Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Flying Girl Follows Her Fear, or The Wolf and Red

Flying Girl Follows Her Fear, or The Wolf and Red
2/17/09
Golden Fluid Acrylics on paper, 5x7

Sometimes, fear is a signal that we are getting close to our dreams. We are afraid to reach that potential and then be responsible for our own success and failures. We are afraid to have people depend upon us, because we are afraid we might disappoint them. We are afraid we really aren't good enough for our dreams. We are afraid we will be revealed as a fraud.

We are afraid that if we have something, it can then be taken away from us, or leave us of its own free will. We are afraid that what we want was not what we really wanted at all. We are afraid that we are not who we thought we were.

We are afraid of the mysterious and the unknown, and we'd rather stay safe holed up in our little cottage. We are afraid of taking a wrong turn and getting lost in the brambles. We are afraid we are not strong enough, quick enough, smart enough, talented enough, nice enough, tough enough, good enough to live up to the challenges on our road.

That way goes through the deep woods. That way is haunted by dangers and ghosts and wild animals.

Stay to the path, they say.

But perhaps, those of us who hear the howl of the wolf leading us into the shadows, are hearing the wildness of our own souls calling to us.

What power might we find if we fly to meet that untamed part of ourselves?

9 comments:

Juliet Colors said...

That's lovely. I really like the red, and the purse that looks like the moon.

Genie Sea said...

You are so wonderfully prolific. Each FG is more spectacular than the one before. I love all of them. They are forming a magic train of awesome crreativity.

Sara Moriarty said...

delicious painting and thoughtful words. you're posts always leave me thinking...

Emme said...

Oh Rowena! I haven't checked in on you for a few days, and you have been rockin' it! Wow! I LOVE the last few paintings! I also love your words especially today. I've been feeling so anxious and weird lately, even as my dreams and the path toward them becomes clear, supported and accessible. SCARY! Glad I'm not alone on the journey.

Anonymous said...

I have been lurking here for a few days now since you posted that comment on Havi's post about crying and meditation.

The first time I came, my heart began to race. Looking at your pictures, I felt something come out from them and plunge deep into my chest. There is something in these images that is talking to me, on a level underneath pictures and words.

But your words do the same - I find myself nodding in agreement when you talk about fear. I love your thoughts and your art. Thank you for putting this out into the world.

ConverseMomma said...

I fear someone coming and chopping off my red shoes before I have allowed myself to dance in them.

Need to let that go....

Unknown said...

Follow that fear and do it outloud!!

Square-Peg Karen said...

ohhhh, you pulled my fears straight out my heart and spoke them...(even ones I didnt' realize until I read this) - and i'm not sure why the Flying Girl in this picture gives me courage (maybe the red - maybe her wild awesome hair, which reminds me of a tree - so, strength, groundedness...) - unbelievably appropos!! Thanks!

Diana said...

Ditto, ditto, ditto to everything said here. Must all artists struggle with this fear?

I think our culture has given us a fear of being lopped off if we get too tall.

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