I love this perspective of yours, Clint. The Internet is awash in productivity advice, but alas, some of our best creative work emerges from magical origins. Epiphanies in the shower, or a dream at 3AM that leads to a breakthrough essay. Sure, Covey’s big rocks make sense for parts of our lives. We must attend to the immediate. Prioritize. Get those big rocks addressed. And certainly the pebbles will nibble us to death if we let them. But the magic is found in the water. It’s fluid inspiration. The way water fills the jar, regardless of the rocks and pebbles, is a metaphor for how the magic of life (our creative, divine expression) fills our souls and gives life its deepest resonance.
“Maybe we should all take a few rocks out of the metaphorical jar and leave even more room for the living water of life to flow into us.” Love this life lesson. You got me on living water of life.
I needed to hear this, as I have (again) over committed myself to the "rocks" part of life, leaving not enough room for the quiet moments that fit in between tasks. Thanks!
Love this article! Also love the phrase "the illusion of control"! Ha! Isn't that the truth! I'm certainly learning to give up that idea because that is what it is ... an illusion!! And the quicker that we learn to not try to orchestrate everything down to the last minute detail, the happier and more harmonious our lives will be. We need to "go with the flow" and gather inspiration when it appears before us, (from on high), because after all, we only reflect from a greater power source, like a diamond sparkles when the light hits it. Without the light and majesty of our Creator, we would be nothing. But, of course, this is not the Truth. We are and were created to shine forth and sparkle each with our own individual, unique glory, and let our Creator take the reins. We should not try to micro manage our lives. This only leads to frustration and chaos. Who needs that!
It is the water and pebbles that teach us little by little to add the rocks. I definitely do not agree with the rocks first. If you want to be a good artist, whether visual, writer, photographer, actor and singer the water and pebbles teach you and advance you to the rock (the goal). They are the foundation, piece by piece. Without that foundation very few will get the rock.
Hi Clint, Just a couple of days ago I was thinking about an article you wrote awhile back about how procrastination can be productive. Today’s post is excellent. I’m one of those crazy, weird and creative people who has been feeling totally overwhelmed by perceived rocks and pebbles. A retired spouse around the house takes time and adds more responsibility for what should be trivial things, and while he’s not demanding, I feel the weight of guilt over not ever getting home chores and food under control while constantly leaving the “water” for my spare time, which hardly ever works out. Something’s got to change.
This post is so meaningful and was a total surprise. I thought you were going to reiterate the rocks first idea. I’ll read it again seek time for pondering and also get out of the house and into the outdoors where my mind and body can relax.
I find myself living in the water these days. I remember Steven Covey well. I was in the corporate world for many years, then transitioned to the professional artist that I am today. But I still hung onto the 'shoulds' that were part of that old world of commitment. Today, while still working with some commitments (can't avoid those because they create today's income), I'm also allowing myself to swim in those creative waters and I am discovering - essentually escavating - who I really am as a creator. This is freeing the creative mind that I had so many years ago! I'm grateful for the living waters. Thank you for sharing.
I love this perspective of yours, Clint. The Internet is awash in productivity advice, but alas, some of our best creative work emerges from magical origins. Epiphanies in the shower, or a dream at 3AM that leads to a breakthrough essay. Sure, Covey’s big rocks make sense for parts of our lives. We must attend to the immediate. Prioritize. Get those big rocks addressed. And certainly the pebbles will nibble us to death if we let them. But the magic is found in the water. It’s fluid inspiration. The way water fills the jar, regardless of the rocks and pebbles, is a metaphor for how the magic of life (our creative, divine expression) fills our souls and gives life its deepest resonance.
Right on!
“Maybe we should all take a few rocks out of the metaphorical jar and leave even more room for the living water of life to flow into us.” Love this life lesson. You got me on living water of life.
I needed to hear this, as I have (again) over committed myself to the "rocks" part of life, leaving not enough room for the quiet moments that fit in between tasks. Thanks!
Love this article! Also love the phrase "the illusion of control"! Ha! Isn't that the truth! I'm certainly learning to give up that idea because that is what it is ... an illusion!! And the quicker that we learn to not try to orchestrate everything down to the last minute detail, the happier and more harmonious our lives will be. We need to "go with the flow" and gather inspiration when it appears before us, (from on high), because after all, we only reflect from a greater power source, like a diamond sparkles when the light hits it. Without the light and majesty of our Creator, we would be nothing. But, of course, this is not the Truth. We are and were created to shine forth and sparkle each with our own individual, unique glory, and let our Creator take the reins. We should not try to micro manage our lives. This only leads to frustration and chaos. Who needs that!
True, yet we still try. It's a lesson I have to re-learn every day.
Same here! But it's lessening, thank goodness! Guess I am a hard learner.
It is the water and pebbles that teach us little by little to add the rocks. I definitely do not agree with the rocks first. If you want to be a good artist, whether visual, writer, photographer, actor and singer the water and pebbles teach you and advance you to the rock (the goal). They are the foundation, piece by piece. Without that foundation very few will get the rock.
I love it! That’s so true. You are an awesome writer, Clint, and inspire me greatly.
Thank you so much. As with all artists, I am riddled with self doubt, so this comment means a lot.
Your “The Water is Life” is beautifully done! Thank you for the inspiration.
So true and so good! Thank you!!
Hi Clint, Just a couple of days ago I was thinking about an article you wrote awhile back about how procrastination can be productive. Today’s post is excellent. I’m one of those crazy, weird and creative people who has been feeling totally overwhelmed by perceived rocks and pebbles. A retired spouse around the house takes time and adds more responsibility for what should be trivial things, and while he’s not demanding, I feel the weight of guilt over not ever getting home chores and food under control while constantly leaving the “water” for my spare time, which hardly ever works out. Something’s got to change.
This post is so meaningful and was a total surprise. I thought you were going to reiterate the rocks first idea. I’ll read it again seek time for pondering and also get out of the house and into the outdoors where my mind and body can relax.
I find myself living in the water these days. I remember Steven Covey well. I was in the corporate world for many years, then transitioned to the professional artist that I am today. But I still hung onto the 'shoulds' that were part of that old world of commitment. Today, while still working with some commitments (can't avoid those because they create today's income), I'm also allowing myself to swim in those creative waters and I am discovering - essentually escavating - who I really am as a creator. This is freeing the creative mind that I had so many years ago! I'm grateful for the living waters. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve seen this develop in your work Terry.
Thank you, Lori! 😊