Just A Feeling

I recently completed reading the book Blink:The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcom Gladwell. (You can read about it here: http://www.amazon.com/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without/dp/0316010669/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0453273-1672743?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194884191&sr=1-1 )

The book basically talks about the power of gut reactions and when to know when to trust them. We have all had that experience, I am sure. Creative people seem to depend on them as they move through their days. But in our society of "testing" out everything, most people forget the power they hold. It seems to me the reason people want to read artists statements is because they want to understand the tested way the artist works. I, for one, have to begin painting before I can understand what I am supposed to be creating. My instinct leads my hands rather than my mind. I like to call it painting from my heart.

Knowing when to trust my painting instinct is all about trusting myself. However, trusting my instincts in other areas is a bit different. What Gladwell says is we all have these instincts and knowing when to trust them is often a matter of having a knowledge base about the subject.

I do highly recommend the book, if you have an interest in this subject. The book is well worth reading for the supportive stories alone. They will really help you understand more clearly some of the reasons things happen in life.

I have just started another book, The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci, which looks like it will be another one I mention in a later post.