September 24, 2021
By Jan Gutowski, Creativity Coach
Today was a day which I would describe as “coming up for air” and taking a step back. It was an opportunity to reflect on today, and how events over the course of our short time on this planet shape us into who we become. Somehow, this introspective meditation led me to reflect on those in my life whose earthly journey has completed; and how having crossed paths with them at different stages of my own life played a role in shaping my heart, my perception of the world, and my unique creativity.
I woke up this morning to news that one of the animators who I had worked with during my Disney Animation years and who I simply adored, left this world after a tough battle with leukemia. His name is Troy; and to me, he is someone who would always be remembered for his kindness. Not only is Troy a talented artist, but he is also a giving soul. I use the word “is”, since I think we often gravitate toward using “was” when referring to those who have passed on. We immediately go into past tense when someone crosses over; yet, their spiritual energy is fully present, even if that is hard for us to process. Being humans, we cling to the physical presence, and it is natural (and right) to mourn that loss. I know that Troy’s family is feeling this deeply.
One of the first memories that popped into my mind after hearing the news of Troy’s passing, was an evening when Troy and a few other friends from the studio came over for a poker game night. I remember a painting I had on the wall at the time, done by a local artist from my hometown. The image was of a barn and a farmhouse that had once stood on the property my dad later owned. Truth be told, if the painting were to be professionally critiqued, there would be notes on the overall perspective, balance, lack of dimension and the questionable use of color; however, Troy looked at it and said, “This piece certainly is ‘honest’.” I found these words so impactful, since it was the perfect way to describe, and honor, another person’s unique creativity. It is easy to become an art snob, and turn our judgmental noses up at art we might feel is amateur-ish or lacking; but the truth is, art is something that flows from our hearts and minds, during moments in time of our fleeting lives. To me, that is pure treasure – evidence that we were MADE to be creative beings, and that our souls leave a unique imprint of who we are through creative expression.
It wasn’t until my own father passed away when I fully experienced my own evidence that spiritual energy lives on, and continues to surround us and inspire us. To describe it in words? I would use “warm peace, a feeling of floating and euphoria.” When my kids were babies, they would often look past my shoulder, fixated on something behind me; and they would smile so big! The feeling I described would often accompany those moments. The feeling returned when my mother left us last year; and also when our beloved schnauzer, Max, took his last breaths. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had the ability to experience this from time to time; although it doesn’t often come up in conversation with others, since many find this idea difficult to process or just plain weird. That’s okay, though. I accept these wonderful experiences as cherished gifts, and I continue to be grateful. I believe this is why I choose present tense, rather than past tense, when referring to those who have transitioned from the physical life to the spiritual life.
Meditation is such a healthy practice, and an effective way to help stay centered. Yes, I will admit, I am guilty of not making this practice as consistent as I would like; but when I do, the experience is transcendent, and it enables me to spend quality time with my spiritual and creative self.
Even if you only have 5 or 10 minutes, give yourself the gift of letting go, and you might be surprised at where it takes you! I hope you have a great day!
-jg
Creatively Your Best Self! 
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