“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

It will do good also if during the day occasionally he imagines the exercise as he goes about his chores, but he should not do this willfully, with an intent to command physical performance. The whole thing should be done with a mental lightness, more as if it were a children’s game, and he must remember this for it is the whole point of the procedure.

The potato is effective, and highly. The symbolism in holding the potato, you see, is that tensions and poisons pass from the fingers into the potato, which is a root vegetable. It is symbolism, but highly effective for that reason, and for that reason it does indeed draw out tensions and poisons.

(A subject came up at break that hadn’t been anticipated; I explained to Jane some of the troubles I had had lately re my oil portraits. I thought the remarks would bring forth some response from Seth, but since a shorter session had been announced I didn’t think such a lengthy response would materialize.

(This I have been suspecting recently, but hadn’t said anything about it to Jane.)

The emphasis would not necessarily (underlined) be upon technique nor detail, though it could be, but upon portraying in one portrait, if you will forgive the phrase, the agony and the ecstasy of individual existence. This is what you often avoid facing.

(I don’t believe there has been a time when I didn’t have plenty of ideas. This has never been a problem with me personally, but I didn’t interrupt to make a point of this. I thought the data excellent.)

You must realize, and tell yourself, that creativity is timeless in a basic manner. You must completely cease inner speculations and regrets and questions as to why your abilities have not come to fruition. This must positively be done. The negative suggestion works constantly against you. When such thoughts come to mind, instead tell yourself that that trend of thought will not help your painting, but hinder it, and that it is constricting. Then immediately imagine a time when you painted very well and spontaneously, and tell yourself that you are now free to use and develop these abilities. (Pause.)

Now this information, properly used, plus your use of one of the two approaches given earlier, will be of great benefit. Not only now but for the rest of your life. Do you have any questions?

My heartiest wishes to you both. You have been given advice geared to you and to your needs. If you follow it you will be amazed at the difference in your attitude and in your work. It must not be a willy-nilly trial, a one-or-two day affair, but a wholehearted plunge into whatever approach you choose, and you should also follow the suggestions given later concerning time and your attitude. This is your artistic prescription, and half doses will not do a full job.

(10:48. Jane’s trance was deep, but she left it quickly. She remembered little of what she said.)