July 5, 2013

ISIQ-0184

“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” – Buddha

Truth is a funny thing. While my good buddy Buddha believes there are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth, I believe there are two different types of conversations about truth.

There’s the obvious truth conversation – i.e. the one where lying is the alternative. Lying sucks. Telling the truth is so much easier, and has so much more integrity.

But, there’s also the less-obvious truth conversation – i.e. the one about our truth.

What do I mean by that? Our truth is our honesty to ourselves, and to our hearts. It is often known as “our calling” or “our higher purpose”.

This truth conversation is a far more complicated beast. It isn’t the easy “yes/no” or “black/white” conversation of the first type. Instead, it is all grey-area, because the conversation is one we must have with ourselves, gloves off, no punches pulled.

It’s a conversation I’ve been having with myself a lot lately, based around my own work as a photographer, and my potential for working as a coach, speaker, and writer.

What makes it really complicated is this: I don’t think there’s a final, conclusive answer. I think our answers change as we change. Our truth changes as we grow and learn and become better.

All I know for right now is that I need to work on being my most honest, authentic self with my clients, and in everything I create – from my wedding and portrait images, to my presentations, to my daily IQ’s and written posts.

If I either pull up short on what I’m capable of creating, or simply don’t begin in the first place, then I’m effectively lying to myself, because I don’t act honestly and with integrity on what I know I can produce.

THAT is what Buddha is talking about in today’s IQ. When we cut corners on our own work, we’re only lying to ourselves.

And here’s the real kicker. No-one else knows what we do to ourselves in the privacy of our own mind.

But we know.

And in the quiet, dark moments, we have to make peace with ourselves first and foremost.

Ultimately, I guess, there is only the one conversation about truth: whether we’re lying or whether we’re telling the truth. To ourselves or others? Doesn’t matter. Are you lying to yourself, or are you telling – and LIVING – your truth?

Like I said, the truth is so much easier, and has so much more integrity.

So don’t short-change yourself – you’re really only stealing from your own creative expression.

Instead, initiate a quest to find Your Truth (in capitals). Tell it to the world, and live it in everything you do.

It’ll be at once the easiest and most fulfilling thing you’ve ever done.

As always, with bucketloads of love,
Israel. xo

 

 

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