The Shape of Longing.
Your creating is an expression of yourself – it does not need to be more; it can be more, but that was never yours to control.
I asked about a project I was in the middle of building – something I care about and want to get right. And underneath that question, if I am honest, sat another one: will it be useful? Will anyone like it? The old habit of making something with one eye on how it will be received.
The answer was a reminder, not news: create from love, from inspiration – and stay entirely without intention toward the result. It is the same invitation that opens "The Creative Process": start without expectations, let imperfection be part of it. This letter carries it through to the end – to the moment you finish, and the moment you let what you made go.
It was written to me, about one project. It is meant for anyone who makes anything.
Dear traveler,
We want to remind you of something: "I have no desired outcome." Be without intention.
Create from love, from inspiration – but be entirely without intention toward the result. When it feels aligned for you, then it is aligned.
Your creating is an expression of yourself. It does not need to be more. It can be more – but that is not in your control.
Create the shape of your longing. Of what wants to come into being. Make it following your intuition. From your innermost self. As long as it feels light.
And when you are done: let go. Whether someone else likes it, or whether it is useful to someone else, is not in your control and not yours to decide. Focus on what wants to come into being out of you. Share it. And then let it go. There is nothing more you need to do.
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