I have been reading about Arthur Schopenhauer and his philosophy of life, the will and representation. Although I don’t completely agree with his perspective as I sit on the other side of the fence in terms of maintaining a neutral level of joy and fulfillment vs reducing pain and suffering. His ideas around it all are very fascinating and I look forward to reading his work and learning more about it, although pessimistic in approach.

One aspect that I did find fascinating was his idea around art and how forms of creativity and expression can help transcend from the representation of the world we are confined to live in. I believe strongly in self expression and regardless of talent or society's perceived talent, everyone should look for avenues to express themselves creatively without any preconceived ideas of expectation of that said creation.

Sometimes when I draw a picture, observe a work of art that moves me, listen to a new song, dance or even create a successful meal, I feel this euphoric feeling of freedom within myself and a release in a way of my mind, as I’m able to express an idea or dream or vision into something tangible in physical form. The feeling of transforming an invisible, unknown thought into something, anything, is simply an instant connection between conscious and subconscious.

When I read about this idea of how art has the ability to transcend our reality and connect us with the deep spiritual world something clicked and it made complete sense. Expression, creativity, any form of art is a formation of a piece of one’s mind and soul. The ability to allow yourself to express yourself without allowing any outside influence is a true feeling of freedom and possibly it truly is an avenue to transcend space and time and possibly alleviate suffering.

When I am in a true state of deep creativity and expression, no matter what the realm, I feel free and alive and it most definitely contributes strongly in my search for happiness.

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul” - Dieter F Uchtdorf

Thanks,

Dean