Heaven on Earth
October 3, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Ginnie 
When we say "it's like heaven on earth," everyone knows exactly what we mean. Because it is!
We were at a heaven-on-earth a week ago when we had the chance to take the 15-minute ferry from Den Helder, north of the Netherlands, to Texel (pronounced TESS-el), the Dutch island nearby. Astrid had told me about it for 4 years and I finally got to see and experience it myself.
Such a heaven is usually a place, something we see, but it can also be something we taste (like an angel peeing on our tongue, as the Dutch say), or something we feel...or something we do.
Eons ago when my back-then husband was ministering to college students, he became licensed to administer the SIMA profile: Systematic Inventory of Motivated Abilities, a proven, predictive process for identifying people's unique patterns of motivated behavior. What I most remember is that two components have to exist to qualify as a truly motivated ability: you enjoy it and you do it well. If both are present, it leads to exceptional performance and superior results.
Kinda like God creating something and saying "It is good." We are made in that image, says Holy Writ. It's like heaven on earth. God in us.
Technically, to do something well usually means there is significant positive feeback confirming the abilities we enjoy. This happens at work when we're promoted. Or when our art becomes famous and puts money in our purse.
Look at what we do here at V&V, as well as on our own blogs. We read each other's posts. We look at each other's images. And we leave positive feedback. This builds our self-esteem as well as our virtual communities. It's a Mutual Admiration Society. We stroke each other's backs. We build each other up.
Is it possible, however, to really enjoy something and do it well without feedback from others? I notice, for instance, some of the excellent photographers at my Shutterchance site who never receive comments. How does that affect them and how long will they continue "creating?" Will they stay motivated?
My guess is we all thrive on affirmations. When we have them, we fly higher than a kite. When we don't, we fall into the slough of despond. But can we, I wonder, create heaven-on-earth in whatever we do no matter who gives a hoot? Can we be excellent and say of ourselves and our art "It is good" even if no one sees our proverbial sunset or hears the tree falling in our woods?
In other words, can our art exist in a vacuum? I've been pondering these things in my heart because I hate being "dependent" on the affirmations of others to determine if what I do is good. And by whose standards? I want to know within myself that when I really enjoy something and do it well, it is good. Period. No matter who sees it or likes it. No matter what the exceptional performance and superior results.
But then, maybe even God needs a "Man! That's good!" from time to time? And if so, why not we who are made in God's image! It does seem to work wonders for the motivation factor.
SIMA, Texel Island, seashells
Reader Comments (24)
Wow Ginnie..you've hit upon some of the many questions I've been asking myself of late. I often wonder if it's possible to 'do' simply for the love of 'doing' - whether one does it well..or not - and enjoy it as such. Why do 'we' need the approval and affirmation of others to declare ourselves 'good' or 'worthy'? Why can't we 'practice' ..for no other reason or goal other than the joy of 'practice'??
It's yoga. It's life.
I don't have answers. They're just things I've been wondering about..of late. And now that you've put the question out there..I'll be thinking more and more what it's truly about for me.
This is such an apt and rich post for me. Enjoying what we do and doing it well. I do think as artists we need human interaction. These exchanges are blissful for me. What draws a person to connect with another's expression? I see social interactions as often being a big part of the mix in blogs, of course, and the ones who don't get much feedback might be the ones who don't offer much either? Has it been the same with other kinds of artists? There is a lot of talent out there, always has been, yet certain ones are "puffed" via the right social circle or donor. Then, when I think of someone like Vincent van Gogh, whose brother was his sole supporter in life, it seems, and how esteemed his work is today, it opens my thoughts in a whole different direction. Or, how about Paul Cézanne, who tore up many canvases as soon as he'd finished them? When others connect with our work, the enjoyment multiplies, realizing that we do it not just for ourselves, but the light that shines in us touches another.
Glad to read that after four years of hearing about Texel from Astrid you were finally able to experience heaven-on-earth. Judging from your pictorial, Ginnie, you found more than enough to make you happy. So many wonderful images to add to your collection.
I agree that praise and positive confirmation from another person for a job you are passionate about can lift your spirits and encourage you tremendously. It saddens me to think that a gifted individual whose work was never acknowledged would be so discouraged as to give up the very thing that brings them joy & fulfillment.
I live here all my life and have never been to Texel, haha, you are ahead of me.
In another career that I enjoyed pre-art institute, my feedback was a raise. it was a largely objective evaluation of my connecting the dots of the job requirements. once i went to art school and free fell into "becoming" a photographer, the evaluation process changed. it is totally subjective, and "the work" feels far more personal. for me, it makes the evaluation process far trickier, and the need to feel passionate and pleased with what i do far more of an inside job. yes, a sale, a gallery show, a place in a competition makes me sigh with relief, but i believe that i am really "all right" (not quite "good") with doing what i do, because i wouldn't want to be doing anything else. i love everything about photography. the darkroom. the digital printer. platinum prints and wet plates. everything.
thoughtful post to start a day, ginnie. thanks!
After years in the classroom, I firmly believe in 'positive reinforcement.' The musician side of me enjoyed 'applause.' And, yes...the artist side of me appreciates 'affirmations.'
