Speaking Through Silence

"Music of the Soul"
An Original, One of a Kind, Mixed Media Painting & Assemblage w/Beeswax
by Raleigh, NC Outsider Artist ~ Chrysti ~
Size: 6" x 6" x 3/4" D
Created On: Gallery Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang!

I completed this piece in April '07 -- all but one part, the caption. Last week, as I sat down.. the words just began to form...

"Through silence you speak the music of your soul"

 I smiled to myself, as I realized that is slowly becoming my own, personal mantra.

 The last few months, have not only been extremely productive, but also very challenging for me. I have come face to face with myself, over & over again... both my strengths, and my weaknesses have been practically shoved in front of me as I have spent large amounts of time alone, in isolation -- simply trying to get caught up, and establish new routines. More time to myself means more silence, and more time to over contemplate every aspect of my life. Too much time in fact. For someone with bipolar disorder, this can often be a one way, fast track into extreme depression.

 What I initially found frightening -- that face to face time with myself, has since turned into an enlightening experience, as I find myself embracing my own, personal evolution. I am learning to trust in my own instincts, to trust a bit more in myself and a bit less in what other people think.. to not only trust but to seek that inner silence, that we all tend to push aside. A process I am beginning to find comforting, and not at all scary. See, we really do have a purpose for every part of our life -- even if we can't recognize it at the time.

 Blocking out all that external 'noise', has truly brought clarity to me, and a newfound strength that is manifesting itself through my art, my photography, my accomplishments, and most importantly in who I am, and who I want to become. A lifelong, never ending process for all of us.

 "Silence tells the seeker in us to love, to love himself.
It tells us it is wrong to hate ourselves because of our imperfections.
When the seeker loves himself, loves the Divine within himself,
he eventually realists the Ultimate Truth."

So go on, take a few silent moments for yourself today... you never know what you may discover, if you just give it a chance.

 -Chrysti