Expressiveness and the Inner Critic

By on January 6, 2009 in Happiness, Inspiration, Spirit

Deconstructing the word "expressiveness," we find that it means "to press (push) outside." What is to be pushed outside? Something that is inside, obviously.

Indeed, things of beauty and wonder lie dormant in the hearts of men and women. They are beckoning to awake, to have their human hosts transpose them from the gray, formless void of abstract dreamland to physical reality.

Wonderful colors, intricately lovely shapes, soothing notes, and rythmic verses that stir the soul; they are all just beneath the surface, palpable almost, yet in hiding.

To be allowed to leap forth and manifest in the material realm, these wonderful concepts must first overcome the barriers of self-doubt, analytical thinking, and the all-consuming ego.

So let go I say; silence the inner critic, and let the emotion and creative maelstrom pour forth, spewing its dazzling, sparkly array of colors, notes, and words. Later, there will be time to analyze, refine, and polish, if necessary. Be like a child and play with it. Resolutely step beyond the rational ‘you’. It is not the greatest or most defining part of the Self. Abandon yourself with bliss to the whirlwind within. Go ahead. Read some Dr. Seuss if you must, it might help! Keeping a journal is a must. Dream journaling is the cherry on top. 

Embrace the Way of the Artist.

You will find that you encompass much more than you dared to imagine, that indeed you encompass the whole universe. And you will no longer be content to shrink into the smallness of convention, of rational individuality. You will feel confined by the ‘you’ that is not ‘we,’ for you will have seen and felt the larger reality beyond, the very fabric of childhood dreams long forgotten.

About sebasroy

I'm a trained electrical engineer, yet I tend to work like an artist. I am equally fascinated by high-tech and by simple, back-to-earth lifestyles. I work as a university professor, yet have little reverence for the establishment, tradional forms of education, or any form of intellectual dogma. Friends and colleagues tell me I'm a paradox. I take it as a compliment. I am aware of the acceleration of time on our planet, and the importance in this context of thinking for oneself, of becoming a philosopher, a creative agent of positive change. Find me also on The Omniverse Project (www.omniverseproject.org), Myspace (www.myspace.com/sebparadox), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=593008946&ref=name).
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4 Responses to Expressiveness and the Inner Critic

  1. Maggie January 5, 2009 at 8:25 pm #

    Thanks, that was helpful! Yes, let#s express ourselves. For me this is the right thing to do. Thank you! Margot

  2. sebasroy January 6, 2009 at 1:07 pm #

    You are most welcome. And of course, I write this to substantiate my own resolve, to also remind myself of these truths which tend to be evanescent.

  3. Gabrielle January 10, 2009 at 12:27 pm #

    As an expressive arts therapist/coach and an abstract artist, this post really resonates with me and my work.

    I love how you said, "no longer be content to shrink into the smallness of convention…"

    thanks,

    Gabrielle

  4. sebasroy January 27, 2009 at 1:45 pm #

    I haven't checked in a while, and somehow missed your comment Gabrielle… Thank you for your kind words. You have intrigued me, and I will have to find out more about your activities as an artist and expressive arts coach…

    Looking forward to more exchanges…

    Sebastien