The challenge of Adversity

Thank you to those who shared their responses to being unstuck. It is interesting to hear what works for others. Some of you are having trouble getting logged into the comment site. You need to create a user name and password before it will publish the comment. Don't forget to write it down so you can use it the next time you wish to write a comment.

One of my friends sent me this as an addition to the discussion:

"Judy - it's the same when I work with my music. I think we need to accept - and even enjoy (!) our "dry" periods. See the beauty of the desert. Only keep our eyes and our ears and our senses open during that time. Can't be creative without a pause. Even God "rested on the seventh day" (Ha - wonder where that came from!)Looks like your unstuck, judging from your latest creations!"

Good point, Ingemar!

Last night we attended the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They were superb! The guest artist was pianist Leon Fleisher who played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat, Opus 73. I had to use the program guide to write that! Leon Fleisher has overcome some physical adversities in his career. He started piano lessons at age 4 and by age 16 he made his debut with the New York Philharmonic. He was developing a wonderful career as a concert pianist when he was struck with Focal Dystonia which is a neurological affliction that rendered 2 fingers on his right hand to become immobile. He "retired" from concert playing at 37! His focus then became teaching and conducting until recently when new treatments have relieved the immobility of his fingers. He is once again playing with 2 hands.

As I think about Mr Fleisher I am struck with the thought of what it takes to overcome such adversity to continue on with a passion and talent that you have. The determination to not give up and wait out the "dry periods" can sometimes be a long road. In Mr Fleisher's case he stayed connected to his music through his teaching and conducting. But what a joy to return to his initial career when he thought it had been taken away for good! And believe me he was GREAT!!!!!!

No matter what adversities you face or dry periods that develop, here's hoping that you can carry on through those times. New things do happen even in the lost and barren times.