Guest Post by Cathleen McGrath, fellow photographer, dancer and creative finding her way in the world.
I have always considered myself kind of middle of the road, not horribly creative, but very visual, intuitive and perceptive; enough to get myself in trouble sometimes. So how does this middle of the road, “ordinary joe” embrace the out there “badassery” of spirituality, strength, sensuality and visualization?
I was about to find out when I attended Her Vision 2013 last month. I was just a foot outside my comfort zone. The women there were intense. It was inspiring and a bit freeing.
We talked about movement and did some chanting, centering, and visualization? That’s where I REALLY slammed into one of my doors!
I have such a vague vision of what I ultimately want.
I just have words – success and freedom – no pictures. Now for a photographer – that’s a bit odd, yes?
I must be really scared to be so bold as to “see” what I want, that I deserve it and I’m going to have it!
All these years, I have been able to navigate around the invisible doors, but unless I actually open them, I will stay in the same quadrant of my “safe” environment.
I have come to realize that my freedom, bravery and the ability to truly live is behind some pretty intense locked doors.
The rooms that my dreams and abilities to make them reality are locked in are roomy, with big beautiful windows and are comfortable and safe. I can see what is out there for me and it looks beautiful. I have been able to open some of the doors and get closer to the outside, but not all of them. Sometimes, I even get scared from all the fresh creative air. Overwhelmed, I casually walk back to my cozy bed in one of the rooms and stay “safe” and warm.
At my safe haven, I have visitors. They come and tell me how great I look, how talented I am, but I cannot seem to open the door to fully embrace their words.
I often believe that they are just being nice – since I am trapped and all.
Granted, however, I love hearing it. I must believe it to a certain degree because I keep trying to get outside to the reality of my dreams.
Her Vision really opened my eyes to visualizing, centering, and the incredibly hard work involved in doing so. I’m determined this year to open my eyes and heart more to what is inside and outside and embrace what is to come.
