You Say Tomato, I Say Pomegranate - July/August MuseLetter

mal·aise - noun

a vague or unfocused feeling of mental

uneasiness, lethargy, or discomfort.

Circa 1768, malaise, from Old French,

mal (bad) + aise (ease) = "ill ease"

I'm not a biologist, but it appears that humans are the only living organism on the planet that, by sheer will alone, can thwart its full and natural expression. In fact, it takes enormous energy not being who we are meant to be. Thus, whether willful or subconscious, containment can result in "ill-ease" in multiple areas of our being and lives; manifesting in our bodies as illness and disease or psychological issues such as fear of public speaking or immobilizing lack of confidence. Or, worst of all, an over-powering numbness of undefined regret.

We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.

- Franqois Duc de La Rochefoucauld

The above quote is in stark contrast to the poignant simplicity of the Gertrude Stein poem entitled, Sacred Emily: "A rose is a rose is a rose", most often interpreted as meaning "things are what they are." A Variegated Alastair rose can never be a Fosteriana tulip. The rose seed knows only to be a rose, the tulip bulb knows only to be a tulip, and neither can be anything other or less than its true nature.

Self-Liberation

Reclaiming Our Childlike Innocence

When we are young children, we live and express with complete and utter authenticity. We are unabashedly truthful and are seldom afraid to speak our minds. Our appetite for curiosity and adventure are imbued with the innate talents, abilities and passions we are born with. We are single minded in our focus; we know what we want, we know what brings us pleasure, and we know how to get it. Put simply, as children, we are drenched in the truth of who we are.

It's quite natural and instructive as children to emulate our parents or those whom we admire; dancing around in mommy's high heels and lipstick, or proudly playing softball with daddy's oversized catcher's mitt. Playing "pretend" is a healthy and creative avenue toward authentic individuation. However, everything has its season, and somewhere along the bumpy road between childhood, the teen years and adulthood, we must discover, claim and define our own values, our own style, purpose and voice.

It is better to fail in originality

than to succeed in imitation.

-Herman Melville

Popularity or Authenticity?

A few years after moving back to Dallas, I began to feel numb and disconnected. Having a fondness for penetrating and collaborative dialogue, I requested a group of friends, both men and women, to join me for some creative brainstorming. At one point in the evening, someone asked how Urban Goddess was being perceived and what was my standing in the community? Knowing I couldn't possibly answer that question myself, I left that to the group. True to style, and one which I admire, an outstanding woman in the community spoke up and simply stated, "word on the street is ... you are scary".

True to form, a few of my friends readily came to my defense, but honestly ... I was exhilarated. Being 'popular' or 'liked' has never really been a part of my schema. Keeping it real, is.

Everything I did in my life that

was worthwhile, I caught hell for.

- Earl Warren

So... I sincerely want to Thank You for being one of my readers; Thank You for being a 'co-conspirator' in the courageous world of creative and honest expression. And if ever you feel the itch, I'd be honored to co-conspire in yours. It's what I do best!

To close, I offer this poignant quote from one of my all-time favorite mentors, Dr. Suess:

Be who you are and say what you feel,

because those who mind don't matter,

and those who matter don't mind.

Call me, let's have coffee!

214.381.1255

From my heart to yours,

Robyn Lark Wakefield