A Simple Matter

From the sketch pad how we are to live appears a simple matter. Unfortunately, the “simple” is too often a gift for children alone. It is fundamental for the unrestrained and fearless young child to feel fully. However, for most adults repeated restraints have replaced the trust in innocence with a cautiousness that accompanies suspicion. The demanding and complex adult living experience built on aspirations of success can diminish joyful experiences extended from the past. In other words, frustration may occur when living becomes an attempt at mixing and blending unrelated paints rather than applying separately one or two basic colors. Additionally, colors used can become subdued by other influences. For example, colors of dread and fear come in many unpleasant (dark) shades that often permeate all other colors. Because of these suppressive influences what was once cheerful becomes dismal. In contrast, magic is discovered by the sensitive artist who blends pleasurable feeling with colors, shapes, sounds, or words. For the heartfelt lover, it is the pursuit of feeling blended with ambition. For the affectionate adult, companionship combines simple pleasures of the child with the dedication of the concerned parent. To experience the “simple” is to feel fully, or unrestrained, which is to be fully alive. Realizing who we are by what we feel (e.g., happy, loving, or sad, depressed) rather than by what we do (e.g., accomplishments or failures) may encourage a simpler and more satisfying connection. It seems so simple to imagine!   – Doug

 

Soulful Snippets, “The Art of Living – A Simple Matter”

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