Do It Yourself

adults consider art as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. Beyond making a living, fixing dinner and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Sadly many adults think they can only experience art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to indulge the creative instinct in a world with out time or compensation for the artistic endeavor?

A gratifying creative experience needs several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Ask an artist about being fully involved in a project and they can easily talk about the benefits and the joy that comes from the event. A painter lost in the colors and the subject, seeing intensely, a singer lost in the power of the music, the dancer feeling an enlightened grace descend around him, are all experiences that come from surrender to the creative instinct.

If someone has a creative impulse they should pursue, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The benefits are immense. For those that are not sure of their passion, it is important to find all the opportunities for expressing creativity in everyday life. For example, if a meal needs to be created, what happens when the chef puts all of their attention into the process? Indulge the senses, taste, smell, and feel the food. Slice the potatoe with complete attention. Arrange the salad with attention to the texture and color of the tomatoes, olives and carrots. Make it lovely and make it unique.

The reward for the effort come from the experience of taking pleasure in putting something special together. It is always nice to receive complements and appreciation, but the time spent fully focused on creation is often reward enough.