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The Generous Artist

June 18, 2013 — Leave a comment

thegenerousartist The Generous ArtistHas anyone ever accused you of or should I say ‘complemented you’ for being a generous artist? A generous person? I certainly hope so because generosity is one of the most rarely cultivated qualities I can think of. If you want to cultivate a beautiful life, nurturing generosity in your heart, mind and life is an absolutely essential practice. Generosity is the rare wild flower that blooms after all the spring grasses of good intentions have wilted under the summer heat of our selfish preoccupations.

You and I all know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of another’s generosity. Oh how good it feels to be noticed, appreciated, and gifted by a generous soul. Today, I want to encourage you to be a generous artist. If you’re not an artist, you can certainly practice the art of generosity. I also want to be generous with you.  I have a free gift, a beautiful book meant to be shared with others…
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I’ve always told my kids, “If you never ask, the answer is always ‘no’.” I’ve also met many, many artists who are afraid of the art of asking. Asking for the sale. Asking for constructive criticism. Asking for the deal. Asking for assistance. Asking for the interview. Asking for some outrageous type of help from someone far more famous or important than them. As an artist, how well do you excel in the art of asking?

In this insightful TED talk, controversial artist and musician, Amanda Palmer shares her story about the art of asking. She became a Kickstarter poster-girl after walking away from her label and set her goal of raising $100,000 for her next recording project…BOOM! She raised over a million bucks! Read on…

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Posted on June 14, 2013 In Posts , , , ,
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The Challenge of Staying Spiritually Awake

June 11, 2013 — 3 Comments

photo6 The Challenge of Staying Spiritually Awake

One of the greatest challenges facing followers of Christ today is the challenge of staying spiritually awake. I believe it is the core component to cultivating a beautiful life in Christ. Personally, when I strip away all the layers, conflicts and issues I face, staying spiritually awake–yes, alive and aware to the living, loving presence of God–this is the great challenge to my spiritual life in Christ. I recently wrote about my new favorite book, An Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling. In his remarkable first book, Alan quotes from another favorite author of mine, Richard Rohr from The Naked Now. This section about staying spiritually awake I found particularly helpful. I hope you find the following thoughts encouraging as well…

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41QRfQC3w0L. SL160 The Challenge of Staying Spiritually Awake
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An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest (Paperback)

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The Art of Letting Go

May 31, 2013 — 2 Comments

theartoflettinggo The Art of Letting Go

I am slowly learning the art of letting go. In the past month, my oldest daughter Janae became engaged to the love of her life. I’m learning to let go of my daughter. After three months of hard work cutting down avocado trees at The Grove, I now have weeds to cut and lemon trees to prune! I’m learning to let go of the idea that my work on the property will ever be finished. I am also in the midst of difficult business and creative challenges. I’m learning to let go of certain things I have no control over. If anyone has ever said to you, “Oh, you just need to let it go,” even if you feel like slapping them, there’s still wisdom in their words.
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What Haven’t You Done in a Long Time?

May 10, 2013 — 19 Comments

whathaventyoudoneinalongtime What Havent You Done in a Long Time?

What haven’t you done in a long time? I recently asked myself this question. I surprised myself with what popped into my mind. I haven’t been to the mission in a long time. The mission I’m referring to is the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1776, the “Jewel of the Missions” has long held a special place in my life. It is a timeless place filled with beautiful gardens, amazing old architecture and ruins, quiet fountains and high-quality art. It has been a central place in my quest of cultivating a beautiful life. Raised Irish-Catholic, I used to feed the pigeons there as a kid. Returning as an adult, I came for altogether completely, more urgent reasons. Read on…
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Art Has Failed to Humanize Our Country

May 7, 2013 — 2 Comments

arthasfailedtohumanizeourcountry Art Has Failed to Humanize Our Country

I recently read A Global Perspective, a fascinating interview in the LA Times with theater director, Peter Sellars. Sellars is an UCLA professor of world arts and culture where he teaches Art as Social Action and Art as Moral Action. ​

When asked, “You’ve said that ‘art over the past 25 years has failed to humanize the country.’ How do think it can accomplish that?”​ Read on…

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Are You Leaving All Outcomes to God?

April 22, 2013 — 4 Comments

20130422 110203 Are You Leaving All Outcomes to God?

In my desire, struggle and journey to cultivate a beautiful life, one of the most helpful things I’ve learned to bring me peace is this simple truth: Leave all outcomes to God. In our work, life and relationships, if we want peace, we need to let go of our illusions of control and leave all outcomes to God.

Thomas Merton, one of my favorite spiritual writers, drives home this point when he writes about work and play. Read on…

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What you believe matters and what you believe can lead the way to cultivating a beautiful life. If you want to lead and inspire others to action, you need to revisit “Why” you’re doing what you’re doing. Read on…

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Posted on April 19, 2013 In Creativity, Posts, Spiritual Formation , , , ,
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Are You Waiting for a Door to Open?

April 18, 2013 — 6 Comments

Are you waiting for a door to open? Are you waiting for God to come through for you with a particular hope or dream in your heart? I know I’m waiting for several doors to open in different areas of my life. When I walked in Capo Beach Church on Easter Sunday a few weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Easter Theme was “Doors.” I have found that waiting on God is where does his deepest work and cultivation in my life. Read on…

Areyouwaitingforadoortoopen Are You Waiting for a Door to Open?

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What Season of Life Are You In?

April 10, 2013 — 7 Comments

If you’ve been wondering why it has been radar silent here on Art, Life & Faith for the past few weeks, it’s because I’m in an unexpected new season of life. In agricultural terms, I’m in the midst of a ‘perfect storm.’ As many of you know, The Grove Center for the Arts & Media is a ministry to artists that I serve. And what makes The Grove unique is that we really do have a grove. Twelve acres of avocados and organic lemons which require constant cultivating, weeding, feeding, watering, and trimming for every new season. Thus, for the past month (as noted by my agri-absence), my hands have not been at the keyboard, but manhandling a weed whacker and chainsaw. I’m in a busy season of cultivating about 1600 trees…what season of life are you in? A busy season? A peaceful season? A fragmented season? Read on…

whatseasonoflifeareyouin What Season of Life Are You In?

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