The older I get, the more I realize that life and art are both spiritual processes, and the visual journal has solidified that attitude in my mind. Except for an agnostic/atheist phase in my late teens and early 20s, I have always been a spiritual person - not in an organized religion or new agey kind of way. But I have always felt that the world was held together by forces far greater than we as individuals, and that feeling was always reinforced on solitary hikes in the woods or while leading journal workshops. I have been awed by nature and my connection to it, and I have been awed by the power of the journal. I have seen lives change because people have connected with themselves in the journal.
I think for me that is what this spiritual process is all about - connecting. It is first an individual process - a looking inward and connecting with all aspects of ourselves. Then it is an external process of connecting with others and helping them on their individual journeys through life. Happiness is within us and not with material objects, the love of another, or ordained on us by fate. All beings want to be happy and do not want to suffer, but that happiness cannot come from wealth, electronic gadgets, fancy cars, a young, attractive spouse, or a lavish home. It comes from turning inward and helping others.
Good words to think about. I decided to take early retirement earlier this year just to sort things out. Turning 57 several weeks ago caused the usual, "where do I go from here" self-examinations... Your "ramblings" have always given me something to consider...keep these up!
ReplyDeleteDave, I'm glad that you find something to consider in my words. When I started this blog, it was to share techniques, prompts, ideas, and news. It wasn't too personal or thought provoking. Here lately, the blog has evolved into what's been on my mind, and if it's on my mind, it goes into the journal. I figure that others out there just might appreciate my ramblings. I am glad that people do. Thanks, as always, for stopping by.
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