That's why it's said that "it's rare to be an empath." Empathetic people are rare. Sometimes it's something you have naturally and other times it's from what you learn. So, you can learn to be empathetic and I think the world needs more of it. I naturally empathize with people even if I disagree with them. It's in my nature to be this way. Or maybe in a past life, I learned to be empathetic.
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor
2020 has been a blessing in disguise for me. The lockdowns has given me a break away from the day to day stresses of life, the external responsibilities, and the constant sense of dread, and granted me the time alone I needed to reflect and begin to heal from a lifetime of trauma. It's given me the motivation and drive to move on and the desire to grow, both personally and to fight for a future. It's given me a chance to choose, instead of being told what I should be doing. (I HATE being puppeteered or metaphorically lead on a leash, always have... -_-)
Your videos are always so refreshing. Thank you for taking the time to do these for us. I hope it's not rude that I draw while listening to you, instead of watching your video. Your messages turn out to be more motivating when I'm in the zone
Thank you for this. Currently, we are trying to move out but we are stuck inside with our abusive dad. We have been trying to move for almost 4 years now. I'm sleeping with a knife. I really hope it won't transform into anything physical... Right now, I'm the shield for my siblings, and for me. Also I'm the one who listens to and takes care of them. I really hope my mother will find her strength to move us out and I can focus on myself and my art again.. Like when I was a child. Just started therapy again, and I do yoga every day. I know I cant count on anyone but myself.. but it's getting more and more comforting that I have at least myself, which I truly lost last year. Thank you thank you a thousand times.
Thank you, Adam, as always. Somehow your words every time is something I need to hear right at this moment, it's more than support, it's healing. Several days ago my beautiful, incredible but nonetheless dependent relationship, which have lasted for almost ten years, fell apart. I have thought that they will last forever. Yet it is hard to just even accept such a massive change, not to say anything about thinking over how to live on my own and make my own decisions after I've been giving all the responsibility to the other person for a half of my conscious life, but at the same time I finally got a feeling of freedom and, what is more important, my own inner power, that I may use to cope with obstacles and challenges, as there are actually many of them piled up after I've been giving up on my life for so long. My probably first and the most significant decision was to say thanks to that person, that I have been strongly connected once, for finally leaving me, giving me the chance to turn back to myself with my overgrown ego, which made me cling to her, which made me hang my immense load of fears and hopes, projections and illusions on her, who didn't deserve such a burden; and my actually strong sides that I've been always hiding from others for different reasons; to see my life on it's fullness, with it's difficulties and it's rewards, instead of running away from it to any relationship. To separate my own will from other's. Now much more clearly and sharply I understand, that there are so many events going on around in this life, which we don't have under our control, and that there is a danger of falling into the illusion of controlling it or falling under someone else's control in an attempt to run away from this feeling of not being able to handle everything. Instead we have a choice to deal with the things that depend on us and the choice of our reactions to what we can't control. Yet it will take a lot of time and even more efforts to untangle a ravel of feelings and thoughts which have accrued during these years, to understand, where I've been relying on other's opinion too much, where I've been stepping over myself for the sake of other person's approval, and where I've been actually acting from my own volition, but I know: it will worth it, because now I may choose on my own how to manage anything that life gives me without asking. After all, if life doesn't give a damn about my opinion on it, why should anyone else's opinion on life has higher priority? I will probably not contact that person in the nearest future, and even if I did, there are millions of words that I would like to say to her, so that eventually I can't say even the simplest one of them -- "thanks". But I feel like this story in my life actually changed me significantly and had the biggest impact on me than anything else. I think, although I am unable to find the right words to tell this story, one day I might draw it and share. That is a completely unique experience of mine, and I have an opportunity to turn it into something beautiful. That is, probably, an another important step -- choose to even in the darkest time and after the most painful losses not to hide behind some prickly armor of offence, being forever afraid of any possible hurt, but instead seek for my own inner light, that I sincerely wish to share with any person, who needs a bit of light and kindness in their own harsh times. And I can't say how much I FEEL your words about life just going on around us, not caring about how we take it. Because, no matter, how deeply I've been drown into other's personality, all these years I've spent living anyway, they haven't just passed by, they haven't even just happened to me, I've been getting experience, I've been growing, I've still yet made choices that led me to the point where I exist now. Decisions that we make today are inevitably will have consequences after some time, even if we cant always predict them, and life is actually consists of today's decisions more than of tomorrow's consequences, I guess. Want to thank you again for your beautiful thoughts that you share, for an opportunity to actually share some really important experience of my own on that theme (even if mine turned out into some enormously long commentary, whoops, I didn't expect such a massive float of reflections). I really appreciate, how you talk about things that are important and common to all mankind, so that every time I know that there are people that understand things that I feel.
Much agreed Adam. 2020 for me was my best year. I got the break I needed to grow as both a person and an artist. The 3 months that my job was shutdown gave me to opportunity to commit to my art and really show myself how good I could be. It showed me that I was ready to walk my own path after so many years of doubt. I produced more art and got so much done in those 3 months. When I got back to my job my art grinded to a halt. I returned back to the same monotony of being a retail worker. And not even a month in I decided that I had enough. I saw what I could be, free of my chains. So I made the choice to finish covering my debts and quitting at the end of the year. Literally the day after I made that decision an old client contacted me with a huge job offer. I took it and I haven't looked back. I'm in a much happier place, and I'm very thankful that I'm in a position to do so. Perspective matters a lot in life. You can let at this negativity get you down, or you can grab your destiny and make your own fate.
I've failed so many things and people in my life I feel like I can safely drop this here ; Yes the world will never forget your failures, that's how it is. But what *you* will remember, deep down inside, forever, is how you reacted to them and how you got back up. And this is really the only thing that matters.
