Did you know that most of those who received the Nobel Prize for Literature have written or stated that the prize diminished their creativity? This fact recently came to my attention and it has made me think about the place that awards and accolades intersect with inner inspiration. So often we strive for acknowledgement from others in our fields or in general. Being idolized by those not on our pedestals is enticing, but it is a quick and fleeting fix, like a drug to which we become desensitized and thus need a stronger dose.
Being noticed for outstanding work by our peers has an ego boosting quality to it. Wouldn’t you rather be praised than criticized for your hard work? Most of us would. But, I wonder if there is a facet of it that takes on a life of its own and deflects from genuine inner inquiry that must be done in private, out of the spotlight and the push for approval.
I think that while it can be truly exciting to receive an honor, we have to insulate ourselves from the need to create for an award and stay in integrity, creativity and inner truth. Everything passes, and the weight of the honor needs to become lighter so we can get back to the work of expressing the treasure of our personal and unique insight. And, yes, that’s me being my unique self standing in ankle deep water testing out the water-repellency of my shoes.
