by Belinda Lams
I just finished Steven Pressfield's latest book, "The Authentic Swing." If you don't know this author, look him up. He's written fantastic books, 3 of which I've read to date.
"The Authentic Swing" unpacks Steven's creative writing process of his novel, "The Legend of Bagger Vance." He reveals the source of his inspiration as well as the deeper themes contained throughout the story.
In this case, the main character is a golfer who sets out on a journey to find...rather...recover his authentic swing. His authentic swing is a metaphor for his unique core self which has always been there, but has been lost or forgotten throughout his lifetime.
When I explore the truth of finding my unique self, my authentic swing, I become acutely aware of all that isn't true about myself. All the roles I've taken on. The attempts. The comparisons. Even stealing someone else's authentic swing.
We all wear costumes in the attempt to hide ourselves and fool others. Deep within, we know this isn't native. At some point, if we're brave enough, we may begin the excavation.
The willingness to remove the costumes allows for a more authentic self to emerge. Like Michaelangelo's statue hidden in the marble, we must remove the excess stone to reveal the truth of who we are.
May we all find the courage to unzip a costume, chip away at the marble, and venture ever-closer to recover our authentic swing.
(Happy Birthday to Jeff, My Love)
I just finished Steven Pressfield's latest book, "The Authentic Swing." If you don't know this author, look him up. He's written fantastic books, 3 of which I've read to date.
"The Authentic Swing" unpacks Steven's creative writing process of his novel, "The Legend of Bagger Vance." He reveals the source of his inspiration as well as the deeper themes contained throughout the story.
In this case, the main character is a golfer who sets out on a journey to find...rather...recover his authentic swing. His authentic swing is a metaphor for his unique core self which has always been there, but has been lost or forgotten throughout his lifetime.
When I explore the truth of finding my unique self, my authentic swing, I become acutely aware of all that isn't true about myself. All the roles I've taken on. The attempts. The comparisons. Even stealing someone else's authentic swing.
We all wear costumes in the attempt to hide ourselves and fool others. Deep within, we know this isn't native. At some point, if we're brave enough, we may begin the excavation.
The willingness to remove the costumes allows for a more authentic self to emerge. Like Michaelangelo's statue hidden in the marble, we must remove the excess stone to reveal the truth of who we are.
May we all find the courage to unzip a costume, chip away at the marble, and venture ever-closer to recover our authentic swing.
(Happy Birthday to Jeff, My Love)
