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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Speaking Your Truth

When it comes to speaking your truth, being upfront, clear, and direct is usually the best route. It might ruffle some feathers and rock the boat. It might also cause you to lose a group of people (yet strengthen the bond with those most aligned with you or make room for more of them to show up). But it'll allow you to claim the honesty badge and remain in good graces with the virtuous.

However, if for some valid reason, you can't or shouldn't do that, being indirect about it is often also an option. Not the ideal one, but still better than nothing. For example, let's say that you can't or shouldn't tell others NOT to eat rotten apples and to try fresh blueberries instead. In what ways could you lead them to the same conclusion without telling them the conclusion itself? You could speak of why it is a bad idea to consume anything rotten and/or why it is a good idea to consume something that is fresh. Alternatively, you could speak of how the positive properties of blueberries outweigh those of apples within a given context. Or some kind of mix.

Be as obvious as you can afford to be - for threading in stealth can turn into or come across as manipulation. Make it so your audience is able to have the realization that what they figured is what you meant without you having to spell it out (and reserve the right to not elaborate further).

This is easier to do (and less problematic) if you're already the kind of artist who speaks in riddles, has to be read between the lines, and/or includes hidden clues in their work. Then it is nothing new and it is something people are already aware of and can expect from you. Might as well be even more indirect and share pieces that speak for you.

If by no means should you speak your truth, at this or at a later time, it is for you to recognize. But remember: a non-action is also an action with (in certain cases, grave) consequences. So, while it may be understandable, you ought to weigh that too.

Speaking your truth is truly of great importance. Your reality literally shifts based on what you communicate. And holding too much in can become an unbearable burden. Therefore, even if it doesn't land well, or is not wrapped properly, plenty can be forgiven for that sake. Nonetheless, engage in due reflection so that you can indeed be truthful.