Micro-real life-practice
We all have had experiences where we hear an inner voice or have gentle nudges pointing this way or that way. They are often quiet and require a moment of recognition—the realization that a choice has been presented.
These can be threshold moments, that can lead to profound changes if we listen, then act.
Sometimes I listen to my inner voice, or inner nudges and I’m so glad I do.
I recently learned something I had wanted to do for years, but never pursued.
Some of my sculptures are cast in bronze, which requires a patina application to finish it for display. The patina is what gives the sculpture color, texture, depth and emotional impact, like icing on a cake.
I always left this to the foundry, where it was applied with a torch and chemicals. It can be messy and requires the right equipment. Not something I was able to do in my studio. I was often unsatisfied with the results and wished I could do this myself, but I had no experience.
In a wistful manner, I put out a wish to the universe that I would like to find a way to learn more about this at some point. No timeline, no pressure.
Synchronicity moves quietly and without fanfare, until it suddenly appears.
This was the case when I was talking to an artist acquaintance, and he happened to mention he had applied a cold patina to one of his sculptures.
A threshold moment appears; a choice is presented.
I knew nothing about this, but I wanted to know more and how to do this. I peppered him with questions.
A new door opened, I entered.
Over the next days and weeks, this idea bounced around in my head. I did not do any research or follow up.
Like most of us, I see hundreds of posts on social media. I follow a number of art-related accounts, and occasionally one click leads to another, and then another, until I discover something unexpected.
Such was the case when I followed a link about some art lessons, and to my surprise I found a “How to Apply Cold Patina” course in New York starting the following week.
I couldn’t quite believe my good fortune.
Another threshold moment and a choice opportunity.
I felt some resistance and reasons not to go, the drive was inconvenient, timing was an issue, and the cost, but something deeper kept nudging me. It seemed so perfect, so I made the choice to sign up for the course.
The hands-on course taught me far more than how to apply a cold patina. I learned about different metals, and how chemicals affect them and the broad range of creative effects that are available.
For the first time, I could carry my creative intention from start to finish, where earlier I was relying on others to finish my creative work.
Now, I was able to transform some of my bronze sculptures that I never liked.
It is remarkable how changing the color and texture can enhance a work of art.
I believe these moments happen often to all of us, but they are fleeting and easily passed over in the hurried pace of life.
I find when I am flowing with life, rather than trying to make something happen, I can participate with life already in motion. If I’m present and listening, I am better prepared to notice a threshold moment and the choice it is presenting.
To flow with the river or swim upstream.
We are with life, not outside it.
The choice is rarely dramatic.
Most threshold moments arrive quietly.
The question is whether we notice them.
When, Which, How Micro-Practice
When: You notice an inner nudge, curiosity, or unexpected
opportunity.
Which: Appreciation for noticing. Valor to take the next step.
How: Pause. Listen. Take one aligned action.