You Must Change Your Life–Why Not?

“Never underestimate the power of dreams. The potential for greatness lives within each of us. -Wilma Rudolph

Maybe you know the astonishing Rilke quote, “You must change your life,” which comes from his poem “Archaic Torso of Apollo.” Rilke wrote the poem after reflecting upon a Greek sculpture of Apollo—headless but “with eyes like ripening fruit,” the torso “still suffused with brilliance.” It is as if there is great and vibrant power in the sculpture which is, after all, the replication of a god who is mythical. And that replication then partially destroyed. So the torso is several times removed from reality, and it is ruined. Still, Rilke sees the stone “from all the borders of itself/burst[ing] like a star.” Wow!

Then, of course, the dramatic ending “You must change your life.” It almost takes your breath away. The poem, I believe, speaks to the powerful and enduring nature of art; and in the remarkable last line, it is also speaking directly to us. Compelling us, commanding us, to change—to become all that we are.

Joel Esteen writes that “You have so much incredible potential…God has put gifts and talents in you that you probably don’t know anything about.” We must find these gifts and talents, use them. “Think of yourself as an incandescent power,” Brenda Ueland says, “illuminated perhaps and forever talked to by God and his messengers.”

Let us accept it as a given that we have immeasurable potential, tremendous stores of creativity waiting to find form. But perhaps we don’t know what our particular gifts might be. Perhaps we don’t have the confidence to acknowledge them, and use them.

Inwardly, though, a little voice may whisper “why not learn to play the piano?” Why not try writing a poem, taking a class in modern dance? And indeed, why not? When we start listening to that little voice, we grow closer to what we are capable of.

Change can come in great dramatic cataclysms. We can quit our jobs, move to Paris, and begin to paint. Or it can come in small sure steps—deciding to take an art class, trying to paint a little every day. Personally, I come from the school of small steps, knowing that each one will bring us a little closer to where we want to be. –Lucy Adkins

Exercise for More Creative Living:
Ask yourself—what have you always wanted to try, but were perhaps reluctant to admit to yourself? Go for a walk and allow possibilities to enter your mind. Write them down. Then make a phone call or look online for a class in the area that interests you. Take a small step to make your life a little larger, a little more joyful.