Thanks for this talk Adam! I do believe in every word you said. The only way things might change, for better or worst, is when we are moving, no matter the direction. I've just started giving mentorship for the first time, even tho I don't think I'm that good, but I want to contribute to our community with the little I know about art. I hope that, with time, I can improve my art and teaching skills so I can help more and more ppl. Your talk was a nice confirmation that I've made the right choice. Thanks again
I used to be a very easy going and peaceful person all my life, but last year got me off the track and I missed the right road. Now listening to this I realized that I need to be as I used to be before. Because this is good for me, for my friends e for society. And for sure I will try to do this that I was afraid of!!
What do you mean, sticking thru that long?. I love your art talks. They could be an hour long and I wouldn't mind. Its the perfect background for drawing. By listening to your voice, I can zone out so good, almost getting into a meditative state. And I love how you are so encouraging without being unrealistic. You speak directly to my heart in so many of your talks. I dont understand why it took me so long to discover your channel. Thank you for doing this. ^^
I was just looking to see whether you had posted a new video this week. Needed some Adam time. And you literally just uploaded a new one. What a blessing. Happy 2021 Adam!
I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart adam. It's hard feeling like everything i do amounts to nothing. It's easy to forget what it all means when life just feels like it just has a never ending stream of shit prepared just for me. But having people like you around are a true reminder of what life really is, it's the moments, it's the listening to this art dad talk about how he sees things and opening up to his perspective. You have helped me so much last year. And i'm glad feeling like you continue to do so. My only drive is to one day be able to give that medicine to someone else.
I'm early for once?? Well excited to hear what ya have to say Edit: That was a nice real reminder, the world will screw us over no matter how we feel about it and all we can do in return is watch how we react to each moment, be it something affecting us directly or indirectly. I'm going to go through this new year with as much optimism and confidence as i can muster and i won't dwell on any issues i may run into. It's a great year to grow from past regrets and fear.
I enjoy your art talks Adam. Also hope you had a good chirstmas and new years break. My art goals for this year is to 1.Get better at digital art + pysical art. 2. share online more. 3.. start my own art them youtube channel down the road. 4. practice practice practice. :)
Glad to see you back for 2021. I’m personally walking into 2021 with a more hopeful mindset for both my art journey and RUclips journey. Definitely learned to be more strong from last year.
Thank you for your amazing talk again, Adam. I really admire the advice you give. Life doesn't give a damn, It's up to you; what you do with it, that matters. Small things can make a great change. Much love.
im only 24 but feel like ive been saying what your saying for like the last 15 years to people much older than me and i feels odd. honestly thanks for reconnecting the dots for when im lost.
I discovered this channel a few weeks ago, now I can't do art without listening to these videos, and now I'm getting paranoid thinking what if I finished watching and listening to all the videos on this channel ? what am I gonna do next ?
2020 has been two big reminders and lessons for me. The first lesson, is patience. Things takes time, having to be inside all day and night and barely seeing anyone but your family is difficult, but that's where you need to show patience to endure that. To get through it, no matter how tough it gets. Me personally, I am sick of being inside against my will, this is my 6h year doing it after 5 years of fatigue and depression. 2019 was the year where things got better, where I left the house more, where I started to do more. But then 2020 came and said, you're not done yet, and we were back to square one. I have gotten stronger over my years of isolation, so 2020 was probablt a lot easier for me than for others, but at the same time it was harder, because I had gotten that taste of, well, freedom. But that is where patience comes in. The second lessson, is that a bad person, no matter how bad, despicaple and even evil. At the end of the day, it's still a person. Though it might be easy to say that someone is just born evil and can't ever change. That is just, not true. You touch on this subject yourself, it's all about how someone is raised and other circumstances in their life. Life, for everyone, is rough and as you say, it's up to you how you handle it. It saddens me to see people in joy and celebrating people getting hurt, beaten and punished for things we disagree with. Though i disagree immensly with the people storming the parlament, I do not wish to see them beaten and hurt. Just punishment by fines and jail, I agree with it, but I do not celebrate. What I do hope is that these people get the help they need so that they can take care of themselves. These are the two of the things I've taken away from 2020, and those I think are the most important.
Very good points about not letting others do our thinking for us, but we must also be cautious whilst making those points that we ourselves are not having our own thoughts fed to us through subtle manipulation.
He speaks with the experience of gods, and yet has a human perspective. I wonder if it's his very calm demeanor, or perhaps the music. But his points are beyond valid, they're nearly integral to life lessons.
A lot of what you were talking about Adam reminded me of a quote from Albert Camus "“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger - something better, pushing right back.” Great conversation as always 😁
This was the talk that I didn't really knew that I needed. Everything feels out of control on the macro level but on the micro level its good to pursue and do good anyway. I've always have been a very angry person and learning how to really let that go is really hard to do, but, its worth it. Being positive throughout adversity is a very strong ability to have.
This is a lesson I am struggling thru right now and to hear your perspective was very encouraging and insightful. Thank you so much for your openness and authenticity. You are appreciated!
2020 is a year I'll never forget. My father died from Covid and I'm experiencing a much less meaningful life because of it. Now I'm struggling to keep the whole family afloat with my "Art money". Now I'm working on multiple products to release and see if I can increase my income stream.
Well Amelia - I greatly respect you taking care of your loved ones. Just remember that one of the most important ingredients to being a leading figure in your family is YOUR health and happiness So don’t forget to take care of you too
@@AdamDuffArt I'll try, but right now, there are too many helpless people depending on me. Two little sisters and a brother with severe non-verbal autism. Fortunately, I always get job offers. Still, I'm feeling lost. My father was my anchor.
There was and still a reason why I love your channel. It was to do art. You are free to discuss politics etc. but politics is the reason why many do art and watch your channel for example, it is to escape the news. This is why people do art, no one cares what someone else thinks. We do art because we make the world the way we want and not let the world make us what they/it wants of us. 2020 was an awesome year for me, it will get better in 2021.
“Changes are fated to happen to everyone. Perhaps, it is how we change that is our karma to bear.” “Changes are inevitable to everyone. It’s just a matter of how we change.” This quote is from another artist.
