Mardi Gras is over—and religious tradition would have us enter a season of abstinence. One day we’re self-indulgent—the next, contrite. I claim no conventional religion, but recognize the symbolism of this liturgical rite. It’s probably the basis for religion’s existence in the first place. When we’re bad (whatever that means in our particular culture) we feel remorseful and want to feel good again. Religions proclaim the fix for this most basic human dilemma.
So what does this have to do with creativity, you’re sure to be asking? Consider my premise…
Our empirical (physical) existence is dualistic in nature—light and dark, wet and dry, male and female, hot and cold, good and bad. One cannot exist without the other and one cannot prevail against the other. We fail to recognize this reality when we behave badly. We cannot accept our badness as the offsetting balance of our goodness. As a result of this misperception, we rationalize, defend, and deny our badness—and value only goodness.
We all agree that this misperception results in strong emotions—and these strong emotions are the grist of the proverbial creative mill. Leo Tolstoy says, “Universal art arises only when some one of the people, having experienced a strong emotion, feels the necessity of transmitting it to others.” *
If we choose to work it out creatively (a major leap, but necessary for brevity) we lose the dualistic perspective and focus our intent on communicating creatively—and with practice, something new emerges via our creative expression.
Science confirms the healing nature of creative expression—emotionally and physically. I contend that creative expression is the primary salve for us humans, society, and our empirical universe. Strong emotions are seldom dissipated in a healthy manner otherwise.
*Leo Tolstoy, What Is Art, Thomas Y. Crowell & Company, Translation by A. Maude, p 106
Refer to previous posts for further reference and supporting concepts.
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