Ripening.
A letter about the time between waves – when intuition goes silent, something is ripening that only needs time.
Between projects I get restless within days. The last wave is through, the next hasn't formed, and the in-between time files itself under a word I've learned to distrust: unproductive.
The letter takes that word apart – it overlooks so much of what is happening, it says, and it judges. What looks like standstill is forerunners arriving: ideas still diffuse, parts assembling themselves. "Between Waves" told the body's side of this pause; this letter tells the work's side: it is a ripening process, and ripening cannot be rushed.
If your intuition has gone silent and you're tempted to force the next step, let this letter hold your hand still for a few minutes.
Dear traveler,
Ah. How hard it can sometimes be on this way. When the last wave is through and the next wave is not yet there, we can easily lose ourselves. The time in between feels pointless at first glance. Unproductive – what a word – it disregards so much that is happening, and it judges … "unproductive". The ideas, visions and images you are receiving right now are still diffuse. They are forerunners of what is coming. Forerunners of the next wave. What is growing in you needs time to arrive and to take root. It is a ripening process. If right now you cannot feel what to do next, if your intuition is silent – then right now there is nothing to do. Except to let things ripen. To give things time to fall into place. If you work with other people, it takes regard for the rhythm of these people. We want you to know: things are falling into place. All the parts are coming together. Up to this point, everything is right. You are on the right way. Be patient. Let things ripen. Give the natural flow time. This too is surrender. Letting go. Trusting.
Thank you for being here.
If something in these letters stayed with you, take it along – think about it, write your own answer, or just let it sit.
And if not today, that's okay too. There's no rush.
Until next time,
– Jan