Adam I am new to your channel new to your tone and your insight and Ive found its helped alot, so this might be too specific for a video but I wanted to try anyways. In so many words, I have wanted to be career artist my whole life, I was on my way when I was 18 but due to life I had to drop out of school and focus on the grind. 9 to 5 job to job, I found alot of peace in my work and had a great work ethic, but after 10 years something happened, my legs just kind of shut down and no doctor has been an able to explain why bottom I suffer from alot of chronic pain and pain episodes, I was no longer able to work at most of any jobs due to the episodes and stamina coming and going. Having to move and re-calibrate myself I moved back to my home town and have now focused the few hours of stamina a day to my art, its a slog somedays but Its like I gave up my legs and my health to do what I love. And if I could do it all the time it would be enough, but I have days, I cant draw I cant sit or I am weak, those days are the hardest because I feel like im just falling behind any progress I make, or Im worried I wont be able to work in an office due to my issues, anyway you provide alot great insight about this stuff it is a shot in the dark, but I thought maybe you had some insight.
Besides of great talk, i just want to say that i really appreciate the level of decision making in the video. This bold changes of something that already done, to make it even better - something that looks easy but way too hard in real life, for some reason :) great work.
This was amazingly said and in my opinion absolutely correct! Your thoughts were very similar to Freud's The Future of an Illusion, where he discussed the natural state of helplessness [Hilflosigkeit] and how we try to hide it through the belief that someone (our parents, our authorities, our gods) will protect us from life. However, as you well said, nothing can protect us from life... it will hit us and fulfill all the promises that you made us at the end. So both Lacan (another psychoanalyst) and in my opinion also buddhism find the same answer to this issue: Accept and embrace helplessness, and do something about it, not to avoid it or to hide it, but to learn to live in that state that, as human beings, we are inevitably tied to. Something akin to what you refer to light-hearted old people, the old people that you love. In the dark that exists before us, the dark that will remain after us, we can be a light to ourselves and hopefully to others. In the dark, we can be light.
I understand that the video is promoting making individual decisions and not relying on figures of authority to hold your hand and decide what's right and wrong for you but... You don't account for the people who have lifestyles that they are happy with that would otherwise be taken from them if they don't vote a certain party, like republican People who feel that taxes should be lower People who want freedom of speech People who would not like to see people discriminated on based on race People who want equality of opportunity and not equality of outcome. You don't have to like any of these to empathize with people who might be interested in any of these When one side supports these views and another not only opposes this but claims you are a bad person for wanting any of those things, despite it being perfectly reasonable. As a result most people are going to go with a figure that represents their views regardless of the faults of the figure. One side is squeezing the joy out of the other side's life so what other option do they have? It’s a flawed character or giving up something you value You seem to be implying that they are too weak to come to their own conclusions and that if they had the strength then evil leaders wouldn't corrupt them into being puppets for their own use. if they just had the will power then they would come out as better people and have better views on the world (aka similar views to you) rather than - the leaders have views that align with theirs and because of that they support them. We could all do better by not assuming evil intentions or stupidity from the other side. This will just divide us more I don't think that people realize that conservatives and liberals literally see the world in different ways. (In a fundamental way due to their personalities)
I'm graduating this year and I feel like I'm looking into the gates of hell. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself that things might not work out immediately, but to just keep trying, and moving forward. Wish me luck...
I graduated at the peak of the last recession, it was hard to even get low level job, but I built skills and resilience that are making 2020 much easier to manage. Good luck and remember to have good times with friends when can.
Well, so many promises and not even a "I promise you you are gonna eat that cake you were craving for and you are not gonna be able to burn it in the gym". I am gonna eat some cake, sir. Great talk as usual.
I love your videos, everytimes it gives me something to think about, and I adore this atmosphere you make, thank very much for everything you do for us. by the way, in a video from a while ago you talked about searching content to put on while drawing, and if I remember correctly, you speak french right ? you might want to look into alt236's channel, the ambience he have in his videos make me feel kinda like yours it make me think and motivates me, even though the subject is very different.
honestly we need to stop taking things so serious and just learn to relax once in a while. Statistically it would be a miracle to life in a time and place without struggles and crisies and we can be grateful its "only" a pandemic instead of a civil war, dictatorship or anything along those lines. Yes our daily lives have been shaken up but we live in the era of connection and the internet - we arent exactly alone in this. We just need to stay humble and see this as a chance to give even more value to human connections. Sometimes you dont know how important something is until you miss it and if thats true then maybe more positiv things will come out of this then we might imagine. Peace
This may seem a little odd but the main track from American Beauty by Thomas Newman fits really well with this video, it's ambient and omnious but not in a dreadful way.
Firstly, thank you for all your work, all the videos, and your approach toward others. But this video triggered me a bit. What I've learned from people, that ARE professionals, through a few years of learning from my favorite C. G. Jung stream of psychology is that sometimes protesting, being an asshole, believing in - what you called - conspiracy theories IS a process of healing, especially when done consciously. I learned that sometimes protesting is saying "no" to what might be harmful to you. It sometimes is a very healthy boundary creation too for people that are for e.g. codependent. To me, a person that lives a conscious life is a person that is wide open. Do not blindly believe in anything, but is aware of everything, can analyze and take under consideration everything, even "stupid" or "bad" things. Such a person knows, that what is stupid, harmful for one person, might be the opposite for our fellow, that there is no right or wrong, black or white, left or right like sides of our borderline brains. All the middle grey is empathy and emotions. Having such an approach, it is very hard to judge others so as to control them so to use an opposite approach to what love is. What I am trying to say is, that to me believing in "conspiracy theories"(I recommend reading where this sentence Is coming from and think why you've used it), protesting may not be "bullshit" as you called it and calling people "such people" or "they" create a division when in fact I feel some of what you said is like that because "somebody said it", "that's the correct thing to say", "that's how it is accepted". No offense, Adam, I'm trying to be honest using my 2nd language... To a person that NEEDS (not wants) to be "an asshole" at this time in his life, such sentences could give a signal "if you are, what you are, you will not be accepted. To be accepted you need to fake and behave how people want you to behave". Let us remember that "analysis is difficult, that's why most people judge." Stay well, open, and looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts.
