Chatter.


56

Chatter.



What is true for everybody is also true for those within the creative community. Attend any gathering of people and you will discover that there are, in every group those who talk and those who listen. Go to a first night viewing at an art gallery and it will be just the same. Often at such, there is a great deal of chatter and much of it seems to make little sense.

There are always some at such events who wish to show their knowledge, to express their opinion of the artist's works, often before having given any real time to view what is being exhibited. There may be "experts" in art present, but that is no guarantee that what is being said is of value.

Something else that we can say about such gatherings is this. There will be many conversations that did not really happen. It is possible to think you are having a conversation with another, but you become aware that you are not being listened to, in fact wasting your time. You may not be listened to because the other assumes you have nothing of worth to say. You may not be listened to because the other would much prefer to be doing the talking.

The Tao Te Ching has wise words to say on this subject.  "Those who know do not talk, those who do not know talk all the time."

It is wise, to now and again, to stop all of the chatter. To take a time of quiet to consider who we are, talkers or listeners?  One who has considered what is worth saying, or one who loves the sound of their own voice?

Artists, composers, writers or sculptors we all need to take some time of silence to calm our thoughts. To have time away from attention seeking or out of the spotlight.

Time to release the worries or concerns, we all have them, and allow the inner light to once again glow.

If it is true for creative persons, it is equally true for us all.

Silence the talking, the chatter, and be at one with Tao.

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