Unlearning the Rules

Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
–Rumi

I read this fantastic quote this morning, in Life, Paint and Passion by Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley. The words in the book and this quote connected to me on a deep level. The idea of unlearning the rules that limit us, of throwing away the strictures of what others define as “right” and “wrong” appeals to me. It has been foundational to my own creative journey.

Do you notice the rules you follow, every day? I’m not talking about laws that are there for the good of society, but cultural rules. Social rules. Family rules. Artistic rules.

There are so many rules. Simple little things, like “don’t wear white after Labor Day” that become ingrained in our head. That make us feel as if we are doing something wrong if we break them. Really, wearing white year round would not kill anyone. But try to go against those little rules we’ve picked up, and see what kind of internal struggle they bring up. The challenges to your confidence and competence. Yikes.

Rules can help us learn how to interact with others. They can help us get things done efficiently. But they can also put us in a box, where we are afraid to step out and be who we really are. Express who we really are.

What will happen if you break the rules? I don’t know, for you. But for me, I feel uncomfortable for a little while, but then I feel free. Free to be who I am, create what I want, in a way that works for me.

Why don’t you try it, and see?

PS – You know I love a good creative book! I recently completed The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes and added it to my Book Recommendations list. Have you noticed the “Resources” section I’ve added to the blog sidebar? You can find my Book Recommendations list there, along with other resources I use and recommend.

Feel free to share!

•