What Kind of Life Are You Making?
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
Winston Churchill
July is flying by.
I’m working on a new film project, packing and cleaning our house, bubbling with creative ideas for a book, going on vacation, having chai with sweet friends, contemplating life’s lessons with monks, and chatting about my film ‘Ruth’ on Zoom with fellow creatives.
I haven’t been this busy in a long time.
In my twenties, I needed half a dozen creative projects on the go or I thought I'd wither. That was challenged in my thirties when I examined my patterns and accepted I’m more contemplative than a business mogul.
At one point, I even hired a Zen productivity coach who gave me tools for a mindful work life. One tip was to zero off my emails, which I’ve never brought myself to do. (What if I need that for something?!)
Don’t get me wrong, I get a lot done when I spring into action, but I need a clear vision of what I want to achieve and how it impacts the soul before I start.
Beautiful Trees
Society rewards productivity at all costs and often separates work from an introspective soulful life.
It’s taken me twenty years to become comfortable with my desire for a life that suits my nature while balancing the needs of those around me.
For instance, when working on a creative project, I’m working hard for my client or future audience and also enjoying myself- savouring the shot list, finding the story, camera movements, and colours to bring a vision to life. I sip tea, listen to classical music, and stare out the window for inspiration.
When walking the dog between tasks, I love watching his paws flop on the pavement, the sun casting shadows on the cement, and the tree leaves dancing in the wind.
When cleaning, parenting or facing a difficult conversation, I focus on not letting my optimism slide if things take longer than planned or there’s no immediate solution to a problem. (This takes massive mindfulness and a commitment to seeing things through.)
When meditating before the start of another busy day, I’m distilling my thoughts, feeling expansion in my heart, and greeting joy from a crevice in my soul.
I now understand that it’s one thing to make a living, but it’s quite another thing to make a life.
Rushing and knocking off my to-do list is sometimes necessary, and it feels good to see the little green checkmark next to an item, but mostly, like an old-school shoe cobbler, I like mastering my craft by taking my time and finding joy in the journey.
July Vacation on SaltSpring Island.