Seeing the World Through Art

I received a wonderful mail art package from a dear friend in my Devotion circle. The envelope was exquisitely decorated and inside were images that made my heart sing, like the wonderful bunny portrait above. How wonderful that among the bills and advertisements that make up the regular mail was a captivating expression of artistic beauty.

Receiving this made me think of a quote that I loved from one of author, James Clear’s most recent newsletters.

“Science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin discusses how art opens our eyes, ears, and souls to the real world:

‘The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines.

When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again. We’re drawn in — or out — and the windows of our perception are cleansed, as William Blake said. The same thing can happen when we’re around young children or adults who have unlearned those habits of shutting the world out.’ Source: [Talking on the Water]"

This idea that the world opens up to us through art captivates me. It makes me remember that each of us has something inside of us to share and that in that sharing, we open up a new world for others to see - the world inside our hearts and minds. A world outside of time and space apart from our daily concerns and stressors.

I feel the same way about being out in nature. Taking in the beauty of the natural world opens my mind to new possibilities whether I’m taking in the shape and texture of woodland ferns, watching a stream rush over the rocks, or looking at the naked branches of trees in winter.

I think it is important to remember that we’re here in this world for more than simply getting things done each day. There is so much art and beauty all around us, if we just take a moment to look around. Fortunately for me, I found artistic beauty right inside my mailbox this week.

What draws you out of your daily routine? What captivates your attention so fully that it transports you to another world? How can you add more of that to your every day life?