Every second of the day, humans partner in creation. We rise with anticipation of what will come, and while we recognize that we are beholden to something beyond us (in whatever form that takes), we play a responsible part in the many actions that occur in our waking moments. We, full partners in creating our day, are artists – artists who are supremely responsible to one another and to the planet. This responsibility requires a reconciliation of the ego and the common good.
To find a balance between the ego and the greater whole, artists often seek out artistic groups that support the exercise of creativity within a community. We have many such groups at UUCF that can be essential for artists to expand their practice. If we explore without an artistic witness, or without realizing our potential to ascend to our own higher self-awareness (something others can help us to deepen), we miss the opportunity to spiritually grow within and amongst our world and become more effective artists. Feedback and artistic conversation deepen practice.
All of us use artistic mediums. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, you use words, body language, clothing, food and more as an expression of who you are and how you move through the world and interact with it. Consider your artistic medium of choice. How do you create each day?
Many mediums of art can express what cannot be said in conversation. Art can lovingly hold deeply personal histories and complex narratives and can provide the gift of witness to creations. The gift of sharing and experiencing art of others is an essential way we can connect to the divine spark within each beautiful person. What creative work will you notice today in a new way that uses something other than language? Consider how music with no lyrics or modern dance can provide space for sacred meaning.
During the pandemic, the creative spark has certainly been impacted by fatigue and trauma. For some, an exploration of art right now can feel too vulnerable or abstract and time-consuming. Though it feels hard to carve out space to engage with spiritual community through the arts, the practice of making and noticing creations from ourselves and others can serve as a spire to deeper realms of our inner heart; a gentle vehicle for seeing our possibility, humility and finding hope as a human race. It can bring about new ways of being and provide the energy to continue our partnership in responsible creation.
Innovating and creating – even noticing – take practice, but not practicing for perfection. Practice should mean striving for proficiency, a fluency of moving throughout the world as the artist and artistic observer you already are. If done in the company of others, the unveiling process of purposeful engagement with creativity can provide a landing spot for continual self-assessment and spiritual growth. The world needs us to grow in wholeness and love – and new or unexplored artistic mediums could be the pathway you have been searching for in your quest for spiritual expansion or renewal. What will you create today and who will you create with?
To learn more about UUCF arts and spiritual development programs or to receive quarterly Music & Arts emails, contact Laura Weiss.
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