Authors Shelly Siskind’s and Gerbrig Berman’s recent book collaboration stokes the ego to push past self-imposed borders and open yourself to the possibilities of living ‘to the full range of your potential’. Sigh.  There are mornings as I sit at my computer my mind drifts to that time when I impetuously, courageously would leap into opportunity. I wonder where that somewhat naive but doggedly determined person I’ve been now slumbers?

Turns out that sometimes a good creative nap is necessary.The quiet rejuvenating before the next creative wave rolls in. ‘The Uncharted Corners of Consciousness’ by Siskind and Berman is full of exercises, thoughts, meditations, personal exploration and revelations. All to assist us to move ourselves to live as fully integrated, present beings. This is a hard task in the busy world, and most especially for those of us who have a creative bent. How do we eek out the time in full days for our ‘art’ or is it that we need to constantly give ourselves permission? Siskind/Berman suggest that the ego is key to this. ‘Ego Management’ (my term!) can be a full time job in itself! In releasing the burdening power the ego has over us, we can move to the uncharted, the mystical unknown, wherein lies all our personal power. On the other hand, a strong ego can be exactly what motivates us! This poem by Siskind/Berman strikes the right note:

Artful

I am eating too much

and writing too little.

Shepherding a flock

that no longer needs tending.

I pour my creativity

into a house that already

brims with artful

Cooking meals devoid of ingenuity

Fearing that my epitaph will read,

‘Famous for her chicken’.

I will be reviewing this book for an upcoming Fall publication and will post the link here. In the meantime, I’m going to continue working through the chapters, drifting off into periodic naps as the creative waves begin to roll in.

Find this book on Amazon.ca The Uncharted Corners of Consciousness by Gerbrig Berman and Shelly Siskind