“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.” – Martha Graham, 1943
This is a quote by Martha Graham who is recognized as one of the most important contributors of contemporary modern dance. She danced before eight US Presidents and is the founder of the longest running dance school. She was very influential in dance until her death at age 92. She believed that “great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
We can look at people like Martha in awe and admire the impact they had on the world around them. But what Martha has done is possible for all of us. She listened to her heart, discovered her purpose, applied her strengths and lived to her maximum potential. Just like an oak seed has all the potential within it to become a towering giant, so each of us has seeds of greatness within us. We just have to nurture the potential and bring it to full bloom. So, how do we get to this level of maximizing our individual unique potential?
In my past articles, you have probably noticed a theme of listening within. Listening is like water. It nourishes the seed to take root to grow. It encourages, gives clarity and direction. When a seed is not watered it becomes neglected and loses its potential. Maybe it gets blown across the ground by the wind or an animal carries it away to a nest in a tree, but it just sits and stays a seed. When we don’t water our seed with the water of listening in the soil of our hearts, we also can become easily distracted, blown by the wind and carried away by various activities that keep us busy, but we remain a seed.
I was recently introduced to a video that I believe sums this up very well. Please watch and take its message to heart. Then read my forthcoming article that will give more steps to deep listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk