My client and book illustrator Dana Weelkey of Nine Tomatoes fame sent me this wonderful Martha Graham quotation. In it, Martha is describing to fellow dancer and choreographer Agnes DeMille about that extraordinary piece that each person has to offer to the world -- what I like to call your unique signature.
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. And 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 to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.
What each entrepreneurial woman needs to keep in mind when starting up her business is that she indeed does have something unique to offer to the world. Something extraordinary that only she can offer. To quote boldly from chapter 14 of my book:
Look no further. You are extra-ordinary. You do have something unique and special to offer the world. Dare to show it. Dare to offer it. The world is your oyster. The Universe is working on your behalf for all great and good things.
What do you think of Martha Graham's quotation? Do you believe there is something extraordinary within you that you have to offer the world? Let us know.
Even though I know the quote, I never tire of reading it. It calms and soothes, excites and inspires me. It stops the voice in my head from judging and comparing, instead keeping open that unique channel. And the quote from your book, Susan, ties in perfectly. Thank you!
Posted by: Dana at NineTomatoes | November 27, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Thank you for sending me this quotation to use, Dana! Byron Katie talks about staying in one's business. Her insightful question, when one is in a voice-inside-your-head quagmire is: "Whose business is it?" That one question, too, gives me reason to pause, center, and align.
Posted by: The Original Accidental Pren-her | November 28, 2007 at 05:40 PM