Interesting to think about the concept of would we create without the affirmations. The truly gifted I believe would continue to create regardless of any feedback; driven by a some unknown force. The rest of us...well, as you say -- "But then, maybe even God needs a "Man! That's good!" from time to time? "
You've done it again, Ginnie. Such a thought provoking post. Thank you.
The feedback we receive for our work is like nutrients for a growing plant. It is a bit like food, you might not need much to be thriving yet you still need some. There are some artists that keep at their art regardless of external validation, they are rare. Could it be their inner drive, the fire of creation that burns in them is motivation enough to keep them going...Lots to ponder with this post, Ginnie
Yes, Ginnie, very thought provoking and lots to ponder. I love and appreciate our blogging communitiy because, like your words here, it starts and keeps a
conversation going. I think we all need that especially as women ~ we are just so vocal, some more than others, but we all like to share and try to be helpful and encouraging.
Love the image, too!
What a great deep post... Please notice the entire time I only had the vision of your great macro in my head, half taken up by that while still trying to concentrate on what you said.
I think people thrive on other people, and that is just how most people are. There are a few people who enjoy being alone, but I'm sure they still need to be out and see people. I certainly know I enjoy affirmations or comments that keep me ticking. When I don't, I don't enjoy doing it as much. I seem to thrive more when people notice. It's probably something that stimulates and makes our brains thrive, thus why we keep wanting more. Maybe it gives off the endorphins we love and are addicted to (you know what makes us feel great).. :)
I think the process of always improving and growing is what keeps me interested in something. Like with gardening, The only feedback is that I have a vegetable and herb supply from my labor. Yet the fact that my squash succumbed to pests and mildew just means I'll read more about what do differently next year.
But with my writing, it's harder to keep going without some kind of external approval. I guess because it's more personal. Rejecting or ignoring what I create is like I'm being rejected or ignored. I think about the worth of blogging daily but I always keep going because I enjoy the creation piece of writing, photography, and video.
I think motivation is tricky business and even more so in my paying job, which I'm not even going to get into.
Thanks for opening up this conversation Ginnie!
There is lots to take away and ponder there...
I think we do need positive comments it helps us to grow. I also think this works the other way round too, giving our thoughts, ideas feedback to others helps them to grow too, it also helps us feel better than ourselves. It all interconnects and is part of the whole.
A very thoughtful and honest V&V-tribute! As you know I like this picture very much because I myself am a shell- searcher and - lover - since childhood days, I can imagine how you lay down on the sandy beach to photograph the shells very closely, from face to face. Shells smell of salty water for some time, shells are travelling from ocean to ocean for thousands of miles, they are messengers from other worlds. I own a big Nautilus where I can hear the sea rushing (although I know that my own blood causes these lovely sea- sounds )- and while holding this shell to my ear I can be carried away to beaches and waves... -
I agree with your opinion in general- as teacher I know well how important it is to say some positive words about a work, to praise extraordinary efforts of the children/students, to encourage them, but only a really good work deserves praise, you have to distinguish the levels and to balance your reaction, in any case you should show any reaction, and if the work has not succeeded you have to choose the right words in order not to hurt a person.
I think I myself have 'healthy -normal' self- confidence (as we say), I recognize the good sides of my work and the weaker or bad sides, and I critisize on my own what didn't succeeded, I can tolerate critic, too.
Refering to SC I don't need comments on my pictures, it is sufficient for me that I love my pictures, and I try to post only pictures I love personally or where my heart has been involved in in some way. But I admit that I'm pleased if I get some positive, encouraging replies and there are some lovely, new expressions I didn't know before, and in particular if I feel to have been understood in my intention. Formal words like "Fine picture" or so don't please me really. I want to be independent from other reactions, and I don't want to feel some pressure to comment on other blogs only because I got a comment. This is a problem on SC indeed- who doesn't comment, doesn't receive comments. But never to react on comments is not kind, too!
Heaven on earth can be experienced in different way, mostly when I see wonderful landscapes or feel hours of good friendship ...it is not a daily feel but moments or hours of real happiness while filled with bliss. And I love to make other persons happy if I know how I could do that and when I feel to have done it indeed!
I do think that we need positive feedback from time to time. On the other hand I really hate that someone would give up on something s/he really loves because of no feedback, or, even worse, negative feedback. Don't we all remember negative feedback much easier and longer than positive feedback? There can be hundreds of positive feedbacks, but it's the one negative feedback that sticks. Why? These are all interesting questions and I wish I were above all that, but alas, I'm not.
Oh Ginnie, what a beautiful image and thought provoking post!! I think it's important that we have this "Mutual Admiration Society" with which to build- not only self-esteem but a wonderful sense of community. All of the positive feedback I have received gives me courage and strength to take more risks and not be afraid or even care about who likes or doesn't like my work! There's also something about the value of things as an underpinning here; our value as a creative person, whether we publish or not, whether we sell our work or not. Being authentic to ourselves, first and foremost. Ongoing life issues for any true artist.
Hugs!