Quick question....can you read minds? I just had a discussion about career and taking risks with my parents yesterday who will say don't do it because it is not safe. Your talk really helped me. Thank you.
I feel like people that care about others, I get along with. Those that don’t, I don’t have anything for them. I like being a happy person. I don’t want to be around people who is going to kill my high. Not trying to get political here, but I have to explain it. Conservatives run their business like there is no one else on this planet other than themselves. Some democrats too. I am a progressive. I want to build towards a future where we help and care about each other. That’s important. If you think about it, that’s the whole reason we are here, to learn to coexist peacefully. Violence is against that idea. If I have to fight in this world, I will fight to protect that peace. We shouldn’t fight just to keep fighting. Life is not just one way, and will never ever be, one way. Conservatives need to understand that. Peace friends.
I find it amazing how utterly, shockingly reversed certain lenses are when viewing events, in circles. As an artist, I an very surprised how often the 'arts community' appears to be infused with the 'party line', and almost exclusively. Perhaps I'm just never going to get over rebelling against the popular opinion. I feel like your overall message is fine, but when you focus in on the events, I scrunch my face at how you see them and phrase them. To each their own, but it reminds me how opinion spread in artistic communities. Perhaps one day soon, I do hope that artists will return to moving away from collectivist viewpoints. I believe we are supposed to avoid comfort and sneer at all leaders, and that includes activist leaders.
I completely understand your point But remember that artists aren’t required to have the unpopular opinion - they’re only open to it If you’re talking about my political thoughts today, I feel quite confident with what I shared, but I totally understand if you chose to disagree with me
I love how the one side RIOTS and the other side peacefully protests. Don't hold two groups to different standards, it's how the world got into this mess in the first place.
Hey, thanks for the video. Im coming from another third world country so i cannot comment about what's happening in your country. But i still remember the 'mostly peaceful protest' meme on the net and seeing how you said they were peaceful, i know something was up. I stopped the video mid way sorry. But i hope you have a nice day.
stay safe lucidpeeps! and remember... no one cares xd . i;m being sarcastic of course. I hope this made someone chuckled because i sure did HAHa. Have a nice day!
I understand what you're trying to say at the beginning,"just because you know the right way doesn't mean you have to argue about it." Sums it up. It applies to some things, like how black isn't a good shading color. Some may say agree, some may not, it's all about personal preference so there's no need to argue. But some things are meant to be argued, and not because you feel like"rebelling" but because you know it's not right and it Harms other people. It's not some phase where you do it just because they don't have the same opinion as yours. And it feels like you're saying that people who can't do anything to defend their justice is weak. That's not entirely true, let's take BLM for example. You said in the video that people "depend" on others to express for them, let me tell you why that is not true. The reason why they depend on each other is because change cannot be done alone. Please know I'm not saying you should change the way you think, but rather just telling you that being able to not express your opinion alone is not being weak. I've been a fan for a long time, so I hope that you know I'm not mad at you, I hope you aren't mad at me too. Lots of love, and I appreciate the video, always.
The government was never your friend and if we take the USA as an example the founding fathers had the same opinion, resulting in creating the constitution. Which, unironically, is not respected by the government. What was your driving force? What was it that gave you hope? Why give up now?
@@chas1878 I was hoping that the future would be of a free America but I realize now that that may never happen. Even now conservatives are being censored and opinions/freedom of speech is being silenced. How far will this go? Will art be censored in the future too? Will my children & grandchildren have the freedom they deserve? This nation is more divided then ever and the government is the instigator. America is doomed...
@@mitthrawnuruodo1730 If you worry about the future for your children, why do you give up? By doing so you're submitting to the people you regard as the enemy do you not? The only way the people can gain freedom is by fighting for it and not stopping until they're dead
@@chas1878 I personally agree with you. However they won in dividing our people and our country. Yes there are people willing to fight but there are others who follow blindly and agree with the corrupt. They control the media and the system. My only hope is that enough people wake up but I doubt that will happen.
Being able to disagree and still empathize is something I wish everyone including myself would do better with.
That's why it's said that "it's rare to be an empath." Empathetic people are rare. Sometimes it's something you have naturally and other times it's from what you learn. So, you can learn to be empathetic and I think the world needs more of it.
I naturally empathize with people even if I disagree with them. It's in my nature to be this way. Or maybe in a past life, I learned to be empathetic.
@@AwakeningWings Todays culture needs a crash course for sure
@@joekx9 Yeah, I agree. And a lot of critical thinking as well.
" I understand, but I do not share "
@@AwakeningWings and also something that can be taken from you
People forgett that life dosnt give a shit about what year it is
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor
2020 has been a blessing in disguise for me. The lockdowns has given me a break away from the day to day stresses of life, the external responsibilities, and the constant sense of dread, and granted me the time alone I needed to reflect and begin to heal from a lifetime of trauma. It's given me the motivation and drive to move on and the desire to grow, both personally and to fight for a future. It's given me a chance to choose, instead of being told what I should be doing. (I HATE being puppeteered or metaphorically lead on a leash, always have... -_-)
I can very much relate, but it sounds to me like you weren’t necessarily puppeteered. You were only expected to behave like one
finally another therapy session
Your videos are always so refreshing. Thank you for taking the time to do these for us. I hope it's not rude that I draw while listening to you, instead of watching your video. Your messages turn out to be more motivating when I'm in the zone
Thank you for this.
Currently, we are trying to move out but we are stuck inside with our abusive dad.
We have been trying to move for almost 4 years now.
I'm sleeping with a knife. I really hope it won't transform into anything physical...
Right now, I'm the shield for my siblings, and for me. Also I'm the one who listens to and takes care of them.
I really hope my mother will find her strength to move us out and I can focus on myself and my art again..
Like when I was a child.
Just started therapy again, and I do yoga every day.
I know I cant count on anyone but myself.. but it's getting more and more comforting that I have at least myself, which I truly lost last year.
Thank you thank you a thousand times.
Thank you! Wish us all the best and productive decisions in this 2021!
