For me, the world without "the arts" - in whatever form one imagines (visual, musical, performance, multi media and more) - would be depressing. Art is a universal language with no words needed. I so believe that the arts should be taught in all public schools, not just private. But, it all boils down to money and what people consider important to make you a functioning human being that contributes to society. What I would have given to have art in school as a mandatory class, not an elective.
Such important words, thank you for writing. If creativity and imagination were valued more, seen as a core part of our humanity, then maybe more people would look at the world and think, "not this." As Ani DiFranco sings, "these are not my laws / there are not my rules." More people imagining new realities, more creative collaboration and solutions and community building.
It's easy for all of this to feel impossible, but this made me feel a little more hopeful about the future.
Each of us is continually dreaming the world into being. Thought by thought, gesture by gesture, we shape reality—not in grand, mythic strokes, but in the small, daily acts of imagination that ripple outward. The quality of our inner life becomes the weather of our surroundings. When we dream with care, with clarity, with courage, that becomes part of the atmosphere others breathe. When we falter into bitterness, or drift into noise and self-deceit, that too leaves a residue.
This is why it matters—how we live, how we think, how we speak. Each of us tends a little sphere, a pocket of reality within the greater field. That pocket either radiates warmth or withdraws into shadow. So we keep our instruments in tune. We clean the lens, mend the vessel, steady the hand. Because even our quietest thoughts leave traces. And the world is listening.
Beautiful concept. I so agree. Making art and thinking in the “creative zone” for me is the only way I am keeping sane in these totally insane times. Thank you for speaking,writing, professing this out loud !! I’m alll in. Rick Castro
For me, the world without "the arts" - in whatever form one imagines (visual, musical, performance, multi media and more) - would be depressing. Art is a universal language with no words needed. I so believe that the arts should be taught in all public schools, not just private. But, it all boils down to money and what people consider important to make you a functioning human being that contributes to society. What I would have given to have art in school as a mandatory class, not an elective.
Such important words, thank you for writing. If creativity and imagination were valued more, seen as a core part of our humanity, then maybe more people would look at the world and think, "not this." As Ani DiFranco sings, "these are not my laws / there are not my rules." More people imagining new realities, more creative collaboration and solutions and community building.
It's easy for all of this to feel impossible, but this made me feel a little more hopeful about the future.
Each of us is continually dreaming the world into being. Thought by thought, gesture by gesture, we shape reality—not in grand, mythic strokes, but in the small, daily acts of imagination that ripple outward. The quality of our inner life becomes the weather of our surroundings. When we dream with care, with clarity, with courage, that becomes part of the atmosphere others breathe. When we falter into bitterness, or drift into noise and self-deceit, that too leaves a residue.
This is why it matters—how we live, how we think, how we speak. Each of us tends a little sphere, a pocket of reality within the greater field. That pocket either radiates warmth or withdraws into shadow. So we keep our instruments in tune. We clean the lens, mend the vessel, steady the hand. Because even our quietest thoughts leave traces. And the world is listening.
Beautiful concept. I so agree. Making art and thinking in the “creative zone” for me is the only way I am keeping sane in these totally insane times. Thank you for speaking,writing, professing this out loud !! I’m alll in. Rick Castro
Than k you so much for responding Rick. Would love to hear your ideas, insights and suggestions.