Disappointment No More
Who hasn’t experienced the feeling of wallowing in the self-pity of disappointment?
Let me suggest that there is a better way to liberate yourself from things that don’t seem to work out on your behalf.
“Disappointment is a sort of bankruptcy - the bankruptcy of a soul that expends too much in hope and expectation.”
African Mojo | Original Fine Art Print | Eden Maxwell
THE ISSUE REVEALS ITSELF
Years ago while I had been writing my book, An Artist Empowered, the word disappointment jumped out at me like a hologram on fire. I told my mother that there was something not right with the concept of disappointment. She was a strong intuitive and a great editor, despite having little formal education.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“The word doesn’t seem to work for me.”
“Why not?”
“Let me see whether the answer comes to me,” I said, not yet knowing why this odd feeling had overcome me for no apparent reason.
The next morning, I awoke to realize why disappointment like hope was a word of no real value. Time to talk to mother.
THE SOLUTION PRESENTS ITSELF
“Instead of looking at a thing or a situation that has failed you,” I said, “and embracing that hollow feeling of disappointment, which is an immature ego-based reaction, it would be smarter to flip the perspective and transform it into a teachable moment that has worth.”
“Yes,” said my dear Mom.
“So here is the thought … instead of thinking this or that was disappointing, say this or that was revealing.”
“Ah, I see where this is going,” she said.
“I knew you would. When you see the situation as revealing you have turned the event into a valuable and freeing moment instead of a negative experience, and as a bonus you don’t repeat that same mistake or error in judgment. I realize this involves a certain level of maturity by giving thought to one’s lexicon and not merely parroting words.”
“Wonderful,” said Mom. “Yes, one must use … test your insight to appreciate its value.”
I learned long ago not to dismiss thoughts that come from seemingly nowhere, as it is often my intuition speaking to me.
CONNECTING ON A DEEPER INTUITIVE LEVEL
My art-making is based on the physical flow of spontaneous intuition, which involves a remarkable journey. Impulses of energy and information surge down my arm and, through improvisation, I compose visual jazz with line and color. If the art-making is magic, then the art is magic.
What does the above painting reveal to you? There is no right or wrong answer. Trust your feelings, not the opinion of others, including art critics and so-called experts. Remember, if you see it, then it’s there. Enjoy. Click on the painting for more details.
To get a better feel for the scope and range of my art, please visit my collection of original Fine Art prints: each signed print features museum-quality materials, permanent pigment inks, plus acid-free matting that I attach to the artwork using conservation best practices.
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