The Wound Is Where the Light Enters: The Beauty of Chaos

Musings from an Artist's Notebook: Ugly Stages

We've all been there – staring at a canvas, a moment or life, feeling like everything has gone wrong, and wondering if we've made a mistake. But what if I told you that those ugly stages may not only be a natural part of the creative process, but also a necessary step towards growth, learning, and transformation? My lesson today: There is beauty in the mess and discovery in those difficult moments if you lead with kindness, curiosity, and an open heart.

"Journey" - Wildebeest Migration - Oil Painting - 120 x 40cm

Art & Ugly Stages

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a rut, like everything is falling apart, and you're not sure how to pick up the pieces? I know I have. As an artist, I've had my fair share of ugly stages in my paintings – the colours don't match, the proportions are off, and I'm left feeling frustrated and unsure.

And it's not just about art. We all go through stages in life that seem incoherent, lost, or wildly uncomfortable. But these are not necessarily bad, or a sign that we've made a mistake. They're simply part of the artwork that is our lives. They're the moments of growth, of learning, and of transformation. 😁

The Wound As the Place Where the Light Enters

As I've navigated these ugly stages, I've learned to be kind to myself and to remind myself that it's okay to not have all the answers. It's okay to not know what's next. And it's okay to take a step back and reassess. As Rumi, once said, "The wound is the place where the light enters you." And I think that's so true.

Discomfort and pain have a way of cracking us open, so that we get to discover our strength, our resilience, and our capacity for growth.

So, What Can We Do?

Take a deep breath, and remember that it's okay to not have everything figured out. You are not alone in this journey. We're all navigating these ugly stages together, and it's in these moments that we discover what we truly value and care about. Take a step back, be kind to yourself, and remember that the wound is the place where the light enters you.

With that awareness at the ready you have options and depending on your situation you could:

• Take a step forward into the discomfort and lean in

• Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it's okay to not have all the answers

• Take a step back and reassess your priorities

• Or simply take a deep breath and remember that you are not alone in this journey

Whatever you choose, remember that the ugly stages of art and life are not just a natural part of the process, but also a necessary step towards growth, learning, and transformation.

I'd love to hear from you — let me know in the comments below. 😁

Thank you for reading. Go check out some of my other articles below.