Thank you, Adam, as always. Somehow your words every time is something I need to hear right at this moment, it's more than support, it's healing.
Several days ago my beautiful, incredible but nonetheless dependent relationship, which have lasted for almost ten years, fell apart. I have thought that they will last forever. Yet it is hard to just even accept such a massive change, not to say anything about thinking over how to live on my own and make my own decisions after I've been giving all the responsibility to the other person for a half of my conscious life, but at the same time I finally got a feeling of freedom and, what is more important, my own inner power, that I may use to cope with obstacles and challenges, as there are actually many of them piled up after I've been giving up on my life for so long.
My probably first and the most significant decision was to say thanks to that person, that I have been strongly connected once, for finally leaving me, giving me the chance to turn back to myself with my overgrown ego, which made me cling to her, which made me hang my immense load of fears and hopes, projections and illusions on her, who didn't deserve such a burden; and my actually strong sides that I've been always hiding from others for different reasons; to see my life on it's fullness, with it's difficulties and it's rewards, instead of running away from it to any relationship. To separate my own will from other's.
Now much more clearly and sharply I understand, that there are so many events going on around in this life, which we don't have under our control, and that there is a danger of falling into the illusion of controlling it or falling under someone else's control in an attempt to run away from this feeling of not being able to handle everything. Instead we have a choice to deal with the things that depend on us and the choice of our reactions to what we can't control. Yet it will take a lot of time and even more efforts to untangle a ravel of feelings and thoughts which have accrued during these years, to understand, where I've been relying on other's opinion too much, where I've been stepping over myself for the sake of other person's approval, and where I've been actually acting from my own volition, but I know: it will worth it, because now I may choose on my own how to manage anything that life gives me without asking. After all, if life doesn't give a damn about my opinion on it, why should anyone else's opinion on life has higher priority?
I will probably not contact that person in the nearest future, and even if I did, there are millions of words that I would like to say to her, so that eventually I can't say even the simplest one of them -- "thanks". But I feel like this story in my life actually changed me significantly and had the biggest impact on me than anything else. I think, although I am unable to find the right words to tell this story, one day I might draw it and share. That is a completely unique experience of mine, and I have an opportunity to turn it into something beautiful.
That is, probably, an another important step -- choose to even in the darkest time and after the most painful losses not to hide behind some prickly armor of offence, being forever afraid of any possible hurt, but instead seek for my own inner light, that I sincerely wish to share with any person, who needs a bit of light and kindness in their own harsh times.
And I can't say how much I FEEL your words about life just going on around us, not caring about how we take it. Because, no matter, how deeply I've been drown into other's personality, all these years I've spent living anyway, they haven't just passed by, they haven't even just happened to me, I've been getting experience, I've been growing, I've still yet made choices that led me to the point where I exist now. Decisions that we make today are inevitably will have consequences after some time, even if we cant always predict them, and life is actually consists of today's decisions more than of tomorrow's consequences, I guess.
Want to thank you again for your beautiful thoughts that you share, for an opportunity to actually share some really important experience of my own on that theme (even if mine turned out into some enormously long commentary, whoops, I didn't expect such a massive float of reflections). I really appreciate, how you talk about things that are important and common to all mankind, so that every time I know that there are people that understand things that I feel.
Much agreed Adam.
2020 for me was my best year. I got the break I needed to grow as both a person and an artist. The 3 months that my job was shutdown gave me to opportunity to commit to my art and really show myself how good I could be. It showed me that I was ready to walk my own path after so many years of doubt. I produced more art and got so much done in those 3 months.
When I got back to my job my art grinded to a halt. I returned back to the same monotony of being a retail worker. And not even a month in I decided that I had enough. I saw what I could be, free of my chains. So I made the choice to finish covering my debts and quitting at the end of the year.
Literally the day after I made that decision an old client contacted me with a huge job offer. I took it and I haven't looked back.
I'm in a much happier place, and I'm very thankful that I'm in a position to do so.
Perspective matters a lot in life. You can let at this negativity get you down, or you can grab your destiny and make your own fate.
I've failed so many things and people in my life I feel like I can safely drop this here ;
Yes the world will never forget your failures, that's how it is. But what *you* will remember, deep down inside, forever, is how you reacted to them and how you got back up.
And this is really the only thing that matters.
Thanks for this talk Adam! I do believe in every word you said. The only way things might change, for better or worst, is when we are moving, no matter the direction.
I've just started giving mentorship for the first time, even tho I don't think I'm that good, but I want to contribute to our community with the little I know about art. I hope that, with time, I can improve my art and teaching skills so I can help more and more ppl.
Your talk was a nice confirmation that I've made the right choice. Thanks again
I used to be a very easy going and peaceful person all my life, but last year got me off the track and I missed the right road. Now listening to this I realized that I need to be as I used to be before. Because this is good for me, for my friends e for society. And for sure I will try to do this that I was afraid of!!
Damn Adam, you literally always say exactly what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. Thank you for all that you do.
What do you mean, sticking thru that long?. I love your art talks. They could be an hour long and I wouldn't mind. Its the perfect background for drawing. By listening to your voice, I can zone out so good, almost getting into a meditative state. And I love how you are so encouraging without being unrealistic. You speak directly to my heart in so many of your talks. I dont understand why it took me so long to discover your channel. Thank you for doing this. ^^
I was just looking to see whether you had posted a new video this week. Needed some Adam time. And you literally just uploaded a new one. What a blessing. Happy 2021 Adam!
I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart adam. It's hard feeling like everything i do amounts to nothing. It's easy to forget what it all means when life just feels like it just has a never ending stream of shit prepared just for me. But having people like you around are a true reminder of what life really is, it's the moments, it's the listening to this art dad talk about how he sees things and opening up to his perspective. You have helped me so much last year. And i'm glad feeling like you continue to do so. My only drive is to one day be able to give that medicine to someone else.
I'm early for once?? Well excited to hear what ya have to say
Edit: That was a nice real reminder, the world will screw us over no matter how we feel about it and all we can do in return is watch how we react to each moment, be it something affecting us directly or indirectly.
