Joseph Raffael told a story about his daughter coming into his studio while he was looking at pictures he’d taken trying to choose the subject of his next painting. She told him she was sick of water lilies and asked when he was going to paint something else.
He let her choose his next subject. It was a rose. He had taken pictures of roses for years but since “men” didn’t paint roses, he never had. He said “it’s one thing to paint water lilies, they’re symbols–transcendental–
He painted the picture she chose and now it’s one of his favorites. Then he commented: “the point is that, in order for me to be my whole self as an artist and as a person, I have to open up those parts that are most vulnerable”.
I recently attended a CEO Space Conference with my husband expecting a two week vacation in the sun while he networked with other business people.
But…..I spent every meal with 6-7 other entrepreneurs and a faculty member and lasted 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The focus was on cooperating rather than competing and helping each one of us crystallize our purpose and formulate specific steps to achieve our goals.
The whole process was a giant wake up call for me. In the beginning, I couldn’t even articulate what I wanted. I didn’t know what I wanted. How sad is that? As I soul searched through the first days…..imagine spending six hours a day with coaches and mentors eager to help you find yourself, not your facade but your real self. Then, between meals were hours of workshops and seminars.
I kept looking around the different venues, at all of the accomplished people around me, feeling alone. Feeling less. But, as I made friends and heard others’ stories, I realized we were all the same. Yes, some of us were more composed and confident at the moment. But, life has a way of presenting ups and downs…..challenges and solutions.
At the graduation ceremony , Berny Dohrmann, the CEO and Chairman, thanked us for being vulnerable! I sat there for a moment, struck by that statement and realized that’s what had happened. He had created an environment that was safe and all inclusive as well as stimulating…..energizing. Creativity blossomed all around me. This large group of people had let down their barriers and become vulnerable to one another. It was amazing! I felt amazing!
That experience is why I’m blogging…..why I’m painting again. That’s why you’re seeing my paintings on my blog. That’s why I’m loving life again. The message I received and the message I pass along to you is “be real, be you, be vulnerable.”