Sunday, June 23, 2013

RISE Philosophy pt. 2 Healing Through Art & Creativity




Photo by Thomas Brown



“Art’s task is to save the soul of mankind; and anything less is a dithering while Rome burns.  Because of the artists, who are self-selected, for being able to journey into the Other, if the artists cannot find the way, then the way cannot be found.”


—Terence McKenna,

Message to Artists


           At the very heart of the RISE philosophy, the primary variable is the self.  It is crucial for all of us to allow the time to examine who we are, and what turns us on.  Through meditation or other discipline, one can determine their bliss.  Next they need to determine if they have the will and constitution to go after it.  Essentially,  it is one who is consciously aware and intentionally examines the self in a disciplined manner.  It seems pretty clear cut and simple, so at this point…where does art fit in?


            Artistic creativity is the method in which we all may navigate through this world.  For some of us this is an intentional cognitive action, and for the rest, it is merely a simple unaware byproduct of the phenomenon of being.  Most people I have spoken with about the philosophy of RISE get stuck when I introduce the idea of the healing potentiality in art and creativity.  People usually maintain in the extreme, that they are in no way artistic.

            This sentiment that people express when incorporating art into RISE is understandable.  In order to go further, I feel we must first rediscover what art is.  Below are two definitions to start with:

Art:  1.  The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.

         2.  Works produced by such skill and imagination.

In an attempt to simplify it even further, I maintain that art is imaginative expression.  Imagination or non-imagination is subjective and will always ebb and flow within the eyes of the beholder.  To delve deeper in my attempt to simplify, one could argue that art is expression.  This is the vantage point where the RISE philosophy stands.

            As long as a person has blood pumping through their heart, they are expressing themselves consciously and subconsciously.  This makes every living person an artist.  Like the first element of the philosophy, one must have a focused intention to their expression.  Like everything, the strength and ability needs to be cultivated through a disciplined action.
            
             Like everything else in this world, lines have been drawn and things cut up and divided.  Art is no different.  It has been marginalized, packaged, and redefined.  One must be a painter, photographer, poet, musician, etc to be considered an artist.  Nonsense!  To some dispute, I vehemently disagree with this.  Every trade requires a good amount of creativity and imagination in order to bring something into being.  Beyond trade, the greatest medium for one to express themselves is their life.

            If life was a canvas, then the palette and tools represent the decisions and choice made for every situation we face.  Through the power of creativity and imagination, each one of us holds the power to create the life we wish to live in. Thus, art does have the power to change and save the world.  Expression can be a self-sufficient social fuel that can act as a catalyst for change.

            Inspiration is that energy the can spark imagination.  We have the ability to ignite each other’s imagination; if utilized, this could lead to further creativity.  Imagine, a perpetual flow of creative expression to inspiration and back to creative expression.  Of course, this is only possible when the beholder of the inspiration acts like that combustible machine and use the fuel blessed to them. 

Unused inspiration is a missed opportunity to explore and evolve.  It is an innate right, and duty to share what you have to this world.  Despite what your ego is telling you at this very moment, you have the ability to be a great blessing by simply being who you are.  Why hold back?  Why not push the envelope?  Why remain in the bubble of comfort?  You may not make a Hollywood film, or be in contention for a Grammy.  Somewhere, someone needs to hear what you have to say or see what it is that you do. 

       You’re a key figure in an infinite pool of story arcs; a character that represents a catalyst for those you have known your entire life, or a stranger that passes you by on the street.  There is no better time than now to reveal your ever expanding potential.  Through the power of your artistic and creative expression, you have the ability to not only heal yourself, but also heal through inspiration, an entire community.    


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