My magic castle

My magic castle

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Magic of Review

There is a tradition of the creative one looking at that which was created and finding it good. It is always good to take joy in one's creations.  But what about the times of dissatisfaction, when one needs to draw down magic?  That is a time when review can also bring forth magic.  Review is sometimes going back to square one, back to the drawing board.  Sometimes it is just looking for the places you need to tweak.  But if you take the willingness to start over to every review you will have a sense of freshness.  Be willing to move back down to a lower step to find what worked.  When you are safely at the platform of what worked you have gained a bit of comfort.  You know that things can work.  Then you can go forward from there.  Going forward might mean taking advice, re-evaluating your efforts, even accepting that you have to make some big changes.  Acceptance can be hard but if you are in a safe place when you have to do it, it isn't so hard after all.  You want to work magic.  Magic is well formed.  If you are pushing beyond what can be supported or work smoothly, review will help you recognize that. You have freed yourself from anxiety by finding the platform of what works.  Now you can look for what has to be newly created in order to move forward.  A side bit of magic, or energy that will fuel further efforts is the joy of discovery of self that comes from review.  You will find yourself saying, "That was pretty good, wasn't it?".  So I say to all wise magicians out there, when you feel the need for a bit of magic, for the spark that will ignite a greater flame, try review as a magic wand.  Review where you are.  Explore what is.  You may find delights and ideas beyond what you expected.  May the spark be with you.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Slow Magic: Silver Linings

Over the winter I had a slightly negative situation in my living conditions.  I'm too busy to bother with a lot of bitching and nit picking, so mostly I just tried to do some teaching and go with the flow. A few weeks after this less than perfect roommate snuck out in the middle of the night I slowly began to see silver linings in the dark clouds he had left behind. I saw business opportunities I hadn't seen before.  Two other family members also found new doors opening up to them.  I began to wonder if there isn't a phenomenon that could be called slow magic.  So often the quick flash of a magic wand is what we think of when we think of magic.  We want to cause better things is life right away.  But sometimes things need to sit and simmer on the back burner.  So I suggest to all wise magicians out there, you may already have a cauldron of magic cooking away.  Discover it and stir it so it doesn't burn. Ideas and opportunities abound.  Find the magic in storm clouds and use it.  May the spark be with you.