It’s Devotion, Not Discipline

People often say to me “you are so disciplined.”   

They are referring to the fact that I go to my studio and paint six days a week, Monday – Saturday.  (When I’m up against a looming deadline, I may paint on Sundays too.)  

But I am not disciplined. I am devoted. 

I don’t use willpower to head to the studio each day, I use desire.  I long to be there coaxing something of beauty onto the surface of my canvas.  I would rather be there – even when I am struggling with a painting – than almost anywhere else because I am devoted to the practice of making art. 

Devotion is a response of the heart — discipline is an action of the will.  I am devoted to my husband, our family, my meditation practice. I am disciplined with my workout schedule and paying my bills on time.  

For years in San Francisco, I had a day job and could only get to my studio on weekends. But I rose every morning at 5 am so that I could spend an hour drawing or painting on a drafting table in the corner of my apartment.  

I suppose that devotion is answering to the call of love. I love my art practice so much that I choose to be there for it – day by day, year by year. It anchors me and feeds me – as do my marriage and my meditation practice.  

So, if you feel a longing to work on your art (or practice the piano or write a poem) just respond with your heart. It’s devotion, not discipline and your life will be changed for it.  

P.S.  Just to be clear, when I say that I paint six days a week, this doesn’t mean that I am painting 8 hours each day. I am usually at the easel for 4 or 5 hours total each day.  I have a full life outside the studio that I am devoted to as well!