pat parra

just because

There is a vitality,

a life force,
an energy,
a quickening
that is translated through you into action
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.

And if you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.
The world will not have it.

It is not your business to determine how good it is
nor how valuable,
nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly
to keep the channel open.

You do not have to believe in yourself
or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly to
the urges that motivate you.
Keep the channel open.

No artist is pleased.
There is no satisfaction..
There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction,
a blessed unrest
that keeps us marching
and makes us more alive
than others.

Martha Graham
to Agnes de Mille
in "Dance to the Piper"

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Posted on 03 Oct 2008 by pat