Harmony In Transition

Transitional phases can feel sticky and messy when there is change afoot, whether it’s on a professional or personal basis. As an artist I’m emotionally invested in the work of creating and it would be a perfect world if time could stand still to enter the realm of indulgent making-of-art at the flick of a switch.

But life isn’t like that. On top of which…yes of course … the ‘art’ of making updates to tech things like websites, blogs, spreadsheets and social media can add to the list of admin that has an ability to create a great deal of consternation to the artful brain. We are not all superheroes and that’s ok!

I often frame this challenge as not being able to ‘balance’ things - I can swing like a pendulum and trying to make time for everything at 100% input really can create havoc in my life (and at home).

A friend/mentor reframed this recently at a workshop to introduce the word ‘harmony’ vs balance which resonated and was easier on the ear for me ! Balance feels like a lot of work, and harmony has more flow.

Lora Caven is said person, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with her many times since 2017 as I moved from one role to another and in a team work setting. I still have a regular annual check in with her and it’s fascinating to see how far I have come and how much change I have initiated and maintained since then. What I know is that transitions that can feel messy are the beginnings of new things and attuning to the ebb and flow, allowing the harmonies to evolve, requires a gentle approach.

Accepting harmony through the year - like the harmonies of music or orchestral pieces when certain sections or groups of instruments are required at different times or volumes to make the music perfect. Each section has a part to play at different times.

For me the demands and necessities of different aspects of any career will peak and trough with the seasons or with family life. To embrace and allow for this rhythm allows the harmony to play out.