by Judith Campanaro

Created on: February 22, 2010

THE ART OF LIVING

Just being human is an art form.  Mother Earth, the greatest artist of all, fills our hearts and souls with her mountains, forests, lakes, sunsets, snowflakes.  But sometimes, life seems so busy we hardly have time to notice the wonders around us.  The simple serenity that creative expression provides surrounds us on a daily basis.  The creative process is inherent whether it be sticking a bunch of dandelions together in a paper cup or fishing on the lake.   Thomas Moore, in his book Care of the Soul, explains how everything we do from setting the table to dressing in the morning is an art form that aids us in the care of our souls.

One of the keys to caring for our souls in a meaningful way is knowing who we are.  Does what you do on a daily basis bring you joy or are you just going through the motions?  Without knowing your own personal value systems and desires it becomes difficult to live a life on purpose.  Knowing who you are and what you are about restores purpose.  With purpose and presence life becomes meaningful and joyous.  The joy becomes contagious and a life lived on purpose spreads that joy to all who come in contact with them.  This feels good. 

 It is human nature to want to feel good about oneself.  How one feels about oneself, the joy one gets from living, ultimately depends directly on how the mind filters and interprets everyday experiences.  Have you ever looked at a painting in a museum or maybe a window in a Gothic cathedral or church and there’s this amazing feeling that hits your very core?   The experience is so beautiful.  There is something about them that brings you back to your center.  Therein is a key.  It's important in life to take the time to be still and find that center.  The challenge is to allow yourself to feel the stillness within as you participate in this journey we call life. It is in that stillness where the answers lie.  It is in that stillness where you will find yourself.  Getting something out of life, first means to feel the life inside of us.  Joy isn’t out there, it’s within.   Just take the time to slow down, get to know  you and be you. 

           

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