Awareness Documentary Makes Me, well, More Aware! May 31, 2010

So, you know that awhile back a cool guy came and interviewed me for possible inclusion in a documentary he was making about Awareness.  The whole process of the interview provided such an amazing means for me to get a look at myself and my relationship to my work.  Then about a month ago, the guy, James, sent me the short video clip of me that he created as possible material for his documentary about awareness.  Seeing the video started a whole new process in me, and got me thinking.  And I wanted to write about it, blog about it, and share it with you all in some way. But each time I had a realization, it made the realization before it seem moot. And that went on for awhile, so that each time I went to write something down to share, what I wanted to share shifted too.  My journey has had so many twists and turns, and feels so nuanced!  But now the thought train has slowed and I want to at least get a nutshell version out there to you folks!

At first when I saw the video, I judged myself very harshly – on what I said, how I looked, and whether or not I had been a good reflection to the field of Expressive Arts. Eventually I came around and gave myself credit for doing well in a video interview, which I had never experienced before. And I realized that I am able to share about Expressive Arts in a meaningful way and present a “professional” image. But in the end I also realized that my interests have changed. Or, better said, I have become much more clear about my interests. I am clear that, in essence, my work is about consciousness and self awareness. And in essence, it’s about helping a person change the story they live from. And, perhaps at its most basic, my work is about helping people to shift their energy, their vibration. And I knew all this, or was becoming more and more clear on this, before James approached me about the video interview. And of course I’m still exploring it, and hope it will always be in the process of evolving!  But the video was and is incredible assistance in helping me to think about my true intentions and true work. 

At this point the question is not whether I am a “good” Expressive Arts Facilitator, or a “good” Theta Healing practitioner. Or whether or not I can present a good image of either, or “fit in” to either professional community.  For me now at the heart, it’s a question of how can these two modalities help me to help?  How can these two modalities create the circumstances, for myself and others, to know themselves as the Vast, label-less beings that we are?  How can these modalities be used to create freedom, self awareness, joy?  And how can I use these tools, along with others that I have learned, to contribute to the essential things I am most interested in – awareness being one of those?  Right about the time I was getting solid on this shift in myself and my work, this completely apropos quote came in an email from a friend: “Our glory has nothing to do with our appearance or our occupation. Our special qualities come from an inner source. We must take care to open and bloom naturally and leisurely and keep to the center. It is from there that all mystery and power comes…”  Thanks for the quote, Jeff – and Amen to that!

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the documentary in any way.  The whole process showed me how much I’ve changed my orientation, and how much I have grown in such a short time. I’m also grateful to have such a beautiful, high quality video about my work to share with the world. Because, though some of my perspectives have deepened, as has my work, the video is a wonderful introduction to the kind of work I do at The Art of You.  As a dear friend of mine said:  “The video is good: you were very articulate about what the work offers to people –  expression from the soul, authentic expression, the contribution this makes to consciousness–and your painting as an example was magical.  I think as you said in your email message with the video that you have evolved into a different place 8 months later.  You look different, your words about the work in class are richer and fuller–a natural evolution for a growing creative, conscious facilitator.” 

A thank you goes out to videographer James. Thank you for moving around the world, spreading your passion and igniting the conversation about awareness.  I’m grateful for your incredible skills as an interviewer and as a film editor and creator. Thank you for the great gift of the experience AND the clip itself.  I learned so much about myself, my relationship to my work at the studio, and my relationship to image and label.  Thanks, James. You told me that it surprised you that the people you interviewed for the documentary were all being positively affected by the process. I’m not surprised at all, as it sure has been a springboard for my own expansion.  Congratulations!  Your film isn’t even quite done, and hasn’t been made “public.” But it’s already bringing more awareness to everyone who’s had the fortune of coming into contact with it. 

Love, Awareness, Delight and Respect,

Chris