I’ve had many mantras. Nothing fancy, just little bits of wisdom that fly into my consciousness if I can air it out. I tend to be a wayward thinker and can get wrapped up in cloaking mode, self-editing. Some days…. it’s a chore to self-talk my way into being me. Less artifice. Invoking advice from wise ones helps. Do you know this gem?
When it comes to art, it’s important not to hide the madness.
-Atticus
The “art” in question? My life! Every day feels like a whirr of the routine and creative, blended together. Like a VitaMix. I try to shield the scarier bits from those I love, because I know my zeal and zest for doing too much at once probably looks like Vicki on ‘spin cycle’ at times. Take heart. I’m only following wisdom I adore. Blame Atticus.
I’ve grown to appreciate my version of madness and I wave my flag proudly. Especially when surprises arrive, reminding me that aspects of my “Vicki-ness” was helpful. Whispers from the past…
I love hearing from former students, and I shared a silly story a while back when I tripped over an old thank you note from a student. This time, I received an old-fashioned phone call. A delightful encounter with “Jeanine” that held two purposes. One: She wanted to update me on her life as a single mom (she’s doing very well and so is her daughter) and Two: Jeanine sought a little confidence boost, fearful as she’s leaping headlong into a new career. The bonus in our chat came when she shared her memory of meeting with me in our last in-person encounter before the pandemic and a take-away that stuck with her. About my screen saver.
Jeanine knew me when I worked on a busy, buzzy campus. She liked my space because of the soft lighting, and she said it always smelled good and calmed her as she entered. (I don’t know why that would be, but I always had an array of snacks and candy on hand.) 😉
I thought about her comment and remembered being intentional about soothing lighting and arranging my desk so that my computer workstation was visible to any guest in my space, especially those who would routinely sit in one of the deeply cushioned side chairs. By design. And yes, of course – for privacy reasons, my monitor morphed into screensaver mode after mere moments of inactivity, locked to prevent prying eyes on student records and counseling notes.
I never minded the need to repeatedly reauthenticate because during those in between times my monitor became a mini billboard. The inspirational messages were mini ice-breakers, conversation starters or neutral spots for eyes to rest when sessions were stilted, difficult.
I changed the display messages regularly, based on my mantras-of-the-moment. Over time, students and staff began paying attention and they’d ask about the source, the inspiration, the ‘why’ and the ‘how’.
I loved the level playing field that these micro-messages provided…opportunities for me to share glimpses of my own mindfulness and meditation practices. Sometimes wayward, sometimes effective. And I was always honest about Vicki – the work in progress. I was – and am – ever mindful that while I have the credentials and the alphabet soup before and after my name, titles and such can get in the way.
For professional practice reasons, displaying and disclosing my credentials wasn’t optional. It was required but the elevation and formality of degrees can work at cross purposes. Given a choice, my style will forever be: I’m with you. Walking with, but not leading. Cultivating a sense of ease and acceptance and mini-monitor-mantras helped to set the tone.
And so, this blog is brought to you today by my thoughtful former student, Jeanine. 😉 She conjured precious memories as she reminded me of her favorite ‘screen saver wisdom’. I listened carefully when Jeanine said two phrases were memorable from our last meeting, helping to propel her forward with positivity and purpose in the intervening years.
The two screen-saver phrases she loved:
- Into the Light
- Light and Love
Jeanine reminded me of another message – one that she recalled as my personal favorite. She wasn’t wrong in her recollection. It’s still my fave:
- Find the Peace Within
It’s the mantra I invoke the most, even today, as a calming, self-nurturing four-word tonic.
When our call ended, I was ready to check out for the rest of the week as I floated through the rest of my day. Conversations about lightness – of being, of spirit. With a side order of gratitude? A fantastic gift.
The call from Jeanine put my head and heart into gear as I mulled a truth. A turning point for some of us arrives when we realize receiving light (just as Jeanine offered it to me in her gratitude) is just the beginning. It’s the regeneration and the reflection back to others, the sharing of gifts and talents, ever onward. Finding our individual light and giving it freely in support of others is purpose-driven living. Art? Madness? Love? I think it’s all the same.
No one expressed this better than Hafiz:
I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in the darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.”
-Hafiz
And there we are. Lean into light, screensaver style. With thanks to Hafiz and sweet Jeanine. You are light. You are magic.
Lagniappe? For a little more, visit my post on Heart of the Matter for a holiday message from me and my dear friend Wynne.
Vicki 😊
Victoria Ponders 
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