keeping the channel open

“The Dancer” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
“The Dancer” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

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 even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.
~ Martha Graham
(Dance to the Piper)

12 thoughts on “keeping the channel open”

  1. What an inspiring quote Barbara.

    “…because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.

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

  2. This quote is a demanding request – asking clarity and focus from us, a purity of purpose, just when we are doing that most difficult and important of things: expressing outselves.

Leave a Reply to Barbara RodgersCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.