The Quickening

Letter from Martha Graham to Agnes de Mille

" 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 to 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 channels open... No artist is pleased...There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction; a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others. "