Field Notes - One
Welcome to my Field Notes from an Ordinary Life and this project that is both a new beginning and a continuation of my life’s work. As I ruminate on the focus of this first post I am struck with a sense of paralysis and imposter syndrome - which is not an uncommon state of being for those who choose to follow a creative path.
Calling myself a photographer seems a bit “oser” at this stage, however, I have always said that I have more confidence than talent, and that I am more fearful of not taking a leap than I am of falling flat on my face!
Where I have always felt comfortable though, is in the role of teacher, and my understanding and practice of this role has greatly evolved from my early years as a physical education teacher in Montreal.
My most significant evolution as a teacher happened at a time when I was studying spiritual psychotherapy at a school of naturopathic medicine, and simultaneously teaching curriculum and pedagogy courses at McGill University and supervising student teachers during their practicums.
Having one foot in the “spiritual world” and one in the “practical world”, I was able to redefine what the role of teacher meant and how I wished to practice and guide others.
What further catapulted my metamorphasis during this time was my rejection from a fast-track Ph.D. program and a forced re-evaluation of the path I was on. From this devastating, ego-stripping event, came the most revealing awareness of my life - that my desire to understand what lies beneath and bring the unseen to the surface with great conviction, had caused me continuous heartbreak and frustration. It was now time to take this gift, dissect it, and transform my approach to teaching and life with humility and grace.
The tag line “leave space for the unknown”, my logo, and Post Velum, which means behind the veil, stem from a workshop I gave during this time - guiding individuals through a series of creative exercises whereupon they would find the tools to bridge the gap from a state of fear/anger/sadness, to a place of love/wholeness. I did the exercises as well, and from this moment I understood that my role was to stand under and be a patient witness to the unfolding of life - which would then inform when and what action, if any, was needed.
from unfulfilled desire to love
My life has seemingly followed a very circuitous route to this point, however, the one constant has been my desire to understand what lies beneath, to bring words to feelings and experiences, and to make manifest the intangible.
At this moment, photography and short essays seem to be an inspiring and creative medium through which to share my point of view - of this ordinary life 😌 .
I am very grateful to all of you - my many friends, family, and supporters from the knitting world and beyond who have encouraged and inspired me along the way - I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you.
💛 Lisa xx
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