A letter

A letter from Martha Graham (1894-1991) to Agnes de Mille (1905-1993)

There is a vitality,
a life force,
a quickening,
that is translated through you into action.
And because there is only one of you in all time
this expression is unique.

And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine 
how good it is
nor how valuable it is
nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly,
to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU.

Keep the channel open...
No artist is pleased...

There is no satisfaction whatever at anytime
There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes 'us' MORE alive than the others.