Which do you prefer? A narrative, or a dialogue with self? Or a little of both?

Does the tone change if using just one? Does the focus change if using both? Or is it all the same thing anyway?

Whether you wax on in self-narration, or stop and question and have a conversation with the self, it is all a complex fabric of ego, shadow, light & dark; awareness, curiosity, doubt, affirmation & acceptance.

Do we have these conversations without thinking - (is THAT possible?). Does the conversation offer and affect a knee-jerk reaction or feeling that may be less than desirable?

Oh I have so many observations and so many questions! Perhaps that’s the ongoing discovery.

Where are we looking? What are we seeing? What are responding to? Why? What is the outcome?

As our industry has begun to re-emerge, and possibilities begin to reveal themselves, what are your observations of self? What are your observations of self REACTING TO?

Are you simply reverting to “before” and falling into the same patterns? Are you even aware you are falling into the familiar, which may not be the healthiest behavior?

Are you choosing to be more present and aware of your reactions, your decisions, your choices and making clear distinctions for new behavior or healthier responses?

Talk is cheap. We know that. We see that all around us. It’s easy to say the words and move along.

Do we do that with ourselves too?

Isn’t that when the dialogue steps in front of the narrative and says “hey, hang one one second, I think we need to talk.”

Is the cheap talk part of the pattern?

Is the panic part of the pattern?

Is the FOMO part of the pattern?

Are any of these patterns serving you?

Ah, the complexity of narration and dialogue meeting patterns…

Do I have the answers? No. I just have more questions! I do like how the questions can re-route my narrative into a dialogue and stop the patterns from assuming too much.

Here’s a little assignment if you are so inclined:

1. Write down a STATEMENT about YOU, the ARTIST. (and I bet the first word you think of is negative, isn’t it?)

   “I AM ________”.

2. Now, ask the question: “WHY am I ______?”

3. Now, ask the question: “WHAT am I __________ for?”

4. Now, ask the question: “HOW am I _______?”

Answer those questions. I don’t know is an answer.

NOW, do the same set of questions using a POSITIVE STATEMENT. Answer THOSE questions.

Is there a narrative? A dialogue? A pattern?

Can you re-shape them? Can you refocus them? Can you flesh them out? Can you shape them? Do you want to bother?

If you dare to approach this, are the patterns worth pursuing or is it time for an overall?

Maybe it’s time to find a new bar…

with fierceness & fondness,