Observe, Learn and Accept – It is never too late!
“Your understanding of your inner self holds the meaning of your life” – Leo Tolstoy
It is at Litmus that I got closer with my inner self. Starting my own branding house helped me learn more about myself.
As an artist, I realized it is very important to observe things carefully. So, I started my own exploration of the world around me.
What did I discover you ask?
Monsoons!
Now you might ask what is new in it. Monsoons come every year. That’s when the flowers bloom and the temperature cools down.
Agreed. But have you really observed what happens during monsoons?
I am talking about the real beauty of monsoons.
Those little rivulets of water that run between your feet, liberating that palpable wetness that you feel as the drops get bigger and bigger…
Those glinting leaves that you see on trees…children love to get splashed underneath them…
Those beautiful waterfalls that seem to appear out of nowhere, all of a sudden, only to take your breath away…
All these are things that were at a stretch of your hand, right there at your feet. But I am sure you would have missed noticing them. Am I glad I did? You bet!
My exploration of the world didn’t stop with the observation of the monsoons. There were many more things in life, which I had seen but didn’t actually know about.
My eyes were half shut while I was looking at the world. Thanks to Litmus, I finally realized this.
What we have known till now is the standard concept of beauty. But wouldn’t the world be a boring place if we continued to perceive beauty the way we have perceived till now?
Accept things as they are
Yes, things are not perfect in this world. There are imperfections; and it is these imperfections that make them fun. It is important to accept them as they are.
For instance, bigger feet need not necessarily be ugly; they could be interesting. In fact my own feet are quite big and I can say that with pride.
No face is perfect. So when I sit to paint a face, I paint it with all its spots and lines. I find it interesting to watch the light falling on the different folds of human skin.
The human body itself is a work of art.
You may be thin or big…tall or short. Your nose might be big or small. And then your feet – they could be big or small too. Yet, each of us is beautiful in our own way.
It is time we started separating ourselves from the mainstream. This is what Litmus helped me realize. It taught me to stop labeling people as weirdoes or freaks, even if they looked or acted in a different way.
It is only fair to let people be. You don’t like the way they behave or act? Just look the other way. People are different. Accept them the way they are. Respect them for what they are.Who knows, you may even be able to learn a thing or two from them.
Learn to Acknowledge and Appreciate
We often fail to understand the real value of things unless we relate them to our day-to-day lives. In most cases it becomes too late by the time we realize such value.
For instance, we fail to appreciate the value of the hot meal that we get day after day until we are made to starve for an entire day.
Litmus helped me learn how to appreciate the beauty in art. This in turn helped me see beauty in every aspect of my day-to-day life and in everything around me.
It is not always about perfection
Litmus helped me understand that it is flaws in things that make them appear beautiful. It is that unfinished look that makes things appear mysterious and appealing.
Learn and move on
Every process helps you learn and it is this knowledge that enhances your growth, both as an artist and an individual. The outcome doesn’t really matter.
So, just take your first step and see things start formulating. Within no time you will be building upon it. It is important to go with the flow.
Determine your purpose
Litmus has always been a part of my life. So I can’t tell you how it has transformed my life. But it sure has helped me realize my potential to create and discover things. It has helped me identify the unique purpose of my life… the meaning behind my existence. If we want to enjoy the life that we want, we may have to design our life to run the way we dictate.
Connect with your inner-self
I believe it is possible for every individual to self-actualize things. All that you need to do is disconnect from or at least limit your interactions with the time-wasting technologies, unhealthy eatables and violent cultures. Instead gravitate towards art, music, poetry, literature, science, spirituality and every media that nourishes your heart, feeds your soul and helps you grow healthy and wise.
So, pursue your passion while you have time.
Pick up that musical instrument that you have put away in the attic…
Join a band, a drum circle or even a local chorus…
Bring out your canvas and colors; start painting…
Hunt for your tools and start gardening…
Take a refreshing walk, enjoying the beauty of nature…
Read any book that interests you…
Start growing your own food…
Embrace Yoga…
Open up a café with your friends…
Cook more…Sing more…Connect
Find out what it is that interacts with your heart, enriches your soul and gives a deeper meaning to your existence.
Once you start connecting with your inner-self and developing these skills of being creative, you start understanding that each individual in this world is indeed a ‘work of art in progress’…a unique expression of the vast universe.
There is a reason why we were born. It is not to get drowned in the mundane tasks of everyday lives. Nor is it to earn fame and money. No, it is not about winning the rat race and proving to the world that you are indeed the best.
It is about learning…about exploring your creativity…about empowering yourself…about being happy and most importantly about being free.
