The Art of Being Present
Okay. So this is more of just a play on words. I since 2013 I've been venturing to the right side of my brain more than the rational and orderly left side. And it's been eye-opening.
Now I've always been more of a physical, sporty kind of guy naturally. And where I grew up in the US sports reigned and the arts were not really a thing, especially since the arts were becoming squashed in the public school system....
My person venture over the past decade has been fun! I've done acting both live theater and film and television. I've done live improv comedy. I did a movement and dance class for three times a week for a year (probably one of the single most powerful things I have ever done; you go deep in self-discovery and expression). I've even done a one-off session of acroyoga with my late friend Chewie who passed with brain cancer at 34 years old. I've painted with acrylics, as well as houses. I've learned the acoustic guitar. I've written scenes, short stories, and two stories novel length (I've written with both laptop and with paper and fountain pen, and I really prefer the latter, which is scientifically proven to have more profound benefits to mental health, creativity, and overall wellbeing). I've drawn with fineliners and since March this year I have been drawing with graphite pencils. Oh and I've dabbled in photography, mostly with iPhone, and occasionally a digital camera when the opportunity arises.
The benefits of having a creative outlet are many! Not only does it allow your spirit to sing through joyous self-expression, you also gain a ton of self-confidence. It teaches you to deal with mistakes (if there is such a thing! Everything in life is just a lesson.) The other thing I love and have noticed is I wasn't is BEING PRESENT! Doing an art or sport really gets you in the present. And when you maintain the daily habit and discipline you learn to let go and enter into the flow state, the zone. It's fantastic. You also start to look at your environment differently. The mental benefits are boundless....
Scientists Steven Jobs and Albert Einstein were both very much into art. They stated that art has influenced their work and their lives far greater than just practicing science in isolation, and could not imagine the two being separate. They married art and science, which of course bolstered their inventive creative geniuses.
The other great thing about art is that you can practice for cheap. It's basically a low risk venture. My only thing is it doesn't sit well with my one bag (carry-on only!) travel and minimalism. All these creations (bar the laptop) take up a lot of space....
Anyway, if you need to calm down, focus, and regain composure, there is noting like taking up an art. I highly recommend drawing and painting, even photography, and worse case movement and dance. Some will take to music. I lack the precision and patience. Cooking is another great outlet (as a carnivore this creative expression has greatly diminished; which really affected my mental health, as I truly enjoy being creative in the kitchen. But there's a lesson. Find a substitute and keep going. Adapt!). Sure sports are great but art is different. Do both! And have fun! Enjoy the present moment! And share your work! The world needs it.