Moving Into the Unknown

Once I get X, then I'll be able to have Y. Not necessarily. Just because we have the tools, doesn't mean we know how to use them.

Today we see how Bracken Tide Emberfox learns how to navigate new waters. And of course, the reflections are provided for us humans.

You don’t have to start at the beginning of the story to follow along now. But if you want to, here’s the link.

Where we left off...Bracken trusted that squishy heart of his, and opened his eyes underwater. He found himself in front of an oyster named Suzie Sandarelegram.

Bracken arrived in the ocean because of his imagination. Suzie asked him, “Did you imagine being in the deepest part of the ocean?”

Our imagination is a wonderful tool to use before we make our first move into a new situation. It literally is the image in our mind’s eye that we move toward.

But it would be naive to assume that in the actual manifestation, it will turn out exactly as we imagine. Even worse would be to beat ourselves up for being wrong. I’m guilty of that one. I say if Bracken can cut himself some slack, so can we.

When it comes to acknowledging feelings for a new friend, or potential friend, someone has to go first. I’m so proud of Bracken for finding the courage to ‘fess up to Suzie.

While there is a higher risk of putting ourselves on the line like that, the rewards can be so sweet.

New environments often require us to acquire new skills. When someone, like Suzie, asks if we know how to do something, we do ourselves no favour by pretending we know what we’re doing when we really haven’t got a clue.

They’re asking for a reason. They may be able to help us, if we’re truthful. Being honest with ourselves and with others about what we know and don’t know how to do.

Isn’t that the truth? Just because we have the internal or external resources available to us, doesn’t mean we know how to employ them.

For instance, I know I have the ability to learn a new language and become bilingual. Theoretically.

But when it comes down to actually learning it, my first question is, “How?”

“How?” seems to be the springboard we leap from or the wall we crash into. There is no “becoming” anything without getting to and beyond the how.

Sometimes we don’t need an expert. We just need someone who is observant, aware and helpful.

A simple reminder. When we need help, ask. We all know this but why, oh why, do we need to be reminded? Or is that just a “me” thing?

Every new movement first starts with our awareness and attention.

Every single movement.

“Morning pages” is my go-to method for becoming more aware and paying attention. What’s yours?

---

My Reflection

I am moving into the unknown in a few areas of my life. As many of you know, I only joined Substack as a replacement for an artist website. Since joining, many have encouraged me to pursue writing a book. Well, more than one book, actually. There is the Mandala Tarot card deck suggestion, the memoir, and this…The Story of Becoming.

Just like Bracken, I have the fins and tail, but I don’t know how to use them. And “Writing” a book is a totally different thing than “Publishing” a book, which are really two learning curves, not one.

I’m at the stage of imagining my next steps, just like Bracken was when Oren told him to close his eyes and imagine his new world.

Where are you at in moving into the unknown? Do you have the fins and tail looking for your version of Suzie to help you figure out what to do with them?

---

I create one new article every Friday.

The Story of Becoming, alternates with

Creativity Notes, which includes an essay on my creative journey, and studio updates on coffee pod mandalas and installations.

If you have subscribed already, thank you. Truly.

If you haven’t, this little purple button allows you to follow along:

Thank you,

Carolyn, the coffee pods lady