I'm going to go through this new year with as much optimism and confidence as i can muster and i won't dwell on any issues i may run into. It's a great year to grow from past regrets and fear.
I enjoy your art talks Adam. Also hope you had a good chirstmas and new years break. My art goals for this year is to
1.Get better at digital art + pysical art.
2. share online more.
3.. start my own art them youtube channel down the road.
4. practice practice practice. :)
Those were one of the most heart filling words i heard in my life!
As always, thank you for your thoughts and words, Adam! It's always helpful to stop and reflect on the Now, no matter the time.
Glad to see you back for 2021. I’m personally walking into 2021 with a more hopeful mindset for both my art journey and RUclips journey. Definitely learned to be more strong from last year.
Thank you for your amazing talk again, Adam. I really admire the advice you give.
Life doesn't give a damn, It's up to you; what you do with it, that matters.
Small things can make a great change.
Much love.
im only 24 but feel like ive been saying what your saying for like the last 15 years to people much older than me and i feels odd. honestly thanks for reconnecting the dots for when im lost.
I discovered this channel a few weeks ago, now I can't do art without listening to these videos, and now I'm getting paranoid thinking what if I finished watching and listening to all the videos on this channel ? what am I gonna do next ?
This year wasn’t perfect but it actually helped me, I had an much harsher time during 2017 to 19, 2020 helped me appreciate life more then ever
2020 has been two big reminders and lessons for me.
The first lesson, is patience. Things takes time, having to be inside all day and night and barely seeing anyone but your family is difficult, but that's where you need to show patience to endure that. To get through it, no matter how tough it gets. Me personally, I am sick of being inside against my will, this is my 6h year doing it after 5 years of fatigue and depression. 2019 was the year where things got better, where I left the house more, where I started to do more. But then 2020 came and said, you're not done yet, and we were back to square one. I have gotten stronger over my years of isolation, so 2020 was probablt a lot easier for me than for others, but at the same time it was harder, because I had gotten that taste of, well, freedom. But that is where patience comes in.
The second lessson, is that a bad person, no matter how bad, despicaple and even evil. At the end of the day, it's still a person. Though it might be easy to say that someone is just born evil and can't ever change. That is just, not true. You touch on this subject yourself, it's all about how someone is raised and other circumstances in their life. Life, for everyone, is rough and as you say, it's up to you how you handle it.
It saddens me to see people in joy and celebrating people getting hurt, beaten and punished for things we disagree with. Though i disagree immensly with the people storming the parlament, I do not wish to see them beaten and hurt. Just punishment by fines and jail, I agree with it, but I do not celebrate. What I do hope is that these people get the help they need so that they can take care of themselves.
These are the two of the things I've taken away from 2020, and those I think are the most important.
Very good points about not letting others do our thinking for us, but we must also be cautious whilst making those points that we ourselves are not having our own thoughts fed to us through subtle manipulation.
He speaks with the experience of gods, and yet has a human perspective. I wonder if it's his very calm demeanor, or perhaps the music. But his points are beyond valid, they're nearly integral to life lessons.
Exactly what I needed to hear, thanks so much Adam!!
A lot of what you were talking about Adam reminded me of a quote from Albert Camus
"“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger - something better, pushing right back.” Great conversation as always 😁
This was the talk that I didn't really knew that I needed. Everything feels out of control on the macro level but on the micro level its good to pursue and do good anyway. I've always have been a very angry person and learning how to really let that go is really hard to do, but, its worth it. Being positive throughout adversity is a very strong ability to have.
Wise perspective and inquisitive thoughts. Thanks for sharing this.
This is a lesson I am struggling thru right now and to hear your perspective was very encouraging and insightful. Thank you so much for your openness and authenticity. You are appreciated!
Thank you for enormous power of your words and knowledge, it was so good to listen to this. Have a wonderful 2021 Adam!
You always speaks what's on my mind, Adam!
I was just listening your videos while animating!
Will come back tomorrow to listen to it fully while working 💕 you are amazing!
Thanks again for all the work you put in to this. You always say what I need to hear.
2020 is a year I'll never forget. My father died from Covid and I'm experiencing a much less meaningful life because of it. Now I'm struggling to keep the whole family afloat with my "Art money". Now I'm working on multiple products to release and see if I can increase my income stream.
Well Amelia - I greatly respect you taking care of your loved ones. Just remember that one of the most important ingredients to being a leading figure in your family is YOUR health and happiness
So don’t forget to take care of you too
@@AdamDuffArt I'll try, but right now, there are too many helpless people depending on me. Two little sisters and a brother with severe non-verbal autism. Fortunately, I always get job offers. Still, I'm feeling lost. My father was my anchor.
Thx for the prep. Needed to here this🙏🏽
There was and still a reason why I love your channel. It was to do art. You are free to discuss politics etc. but politics is the reason why many do art and watch your channel for example, it is to escape the news. This is why people do art, no one cares what someone else thinks. We do art because we make the world the way we want and not let the world make us what they/it wants of us. 2020 was an awesome year for me, it will get better in 2021.
“Changes are fated to happen to everyone. Perhaps, it is how we change that is our karma to bear.”
“Changes are inevitable to everyone. It’s just a matter of how we change.” This quote is from another artist.
His videos are really deep and I love that the titles don’t really give that away . Thank you Adam ✨
Adam I am new to your channel new to your tone and your insight and Ive found its helped alot, so this might be too specific for a video but I wanted to try anyways.
In so many words, I have wanted to be career artist my whole life, I was on my way when I was 18 but due to life I had to drop out of school and focus on the grind. 9 to 5 job to job, I found alot of peace in my work and had a great work ethic, but after 10 years something happened, my legs just kind of shut down and no doctor has been an able to explain why bottom I suffer from alot of chronic pain and pain episodes, I was no longer able to work at most of any jobs due to the episodes and stamina coming and going. Having to move and re-calibrate myself I moved back to my home town and have now focused the few hours of stamina a day to my art, its a slog somedays but Its like I gave up my legs and my health to do what I love. And if I could do it all the time it would be enough, but I have days, I cant draw I cant sit or I am weak, those days are the hardest because I feel like im just falling behind any progress I make, or Im worried I wont be able to work in an office due to my issues, anyway you provide alot great insight about this stuff it is a shot in the dark, but I thought maybe you had some insight.