I think it's nice with feedback both kind and uplifting and constructive criticism. We grow as long as we learn and I think it is essential to have feedback for any human to feel whole. But it can't make us whole and happy if we don't have it in ourself to appreciate ourself as competent and good people. No matter what the subject is.
I try to focus on the doing, in stead of the result. So comments are only interesting if it helps me in some way in the doing / if i can learn from it. But then again i can learn from every comment. Very thought provoking post. And great shot.
It is earthly human nature to crave affirmation. It always makes me feel good:)
Art does need to be seen otherwise the creations could simply live in our creative minds. I believe sharing the visions (and the verbs) is what breathes life into art. As for the feedback, I don't find it as necessary as knowing that someone has looked. As you know I often find commenting a challenge, i look, read, appreciate and carry on. I shall come back to this post and ponder it again, for it is worth thinking about. Thanks
Interesting thoughts to ponder... when it comes to art, I think it is possible to create whether or not you receive affirmation, and to continue to do so, look at VIncent Van Gogh for example... but I definitely think it adds something wonderful to life if you do receive that positive feedback.
In other aspects of life, for me, it depends. With running for example, I only compete with myself, have no interest in racing or receiving feedback from others, I just plain love doing it.
I think art should be created because you simply love doing whatever it is that you do. Then the feedback is just delicious icing on the cake!
Awesome insight and yes, affirmation is nice. But what is important is the excitement and love we feel when we create the art. At least for me that is what is important - what is addictive. I have a feeling if you didn't have a blog, you would still be lagging behind all the others and snapping away with your camera. Because it makes you happy and you love the capture of a beautiful "life moment".
Ginnie I thoroughly enjoyed this post. I love the questions you've posed and it's given me something to go away and think on. Right now I think I am at a place where I can create for the love of creating and yet...those affirmations do help in keeping the fires stoked. I love to have a good question to tangle with from time to time and this one is it for me today. Gorgeously sunny and warm for October, I have no plans this afternoon but maybe a glass of good wine or a cup of tea and I'm going to let my mind absorb this and even if I don't come to a definite conclusion, I know I will enjoy the process!!
One of the many reasons why I have such great admiration for Vincent Van Gogh is that all his work comes from within. I imagine that he couldn't stop creating, even if he wanted to; that attempting to stop his creative process would be akin to a stopping gravity. I experienced a tiny bit of that when I retired from the technical field. I had visions of spending all my available time with my young children, but a major chunk of time was spent expressing decades of pent-up creativity. The flood gates opened and I couldn't stop. My sister retired a few months ago and she's experiencing a similar feeling. She told me that she wiped a tear from her eye the first time her paint brush touched the canvas during her first painting lesson.
So I would say that it is possible to create without feedback, but that receiving feedback is the icing on the cake. Feedback could inform your future creations, but if you allow it to overshadow your authentic self, it could be a limiting factor. And if you allow it to be the sole force behind your creations, then one would say you've sold out.
I love the intelligent questions you pose here, Ginnie!
Heaven on Earth.... it took me a while to figure that one out(for myself) I think for some people it is important to hear that they do a good job, it gives them confidence.
When I started out on Shutterchance, sometimes I was 'shocked' when I got a comment from somebody, from my POV, that knows where he/she is talking about, telling me that I have a wonderful picture.
Now, almost 4 years later, my personal circumstances changed 'a little bit', now, I don't care what they say, of course I am very pleased if/when they like the picture, I post the pictures for myself, the picture itself is done very quickly, but then, putting my signature in, THAT is for me 'Heaven on Earth' it takes sometimes 30 minutes to have it done the way I LIKE.
Why I don't I care if they like it or not? I think that comes within me, they are the changed circumstances in my life.
When I was younger, it was very important for me to have somebody say to me that I do my work good.
With my new job, I know I am good and that gives me confidence, no matter what everybody else is saying.
Is it experiences I had in life, is it the age, is it that I know that I only have to work for another 6 years.
I think it is the combination of all those things.
A colleague of mine told me that I could make a career in the company for which I work, I told him 'I am too old now', the moment I am in the car, I think of home, going home as fast as possible, I don't want to have more responsibilities, other than doing MY work good.
Let the younger generation be in charge.
Once at home, after supper, sitting on the couch, drinking Cappuccino, watching a movie with you, now that is my Heaven on Earth too.
I'm so glad I came back to check on this post... I could have SWORN I'd left a comment but then I've been a bit distracted and scattered of late so thought I'd better double-check. When I'm satisfied with a job I've done (whether it was when I was working, or now, when I'm retired), a photograph I've taken, a meal I've prepared... when I know it was done to the best of my ability... I still find myself wanting those positive affirmations from others. I'm afraid I'm just not as secure in my own skin as I'd like to be... but I'm working on it!
As always, your post is well thought out and gives me things to ponder... A friend posted a link to a video on Facebook today... it is simply marvelous for being examples of positive affirmations and makes me wonder how we so often lose that childlike enthusiasm and belief in ourselves as we grow into adulthood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg I think one of the things that I get the most joy from when reading your posts (especially those on In Soul) is your obvious enjoyment in life!