Tinkering.

9

Tinkering.



The Tao te Ching tells us that it is better to have enough rather than to have too much of anything. If we accumulate too many possessions, we could find that we have less  to enjoy to the full that which we have. We may even begin to feel insecure fretting that others may take from us what we already have.

It is always wise to know when it is time to stop accumulating. It is also wise in the creative process to know when we have done enough or even said enough. In the writing of prose or verse it is easy to continue to write long after the point you wish to make has been made. There comes a time when it is correct to lay down the pen. 

So also when painting. There comes a point when it is time to lay down the brushes and put away the paint. I wonder how many paintings and creations have been ruined by continuing on when it is past time to stop? So often long after the time has come, we tinker and tinker some more. Such tinkering often takes away from the spontaneity that made the creation good.

Again the Tao te Ching gives good advice. Do what has to be done and then walk away. This is the way to peace and serenity.

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