Besides of great talk, i just want to say that i really appreciate the level of decision making in the video. This bold changes of something that already done, to make it even better - something that looks easy but way too hard in real life, for some reason :) great work.
insightful as always, thank you for your perspective.
This was amazingly said and in my opinion absolutely correct!
Your thoughts were very similar to Freud's The Future of an Illusion, where he discussed the natural state of helplessness [Hilflosigkeit] and how we try to hide it through the belief that someone (our parents, our authorities, our gods) will protect us from life. However, as you well said, nothing can protect us from life... it will hit us and fulfill all the promises that you made us at the end.
So both Lacan (another psychoanalyst) and in my opinion also buddhism find the same answer to this issue:
Accept and embrace helplessness, and do something about it, not to avoid it or to hide it, but to learn to live in that state that, as human beings, we are inevitably tied to. Something akin to what you refer to light-hearted old people, the old people that you love.
In the dark that exists before us, the dark that will remain after us, we can be a light to ourselves and hopefully to others.
In the dark, we can be light.
time for another awesome calming drawing session with Adam Woohoo I hooe you're doing great sir and as always stay safe and happy ❤️❤️
in the end for me is more like happy zbrushing
thanks for adding captions ^.^
I believe that one day someone will find out what they are doing in life.
wonderfull talk..thank you
Welcome back 😍
I understand that the video is promoting making individual decisions and not relying on figures of authority to hold your hand and decide what's right and wrong for you but...
You don't account for the people who have lifestyles that they are happy with that would otherwise be taken from them if they don't vote a certain party, like republican
People who feel that taxes should be lower
People who want freedom of speech
People who would not like to see people discriminated on based on race
People who want equality of opportunity and not equality of outcome.
You don't have to like any of these to empathize with people who might be interested in any of these
When one side supports these views and another not only opposes this but claims you are a bad person for wanting any of those things, despite it being perfectly reasonable. As a result most people are going to go with a figure that represents their views regardless of the faults of the figure.
One side is squeezing the joy out of the other side's life so what other option do they have? It’s a flawed character or giving up something you value
You seem to be implying that they are too weak to come to their own conclusions and that if they had the strength then evil leaders wouldn't corrupt them into being puppets for their own use. if they just had the will power then they would come out as better people and have better views on the world (aka similar views to you)
rather than - the leaders have views that align with theirs and because of that they support them.
We could all do better by not assuming evil intentions or stupidity from the other side. This will just divide us more
I don't think that people realize that conservatives and liberals literally see the world in different ways. (In a fundamental way due to their personalities)
Great points and I agree 100%.
I agree with you too
I'm graduating this year and I feel like I'm looking into the gates of hell. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself that things might not work out immediately, but to just keep trying, and moving forward. Wish me luck...
Good luck bruther
Definitely good luck (and don’t let bad luck stop you :)
I graduated at the peak of the last recession, it was hard to even get low level job, but I built skills and resilience that are making 2020 much easier to manage. Good luck and remember to have good times with friends when can.
Good luck and have a great and successful New Year.
Well, so many promises and not even a "I promise you you are gonna eat that cake you were craving for and you are not gonna be able to burn it in the gym". I am gonna eat some cake, sir.
Great talk as usual.
Love your art Adam!!!
Thank you Adam. Haven't watched it yet but I know it's going to be good anyway as always😁
Just noticed this is the same painting since the last couple of talks. Cool to see the progression of the painting
There's some effective medicine in that mirror.
Thank you for reminding me, Adam.
I love your videos, everytimes it gives me something to think about, and I adore this atmosphere you make, thank very much for everything you do for us.
by the way, in a video from a while ago you talked about searching content to put on while drawing, and if I remember correctly, you speak french right ? you might want to look into alt236's channel, the ambience he have in his videos make me feel kinda like yours it make me think and motivates me, even though the subject is very different.
Thank you so much
I do not quite agree with most of your political viewpoints, but you are completely right with your deeper message, you always manage to touch people
My earliest record of listening to your new content: 2hours ≈☆
honestly we need to stop taking things so serious and just learn to relax once in a while. Statistically it would be a miracle to life in a time and place without struggles and crisies and we can be grateful its "only" a pandemic instead of a civil war, dictatorship or anything along those lines. Yes our daily lives have been shaken up but we live in the era of connection and the internet - we arent exactly alone in this. We just need to stay humble and see this as a chance to give even more value to human connections. Sometimes you dont know how important something is until you miss it and if thats true then maybe more positiv things will come out of this then we might imagine. Peace
Also this doesnt strictly applies to covid but to hard times in genereal. People pull through not matter what, stay strong guys
This may seem a little odd but the main track from American Beauty by Thomas Newman fits really well with this video, it's ambient and omnious but not in a dreadful way.
What a very interesting comparison!
Virtual hug 🤗
Back at you :)
omg why this is so relateable
Reminds me of something I heard once. “God” gives you bread, don’t ask for toast, make it yourself!😀😊🖖✌️
Firstly, thank you for all your work, all the videos, and your approach toward others.
But this video triggered me a bit. What I've learned from people, that ARE professionals, through a few years of learning from my favorite C. G. Jung stream of psychology is that sometimes protesting, being an asshole, believing in - what you called - conspiracy theories IS a process of healing, especially when done consciously. I learned that sometimes protesting is saying "no" to what might be harmful to you. It sometimes is a very healthy boundary creation too for people that are for e.g. codependent.
To me, a person that lives a conscious life is a person that is wide open.
Do not blindly believe in anything, but is aware of everything, can analyze and take under consideration everything, even "stupid" or "bad" things. Such a person knows, that what is stupid, harmful for one person, might be the opposite for our fellow, that there is no right or wrong, black or white, left or right like sides of our borderline brains. All the middle grey is empathy and emotions. Having such an approach, it is very hard to judge others so as to control them so to use an opposite approach to what love is.
