Living Our Essence part 1

This is part one of a three-part series that explores the unique essence in each of us, what makes it shine, and why living it now is crucial.

First, an edge check. The basis for this post has been with me for many years. It is a foundational root that has grown over time and upholds my sense of humanity. It presents a universal principle whose relevance and potential are growing greater, especially were we to manifest it now.

AND, while my sense of it may still evolve, its roots are well-trodden and that can be seen in this writing. I ask you to read this series through that lens.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening

that is translated through you into action,

and because there is only one of you in all time,

this expression is unique.

If you block it,

it will never exist through any other medium

and be lost.

The world will not have it.

It is not your business to determine how good it is;

nor how valuable it is;

nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly,

to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.

You have to keep open and aware directly

of the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.

No artist is pleased.

There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.

There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction;

a blessed unrest that keeps us marching

and makes us more alive than the others.
    --A Letter to Agnes DeMille by Martha Graham

We all have a unique essence that is ours alone. It is a power that is always available and yet needs our attention for it to catalyze, for its transformative powers to open up and become accessible. As we inhabit our unique vessel and make it as clean as possible, we engender the courage to let our gift speak through us. This is a process.

Understanding the power of everyone’s unique contribution and living by this power changes everything. It permeates our own view of ourselves, our personal relationships, how we walk in the world, and how the world responds. Seeking out, developing, and offering our gifts makes them externally available and is an innate responsibility to being human as a part of something much larger than ourselves. It is an obligation, not an option. This is a critical piece of humanity’s way forward now, as we face untold and unprecedented challenges as well as extraordinary potential. We are needed.

Next: Living Our Essence Part 2

kimmaynard@substack.com