Photo By Krypto
Someone said that Beyond Fear is Freedom. And I agree. Except that freedom sometimes feel too vague. Freedom to do what? To express our selves? To change the world? To follow our bliss? Yes, yes, and yes. All of the above. And it all culminates in creating Art.
Seth Godin, one of my all-time favorite thought leaders alive, redefines Art as:
- Art is made by a human being.
- Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
- Art is a gift. You can sell the souvenir, the canvas, the recording… but the idea itself is free, and the generosity is a critical part of making art.
I love that. I love that Art is not restricted to paints and canvas and poetry. Finally, Art is liberated from the elite to the everyday human. Art is when we do our best work that is worthwhile giving to Others. Art is what we are meant to do with our lives: to be fully human, to connect and to give. But most often, we complexify our humanity, engage in all sorts of neurotic power struggles with Others, and hoard the Treasures we are meant to share lavishly. Because of what?
Fear.
Yes, we are afraid. Afraid of Authenticity, of Love, of Generosity. It’s freakin’ risky. I mean, the possible hurt, rejection, failure, and all that stuff we love to loathe.
But we are Created to create. We are meant to make Art. Everyday. Whether it’s creating the most awesome meals, or putting words to thoughts that liberate and heal, or being present to those who need encouragement in whatever way best fits who you are, that is living beyond fear. Because beyond fear, is Art.