What I am trying to say is, that to me believing in "conspiracy theories"(I recommend reading where this sentence Is coming from and think why you've used it), protesting may not be "bullshit" as you called it and calling people "such people" or "they" create a division when in fact I feel some of what you said is like that because "somebody said it", "that's the correct thing to say", "that's how it is accepted". No offense, Adam, I'm trying to be honest using my 2nd language... To a person that NEEDS (not wants) to be "an asshole" at this time in his life, such sentences could give a signal "if you are, what you are, you will not be accepted. To be accepted you need to fake and behave how people want you to behave".
Let us remember that "analysis is difficult, that's why most people judge."
Stay well, open, and looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts.
Quick question....can you read minds? I just had a discussion about career and taking risks with my parents yesterday who will say don't do it because it is not safe. Your talk really helped me. Thank you.
I feel like people that care about others, I get along with. Those that don’t, I don’t have anything for them. I like being a happy person. I don’t want to be around people who is going to kill my high. Not trying to get political here, but I have to explain it. Conservatives run their business like there is no one else on this planet other than themselves. Some democrats too. I am a progressive. I want to build towards a future where we help and care about each other. That’s important. If you think about it, that’s the whole reason we are here, to learn to coexist peacefully. Violence is against that idea. If I have to fight in this world, I will fight to protect that peace. We shouldn’t fight just to keep fighting. Life is not just one way, and will never ever be, one way. Conservatives need to understand that. Peace friends.
Homo sapiens dying out evolving in to Homo emos...
Lol!
very stoic
this year its just the opening to the next stage, the times gonna be far far harder we are just in the beginning
you are the best.
Thank you.
It all sounds so promising ^-^
btw great talk as always dude
Thank you
The notification showed up as "How 2020 is teaching you to be me" and, well, I'm here aren't I? 😂
I find it amazing how utterly, shockingly reversed certain lenses are when viewing events, in circles. As an artist, I an very surprised how often the 'arts community' appears to be infused with the 'party line', and almost exclusively. Perhaps I'm just never going to get over rebelling against the popular opinion.
I feel like your overall message is fine, but when you focus in on the events, I scrunch my face at how you see them and phrase them. To each their own, but it reminds me how opinion spread in artistic communities. Perhaps one day soon, I do hope that artists will return to moving away from collectivist viewpoints. I believe we are supposed to avoid comfort and sneer at all leaders, and that includes activist leaders.
I completely understand your point
But remember that artists aren’t required to have the unpopular opinion - they’re only open to it
If you’re talking about my political thoughts today, I feel quite confident with what I shared, but I totally understand if you chose to disagree with me
I love how the one side RIOTS and the other side peacefully protests. Don't hold two groups to different standards, it's how the world got into this mess in the first place.
ah yes, my dose of wholesome :)
Oof! This hits the nail on the head.
look at you ! you ARE my psychologist now, aha
25:33
wow
that's a suicide fuel kind of promises >_>
please, momma nature, stop kicking me while I'm down! 😖
Life is just depressing sometimes
for the algorithm
I can't connect with your words. It's targeted for people of your country and I felt it in a complete other way.
When pentagon confirmed alien existence nobody cared, that just shows how everyone was tired.
Hey, thanks for the video.
Im coming from another third world country so i cannot comment about what's happening in your country.
But i still remember the 'mostly peaceful protest' meme on the net and seeing how you said they were peaceful, i know something was up.
I stopped the video mid way sorry.
But i hope you have a nice day.
stay safe lucidpeeps! and remember...
no one cares xd
. i;m being sarcastic of course. I hope this made someone chuckled because i sure did HAHa. Have a nice day!
I'd just like less... madness on our world. : (
What a great idea :)
i pray all those promises you made are wrong, i don't want to start my day getting hit by a meteor.😂
Wish you had been my dad. :(
I understand what you're trying to say at the beginning,"just because you know the right way doesn't mean you have to argue about it." Sums it up.
It applies to some things, like how black isn't a good shading color. Some may say agree, some may not, it's all about personal preference so there's no need to argue.
But some things are meant to be argued, and not because you feel like"rebelling" but because you know it's not right and it Harms other people. It's not some phase where you do it just because they don't have the same opinion as yours.
And it feels like you're saying that people who can't do anything to defend their justice is weak. That's not entirely true, let's take BLM for example.
You said in the video that people "depend" on others to express for them, let me tell you why that is not true.
The reason why they depend on each other is because change cannot be done alone.
Please know I'm not saying you should change the way you think, but rather just telling you that being able to not express your opinion alone is not being weak.
I've been a fan for a long time, so I hope that you know I'm not mad at you, I hope you aren't mad at me too.
Lots of love, and I appreciate the video, always.
I’ve given up. I no longer believe in the government and it’s people. I want to be an artist but I don’t know about the future. My hope is lost...
The government was never your friend and if we take the USA as an example the founding fathers had the same opinion, resulting in creating the constitution. Which, unironically, is not respected by the government.
What was your driving force? What was it that gave you hope? Why give up now?
@@chas1878 I was hoping that the future would be of a free America but I realize now that that may never happen. Even now conservatives are being censored and opinions/freedom of speech is being silenced. How far will this go? Will art be censored in the future too? Will my children & grandchildren have the freedom they deserve? This nation is more divided then ever and the government is the instigator. America is doomed...
@@mitthrawnuruodo1730 If you worry about the future for your children, why do you give up? By doing so you're submitting to the people you regard as the enemy do you not? The only way the people can gain freedom is by fighting for it and not stopping until they're dead
@@chas1878 I personally agree with you. However they won in dividing our people and our country. Yes there are people willing to fight but there are others who follow blindly and agree with the corrupt. They control the media and the system. My only hope is that enough people wake up but I doubt that will happen.
@@chas1878 but the future isn’t set in stone. And in every crisis there is opportunity, I just need to find it and adapt.