What I love about Rick Rubin's book is how simple his concepts are: take time to make, don't overthink things, write stuff down, be honest with yourself, be ok with experimentation, etc. He's also all about process. I recently saw an interview with him where he basically lambasted the experience of helping make a number one hit song. He said he felt so unhappy because he thought he wanted that, but ultimately didn't. That wasn't the source of happiness.
His other big reality, and something I'm very much coming to terms with (not because I'm egotistical) is that I'll never be a famous artist, or photographer, or musician, or writer. And that's ok. For the majority of us, curiosity and creativity will not overlap with financial success or recognition. But the latter shouldn't matter. The practitioner should be focused on finding the thing you love doing and immersing yourself as much as possible, even if minutes to a day. I try and edit a photo, print a photo, make a photo every day. Most days it's all shit. But it makes me so happy. There may never be recognition, but as long as I recognize that happiness, I think it's fulfillment in its purest form.
Totally, it's so simple and yet I find myself highlighting more text than what I leave unhighlighted! A great lesson in boiling things down to their essence
Well done, partner! (sometimes we all need to hear it)
Ever since college, I've noticed that I often get sick immediately after big stressful life event - final exams, major deadline, etc - comes to an end. It's like my body lets down its guard after being on high alert/adrenaline and tells me that it's time to chill the eff out, whether I like it or not.
Excited for you and Iris in this next phase in Oaxaca.
I'm sorry you got sick! Get well, my friend, I'm expecting lots of insta stories during your roadtrip to Mexico ;)
I just got my copy of Rick Rubin's book, I'm planning to start reading it this weekend too (and I also blame Alejandro for make me wanna read it)... I listened the interview Krista Tippett did with him for her On Being podcast, I have the feeling that is a great preview of the book: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5c1KUG91O89tuhXNk9gjoy?si=uW5U0970R9qsDPGfdNixeg
Nice, just added it to my queue! And probably few or no insta stories ... but I definitely plan on sharing some reflections, observations, and descriptions here. And better than any insta anything, i get to see you in person!
I have yet to meet David of the 4th paragraph, looking forward to meeting him so that we can truly say that we are besties. I daydream of the Administration at my school stumbling onto this post.
Hey - I totally relate to the feeling of deflation. Working in a job, in an organization, in a sector provides all sorts of stimulus and feedback. You know how you're doing because it's reflected back at you continuously. You can take solace little affirmations; the daily "good job" and "thanks a million" you get in meetings and emails. Then, suddenly, it's all gone and you don't have anything - or at least not the familiar things - to prop you up. I've had the sense of being adrift, without a clear identity or direction. It can be invigorating and exciting. It can be terribly lonely and fearsome. I won't bore you with advice on it - I probably don't know you well enough to give any and you seem self-reflective enough to sort it out in any case. But just to say that I totally get it.
What I love about Rick Rubin's book is how simple his concepts are: take time to make, don't overthink things, write stuff down, be honest with yourself, be ok with experimentation, etc. He's also all about process. I recently saw an interview with him where he basically lambasted the experience of helping make a number one hit song. He said he felt so unhappy because he thought he wanted that, but ultimately didn't. That wasn't the source of happiness.
His other big reality, and something I'm very much coming to terms with (not because I'm egotistical) is that I'll never be a famous artist, or photographer, or musician, or writer. And that's ok. For the majority of us, curiosity and creativity will not overlap with financial success or recognition. But the latter shouldn't matter. The practitioner should be focused on finding the thing you love doing and immersing yourself as much as possible, even if minutes to a day. I try and edit a photo, print a photo, make a photo every day. Most days it's all shit. But it makes me so happy. There may never be recognition, but as long as I recognize that happiness, I think it's fulfillment in its purest form.
Totally, it's so simple and yet I find myself highlighting more text than what I leave unhighlighted! A great lesson in boiling things down to their essence
Well done, partner! (sometimes we all need to hear it)
Ever since college, I've noticed that I often get sick immediately after big stressful life event - final exams, major deadline, etc - comes to an end. It's like my body lets down its guard after being on high alert/adrenaline and tells me that it's time to chill the eff out, whether I like it or not.
Excited for you and Iris in this next phase in Oaxaca.
Yes, I guess the body does keep the score after all!
I'm sorry you got sick! Get well, my friend, I'm expecting lots of insta stories during your roadtrip to Mexico ;)
I just got my copy of Rick Rubin's book, I'm planning to start reading it this weekend too (and I also blame Alejandro for make me wanna read it)... I listened the interview Krista Tippett did with him for her On Being podcast, I have the feeling that is a great preview of the book: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5c1KUG91O89tuhXNk9gjoy?si=uW5U0970R9qsDPGfdNixeg
Nice, just added it to my queue! And probably few or no insta stories ... but I definitely plan on sharing some reflections, observations, and descriptions here. And better than any insta anything, i get to see you in person!
I have yet to meet David of the 4th paragraph, looking forward to meeting him so that we can truly say that we are besties. I daydream of the Administration at my school stumbling onto this post.
You know, it had been so long since I fell into a funk like that. I think it was really good for me.
And you're so right, results-based parenting/educating is the worst of all.
Hey - I totally relate to the feeling of deflation. Working in a job, in an organization, in a sector provides all sorts of stimulus and feedback. You know how you're doing because it's reflected back at you continuously. You can take solace little affirmations; the daily "good job" and "thanks a million" you get in meetings and emails. Then, suddenly, it's all gone and you don't have anything - or at least not the familiar things - to prop you up. I've had the sense of being adrift, without a clear identity or direction. It can be invigorating and exciting. It can be terribly lonely and fearsome. I won't bore you with advice on it - I probably don't know you well enough to give any and you seem self-reflective enough to sort it out in any case. But just to say that I totally get it.