What is your art?

Over the years the word “art” has transformed from being a verb to a noun. We now refer to art as something that is in an art museum and not part of our daily lives. What we have forgotten is that art exists in every moment of our lives, whether or not we choose to acknowledge it.

Each of us has to define what we consider to be the art of living, whether we choose to spend it veggin’ out on the couch using the remote with precise precision, or serving it up Martha Stewart fashion with elegant style and grace, that is our choice. The key is to take a conscious approach to living, to pay close attention to what is happening around us, to choose to live artfully and not get stuck in the void.

Even if you were born as one of those people who cannot even draw stick figures, inside of you exists other unique talents, whether it is sculpting the land in your garden, creating works of art in your kitchen or simply fishing on the weekends–the need, the want to express yourself in some manner exists.

However, the daily rush routine that we impose upon our free time denies the opportunity to express these sides of ourselves. And once we allow this to happen, the urge to give into our passions, whether it is taking pictures of Kansas sunsets or simply watching the night sky, that urge diminishes into a faint memory.

The challenge we then face is to nurture that part of ourselves, to rediscover our fascinations.

Although it is possible to set out on your own and search for those missing elements, this approach can rob you of the interconnectedness that occurs from the interaction with others.

In other words, when you can begin this process surrounded by others who are on different levels than you, the experience will become richer.

Either way, on this journey of recapturing passion into your life, of discovering your “art” in life, there are certain tools that you must take with you and some guidelines that are helpful for the process.

First, have a place to write your commitment, to keep track of your goals, aspirations and progress. Second, fuel your passion with anything that kindles the flame within. Sometimes a trip to the bookstore, a local art gallery or even a thrift shop can do wonders and lift the veil that blocked your inspiration. And finally, take a serious consideration of how much a priority this interest is and how much time you plan on setting aside each week so you can explore the landscape.

What is your art? And how do you choose to express yourself?

[Image is a Soft pastel study of La Musica I by Tabela]