is for soul shape
“The shape of each soul is different. There is a secret destiny for each person. When you endeavor to repeat what others have done or force yourself into a preset mold, you betray your individuality. We need to return to the solitude within, to find again the dream that lies at the hearth of the soul. We need to feel the dream with the wonder of a child approaching a threshold of discovery. When we rediscover our childlike nature, we enter into a world of gentle possibility. Consequently, we will find ourselves more frequently at that place, that place of ease, delight, and celebration. The false burdens fall away. We come into rhythm with ourselves. Our clay shape gradually learns to walk beautifully on this magnificent earth.”
I laughed in delight when I found these words from John O’Donohue. They reflect what I believe whole-heartedly and the message of my work. But said with a clarity and grace that I haven’t managed.
One of my beliefs of course is that we are so much more than can be contained within this physical vessel. And so I find work of visionary artists who try to depict this fascinating. Perhaps some day my art skills will catch up to my visions, but in the meantime I muddle along and leave it to others. For a while I was working extensively with bottle people – filling them with botanicals and messages and bits representing various parts of ourselves. Then I did a series where I put the filled bottles into larger jars. I was hoping for sort of a Soul-level matroyshka nesting set, but I never managed anything I really liked. I’m feeling called to re-explore the idea though, so we’ll see what comes of it.
Here I’m sharing a journal page where I’ve created a person from bits of vintage jewelry findings. I was trying to express how I think we all come in with an agreed upon blueprint, and hold within us codings that get activated at various times, but we are always in control of what we fill ourselves with and how we express our soul self – hence all that empty space.
So what do you think? What do you imagine your soul shape is? Are you as fascinated with matryoshka dolls as I am? Ever wondered what kind of findings (jewelry or otherwise) you might be made of? Do tell – you know I love to
I do wonder about the shape of my soul and what it will take to unlock it and lead me on the right path to fulfill its destiny. The quotation was thought provoking and profound. I”ll be thinking about these concepts for awhile.
I find O’Donohue’s writings thought-provoking as well. And I love those kinds of questions that inspire us to listen deeply. Wishing you joy during your musings.
I think that soul doesn’t have a shape. I believe it is an energy and can take any shape…
Indeed Evalina. And I’m trusting you know that was the inquiry of an artist and not meant literally. 🙂
Interesting question about the shape of the soul and I like Evalina’s idea that it can take any shape. It would be a bit boring to be stuck with the same shape forever.
I’m quite sure our soul selves are as unique and beautiful and ever-evolving as we all are here in the physical.
Great quote. Yes, I love matryoshka dolls. I did not know what they were called. I had a set of Santa ones for decoration that got damaged and I could never make myself get rid of the set because they are just cool. I had one set that were really cheesy, they had advertising on them but I loved the shape and I kept them for a while thinking that I would repaint them. But I think I got rid of them in a cleaning spree. I think that it would be cool to find an old set that is in disrepair and try sanding them down and repainting them with something cool. That is on my art “Wish List” for someday when I have time to add more stuff to my plate. Haha.
I wished we lived closer. I would so love to hang with you and share a cup of tea. I do get to Chicago sometimes so next time I am planning a trip there, I will let you know. If you ever get to the Twin Cities, let me know and I will spoil you with a yummy home-cooked meal.
It would indeed be fun to get together Amy. We could well spend the day on the subject of matryoshka dolls – I have a separate section of my brain devoted to ideas about them. 🙂 I love your plan to reclaim a set and make it your own – that would be so much fun!