I recently came across this quotation from Martha Graham –
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and 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 be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. 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. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is on a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”
I think this is SO good! From my perspective as a medical doctor, I, too, see that in each of us there is a unique vitality. It’s not an entity but it’s certainly a reality. It energises us; it organises us; protects us and maintains our health. And on top of all that it’s the source of our growth. In times gone by people have considered this phenomenon to be some kind of entity and have named it either the “vital principle”, or the “vital force”. The most modern scientific understanding would be that it’s probably better understood as simply a characteristic of a complex organism. But this quote from Martha Graham is much more poetic than that!
It’s inspirational!
Hi Bob,
As a dancer (hobby not profession), I read this quote as Martha talking about dancing. I love how you’ve applied it to our entire lives! It is so very true.
And there is nothing better than to get completely immersed in joyful feelings as you dance . . . and live.
I found you through Joanna Young’s Confident Writing blog, btw. I’ve subscribed to your blog.
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