordor" (i.e. Dark force/intelligence) not be just as real?

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