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Wednesday, 5 February 2014

Originality





“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to.” 

-- Jim Jarmusch

This quote has inspired me countless times when it comes to making art, but it's also a useful mantra when it comes to learning about different ways to move (and meditate).

To my mind you can't 'own' a method of movement. The history and linage of what you are practicing is important, for context, and you have to learn from a place of authority, ofcoure, but understand that when you learn from someone that that 'method' will be influenced by their bias and experience of the body.  Make sure you don't neglect your own capacity to question what you are told and research what is presented to you.

Repeat after me: There can be no hierarchy of movement/fitness/working out (or what ever you want to call it) there can only be constant exploration, recycling, reusing, relearning and listening to your own body. Everyone moves differently.
Keep learning.
Keep questioning.
Keep it honest.
Keep moving.

(Image by Kristian Goddard)

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