02/13/2023
What’s your ancestral legacy?
Modeling our parents is the number one way we humans learn to be human.
My dad was a good storyteller. Not only did he have a
phantasmagorical life, but he also enjoyed telling stories to anybody that would listen. Any unsuspecting stranger, standing near him was fair game.
I heard a good story about Johnny Cash. A musical producer was contracted to help Johnny regain his groove in his later years. They sat together in the producer’s home. Johnny played and sang his favorite tunes. Day after day, they sat together. Johnny played, and the producer listened to simple acoustic renditions of the corny old country, blues, and folk songs.
Months later, after hundreds of studio hours with great musicians, the producer and Johnny listened again to those raw and vulnerable solo acoustic recordings. Those first tracks were by far the best. Untouched, pure raw genius. Those corny old tunes were the ones they published and they were a big hit!
Authenticity makes good art. Vulnerability creates good communication. Raw inspiration is thrilling.
It’s difficult to bare your soul and be radically honest, even with yourself.
What a gift for Johnny Cash the legend, after so many years of stardom, to open wide, and be witnessed and appreciated in all his imperfect beauty.
It’s important to put down the shields of protection. Stop pretending. Simply be present and connect. Even when it’s difficult.
My best work arises when I allow the crusty bits of self-doubt to soften. I feel the warmth of my community leaning in close. The world opens her arms to embrace me, warts, and all.
Good/bad, right/wrong, light/dark, and love/fear all merge into wholeness.
One beautiful dance; awareness > acceptance > inspired flow > presence > repeat
Sometimes this path leads me to deep intimacy, a delicious new recipe, a surprising adventure, a profound connection with a total stranger, or even a crazy difficult experience that’ll be a good story someday.
Sending you love.
—Melissa