Cultivating Inner Quietude
Journal Entry: Feb. 28, 2025
The purer the artist's 'mirror' is, the more true reality reflects in it. Overseeing the historical culture of art, we must conclude that the mirror only slowly is purified. Time producing this purifying shows a gradual, more constant and objective image of reality. ”
- Piet Mondrian
Cultivating Inner Quietude
In the chaotic swirl of creative energy, finding inner quietude can seem elusive. The mind is a constant stream of ideas, doubts, inspirations, and distractions. Yet, true creative depth comes not from noise but from clarity—an inner stillness that allows art to emerge naturally.
So, what does it take to develop this inner quietude?
It takes persistence, patience, and purposefulness—three essential elements that, when cultivated, shape both the artist and their work.
Persistence: The Discipline of Returning
Quietude does not happen overnight. Like any skill, it must be developed through consistent practice. The mind will wander. Doubt will creep in. The external world will pull at your attention. But persistence means returning—again and again—to that place of quiet within.
For an artist, this could mean setting aside regular time for creative work without distractions, practicing deep focus, or training the mind to observe without immediately reacting. It is the ability to gently pull yourself back into stillness when the noise of the world—or your own thoughts—tries to take over.
Patience: Allowing Stillness to Unfold
Artists are often eager to bring ideas to life, but inner quietude does not respond to force. It is something that unfolds naturally, like a seed growing into a tree. Patience means allowing the process to take its time. It requires trust that even when nothing seems to be happening, something is.
Instead of chasing inspiration, patience allows it to emerge. Instead of fighting uncertainty, patience makes space for discovery. A quiet mind does not rush—it listens. It allows things to settle, to breathe, to take shape without urgency.
Purposefulness: Aligning with Intent
Inner quietude is not passive; it is an intentional state of being. Purposefulness means choosing to cultivate it rather than letting external forces dictate your inner world. It means recognizing that a quiet mind is not empty but clear, receptive, and fully engaged with the present moment.
For an artist, this could mean setting clear intentions before beginning a piece, creating rituals that signal the transition into creative flow, or simply being mindful of what energy is brought into the studio. Purposefulness keeps the artist anchored, ensuring that their quietude serves as a foundation rather than an afterthought.
The Artist’s Quiet Mind
When an artist cultivates persistence, patience, and purposefulness, they develop the ability to create from a place of deep stillness. This does not mean the absence of thought, but rather the presence of awareness. A quiet mind does not suppress ideas or emotions—it allows them to move freely without attachment.
In this state, creativity flows effortlessly. Art emerges without strain. And the artist, rather than being lost in the noise of expectation, finds themselves fully immersed in the act of creation.
Quietude is not an escape—it is an arrival. A way of being that allows art to arise naturally, without resistance. It is both the process and the reward.
And like any great work of art, it begins with the first step.
That’s a beautiful and clear piece of writing Cecil, thank you. I really enjoyed reading it. I remember an older person advising me in college when I was stressing about not having ideas that you have to think of the hen sitting on her eggs…she doesn’t keep getting off them to check if they’re hatching. She sits, waits, and trusts the process! Same thing with planting bulbs in the autumn or spring, you don’t keep digging them up to see are they growing. And then, just like magic, they appear.
The "presence of awareness". I connected immediately with that. When I read the words, I felt them.