May/June 2005 Editor's Viewpoint
From the Editor

Miriam Knight

You are the artist of your life!

Our cover story on Social Artists got me thinking about the nature of art and artists. The innovators, leaders and creatives within our communities are called the social artists. They have the most visible impact in driving evolutionary change. But there is another, vital side to that equation – the individual. The Toltec master, Don Miguel Ruiz, points out that we are the artists of our own lives. It is equally true that we are the artists of the world around us. Whether it is environmental consciousness, social justice, business ethics or some other progressive agenda, without the inner receptivity and outward actions of masses of individuals, there would be no change. We are, each of us, the artists of our lives AND of our world.

"Many times we don’t see our own creation…but sometimes in the reflecton of somebody else, we can see our own magnificence. By experiencing the love of another person, we can see how great we are. From one artist to another artist, we might see that it’s possible to improve our own art." (Don Miguel Ruiz, The Voice of Knowledge p.76)

I don’t think it is a coincidence that the word "ART" is contained in the word, "HEART." Without heart, without that spark of inspiration from something higher craft does not reach the level of art. I feel the connection to the divine (spirit/higher self/cosmic mind) is the source of artistic inspiration, just as solutions to problems in science, society or daily life are inspired by the connection to a higher source.

When we seek to be more than we are in the day to day, we can transcend the mundane by seeking the source of all light in our own inner being. There is no greater joy than that of creation– whether it is a job well done, a work of art or a new life. Be in the moment and let the song of the universe fill your heart. Sway to its rhythms and pulses and the inspiration will surely come.

There is another element to consider in the art of life, and that is the interplay of our palette and that of others. We may not resonate with the art of another; it may seem strange or garish or even ugly. But wouldn’t it be boring if all our lives were painted the same? We must rejoice in our differences and use them to cross fertilize the emerging culture! We all know what happens with in-breeding – loss of vitality, corruption and decay. We can see this happening in many religious, commercial and social institutions around us. The ones that are vibrant are the ones that embrace diversity and change.

All of us who aspire to some measure of enlightenment are the vanguard of Social Artists. By being the change we want to see in the world, we teach others through our daily actions. We seek solutions to problems that leave others empowered to create the masterpiece in their hearts. Who knows how much time we have before the end of our sojourn here? Let’s create our own lifescape in the most glorious colors we can imagine.

You are the artist of your life!