bitter-sweet duality

Once upon a time… I spent my days with a two-year-old who called bitter-sweet berries — “boo-boos.” Love, or hate it… Time Marches On.

“Kairos!” KAAAAAIIIIIRRRRROOOOOSSSSSS!” Thalia imagined herself sitting on a wall of fieldstone, trying to catch falling oak leaves.

“Chronos.” Nią looked at the clock.

Calliope drummed fingers on her cheek. I love my job. I love my job. I love my job. The Muse of Harmony smiled. “Greek… How wonderful! I’m going to pass this one off to Typist.”

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Words from Typist:

Today, the first day of the rest of our lives, the muses and I give attention to chronos — clocks, deadlines, calendar/planner… goals. We’re working on our Portfolio of Power.

There’s resistance (even from Nia) because for a very long time we’ve lived much of our days in kairos — wondering, wandering, reading, connecting, waltzing with the present moment.

Having spent years disassembling cultural fences — we’re a little leery of barriers — even if they’re self-created, and split-railed for easy escape.

Time.
Time, time, time has knocked three times on my ceiling in the last few days.

First… Gary and Bruce tackled time in Sunday’s next mountain please conversation thread.
Second… Tuesday delivered a time sensitive message from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach — Listen to me read
Third… Today’s Quiet Disruptor letter rounded out the trifecta!

What all of this has me asking is:

• Does chronos get a bad wrap?

• Is it my joby to approach kairos and chronos as ‘yes, and’ instead of ‘either, or’?

• What if the story I tell myself about the time spent inside the fence is a story of play, instead of work?

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Let me tell you about Amy Graham, an expressive arts therapist who uses art to connect people with themselves and others.

At the retreat, Amy gifted each participant a heart-shaped rock that she found on the shore of Lake Michigan. Smooth and soothing to the touch, I’ve been holding mine while on video calls. (Way better than a ball-point because I don’t draw all over my digits!)

Amy made space for us to create with a colorful selection of paper, pens, pencils, oils, and crayons. We each made a card — not knowing who would receive our artwork. Once complete, we popped our gifts into a paper bag.

Next we blindly drew a card… and shared how we received the love.
Then, the card’s creator shared the vision behind what they’d made.
Magical Math Connection!
1 +1 = greater than 2

If you’d like to learn more about Amy’s work (play?), she’s open to connection via email.
amy@cityscapecounseling.com

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“Muse-wear. Get your muse-wear here!”