Be yourself Quote by Marina Abramovic
“I have this exercise that I propose to everybody: Hug a tree and complain for a minimum 15 minutes. Be yourself, and do something that you really feel deeply.”
About This Quote
Source Performance Art: The Artist Is Present, 2010 (interactive installation)
Physical contact with nature, combined with focused complaint, forces authentic emotional expression and deep personal connection.
In simple terms: Hug a tree and vent to feel true.
Key Takeaway
Use nature as a mirror for inner feelings.
Themes
mindfulness
authenticity
environmental awareness
emotional release
Mood
introspective
playful
grounded
Type
experiential
activist
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- eco‑therapy
- public art interventions
Key Concepts
embodiment
catharsis
sensory engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the tree represent for you?
- How does sustained complaint alter your perception of the issue?
A Different Perspective
The act may feel absurd or uncomfortable for some participants.
