Living a Life of Depth and Texture
Fiori di Como — Dale Chihuly
Fiori di Como by Dale Chihuly is a vibrant glass ceiling installation at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. This masterpiece of color and texture mirrors life’s richness and interconnected beauty.
Exploring the Layers Beneath the Surface
When we live with intention, we move beyond the surface of what we present to the world. Beneath the societal armor lies a tapestry of meaning and complexity—threads woven from joy, struggle, and reflection, all playing vital roles in our emotional riches.
For me, life is less like a plain piece of cloth and more like a richly woven tapestry. On the surface, it may appear simple—smooth and unassuming—but beneath lies a mosaic of experiences. Each thread tells a story, and when I explore those stories, I begin to see the textured beauty that makes my life uniquely my own.
The Power of Imperfection
A meaningful and enriched life has never been about perfection. It’s often the struggles and imperfections that make us stronger.
“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.”
Henry David Thoreau
For years, I carried the weight of believing my writing would never be good enough. Sharing my work felt like standing on a stage without armor, fully exposed. But one practice changed everything: daily journaling, longhand, every morning. The act of writing for no one but myself became a quiet revolution. Over time, it loosened the grip of fear and gave me the courage to let my voice be heard.
Each page I filled became a thread in the tapestry of my creative life. The words weren’t polished or perfect, but they were mine, and they taught me that imperfection isn’t something to fear—it’s where authenticity lives.
Smooth vs. Textured Living
Consider the difference between a smooth stone and one with jagged edges. A smooth stone is comfortable to hold, familiar, and easy to handle, but it lacks the intrigue of its textured counterpart. With its sharp contours and imperfections, the rough stone tells a story of forces greater than itself—wind, water, and time shaping it into something unique.
Why is it rough? Where has it been? What journey brought it here? These questions stir curiosity, and in that curiosity, we find depth.
The same is true of art. When I began creating my prints and shooting mindful photographs, combining words with visuals, I realized that the magic happened in the textures—both literal and emotional. A perfectly smooth surface would feel lifeless, but the layered imperfections spoke directly to the emotions of those who encountered the work. The words became veins running through the art, much like the stories running through our lives.
Curiosity: The Key to Depth and Texture
Life is full of hidden doors—both in the world and within ourselves. Curiosity is the key that unlocks those doors, allowing us to discover the textured layers beneath the surface.
“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.”
Rumi
When we remain curious, we uncover the beauty in imperfection. We realize that those jagged edges—those moments of discomfort and uncertainty—are part of a larger story. They connect us to nature, the universe, and the remarkable tapestry of life.
The Tapestry of Life
Each of us is a single thread in a vast tapestry. Our experiences—the smooth moments and the textured ones—are woven together into something greater than ourselves. When we embrace the layers beneath the surface, a moment of acceptance can be exhilarating. Even in life’s dense fog, we find clarity in knowing we are part of something vast and meaningful.
Reflection: Seeing the Texture of Your Own Life
Take a step back. Look beyond the surface of your life and let go of the need for curb appeal. Instead, reflect on the textured layers that make your life unique.
Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Mary Oliver
Let the unfamiliar become familiar. Use it as a brush to paint your canvas. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s your imperfections that the world longs to hear about. Reflecting on these layers is like using a magnifying glass to uncover the fine details that make you, you.
Finding Meaning in the Mundane
Even the simplest stone tells the story of a mountain’s journey. In the same way, the most mundane moments in our lives can hold profound meaning if we take the time to look. Depth and texture aren’t found on the surface—they live in harmony with our curiosity, waiting to be explored.
An Invitation to Reflect and Create
What does your life’s tapestry look like? Is it layered with depth and texture, or does it feel flat and unconnected? Reflect on the stories you’ve woven into your life and consider how you can add new threads, new colors, and new textures.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Anaïs Nin
Life is an unfinished quilt, and every day offers the opportunity to design something new. So, stay curious, trust the journey, reflect, create, and embrace the layers. After all, a tapestry without textures is lifeless, but one rich in depth becomes a masterpiece that speaks to the soul.
Talk soon…
G