Asking for Presence, by Nadia Daniels-Moehle. 2019. Watercolor and graphite on paper.
This week, inspiration led me to Maria Popova twice. Her work on The Marginalian has nourished me, intellectually and creatively, for many years.
While I was reviewing articles and inspirations from years past, I came across the Marginalian article “9 Learnings from 9 Years of Brain Pickings” which I had printed out circa 2015, knowing that, one day, I would seek its wisdom once again.
Popova’s 6th learning is:
“Presence is far more intricate and rewarding an art than productivity.”
Today, I was reminded of a guiding force my life has experienced: the art of presence. In a project like CognEYEzant:365, productivity often finds itself at the forefront of my mind. Yet, art asks for presence, perhaps–much like a child–demands presence, one moment at a time.
When was the last time presence demanded your attention?
254 days done, 111 to go.