Monday, June 1, 2009

HIgher self



Sam on Mother's Day
marker on watercolour paper
8 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

I was introduced to the idea of the higher self through the
teachings of Louise Hay. But this idea permeates a lot
of belief systems. It seems to me it's connected with the
whole idea of a "calling." You are called by whatever
you believe in to demonstrate your higher self. Aside
from the idea of hierarchy -- it's an appealing idea.
(I'm not attracted to the thought that we have a higher and
lower self -- disturbing thought on a spiritual level,
because it implies that we are climbing. Trying to
reach a higher status is something many of us have had
enough of.) But I do like the idea that we need to find
our purpose. And when we do find that purpose, it fits
like a glove. We are in our own skin, speak with our
own voice, think the thoughts we enjoy to think -- and
this can have nothing to do with any religious affiliation --
it is just being where we were meant to be, doing what
we love to do.

I love to do two or three things the most. I love to paint, to
teach and to write. I know when I am painting, or teaching
that I am giving those tasks everything I've got. Plus,
even though the jobs may not be easy, they are associated
with a great joy, and an ease and understanding of how to
be.

The drawing tonight is a quick drawing of my son, Sam.
I did it from a photo of him taken on Mother's Day. Drawing
him tonight, I realized how powerfully happy my children
make me, and how they launched me into a world of
discovery that lead me here to you.

Have a moving-into-your-higher-self day.

8 comments:

Laurel Daniel said...

I think we are happiest when we are living out of our passions. Things just seem to work right... your love for your son shows in this picture. What a lucky young man he is! XOXOX

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

You are right. Yes living out our passions is the way to live. I do love my son so much. He is at the edge of adult life, 19, and the question of what and how to be looms very large at that age. He is lucky, because being loved by your parents is a big help when you're working on growing up -- and we are crazy about him. He's a fine human being.

XOXOXBarbara

Gwen Bell said...

I always look forward to your post and this was a great one. I like what you said about "higher/lower" selves. It does have that ring of climbing for yet another thing.

I admire your ability to teach. That is such a wonderful gift. And it IS a gift. I've tried it before and was horrible at it. Made me appreciate the hard work of you who do it so well and how special it must be to be able to give back in such a large way.

My first thought when clicking on this was "Who is that handsome guy?"
Wonderful sketch! Isn't it a great feeling knowing you've equipped him for the journey ahead?

laura said...

Lovely, thoughtful, inspiring post--along with your beautiful art, it's what I always find on your blog! Thank you!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

Of course parenthood is never certain. You hope you've done enough of the right things. We have loved him, and we do think he's wonderful.
He is a lovely young man, and he wants to be an actor. Let's envision a big break for him. Then it will happen.

Thanks for your sweet message.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laura,

Thanks so much, and always love your paintings and the poems. A powerful
combination.

Thanks for your blog,

Take care,

Barbara

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

well said.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Mary,

Thanks so much. I'm sure knowing that my fellow artists are out there helps me concentrate on what's good in life.

Take care,

Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!