Things to Really Fear: A Heart that is Never Moved

Posted by Christine-Anne Platel on September 24, 2007 11:09 AM PDT

Recommend this? YES NO

With September being the anniversary month of 9/11, and knowing that there seems to be no end in sight for the Iraq War, I wanted to share this prose poem with you:

Having eyes but not seeing beauty
Having ears but not hearing music
Having a mind but not perceiving truth
Having a heart that is never moved, and
therefore never set on fire
These are things to fear

Sosaku Kobayashi, Headmaster - Tomoe Gakuen School, Tokyo, 1937-1945 (The school was bombed during World War II, and was never rebuilt.)

Appreciation for beauty in the world, and in the arts, is what makes us human. As does a heart that can be moved with passion to make the world a better place. When we lose our way, we also lose hope.

When schools have to cut arts programs... this is a thing to fear... because engaging in creative endeavors is what connects us to our souls.

When we justify billions of dollars to manifest and maintain a policy of maiming and killing...this is a thing to fear... because that money could be used to provide food, shelter, clothing, clean water, and education.

Let your heart be moved to nurture and create.

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3 Comments

I've known about this book forever, but this is the first time I've picked it up with a CLEAR realization that Art comes from the Heart. So now is the time that I can move forward with it.

I love your spirit and I'm so glad you are here with us!

Posted by beth on September 26, 2007 2:30 PM PDT

Thanks Beth!

What I love about The Artist's Way is that it recommends that we take 1-day a week, even if it's only for a couple of hours, and do something that will nurture and expand our creativity. And it doesn't have to be an activity that is directly related to our particular form of expression.

So a writer could be inspired by going to an art museum; a dancer, by walking in nature; a painter, by listening to music, etc.

I began songwriting spontaneously late one night right after I'd finished reading He's Just Not That Into You. Yes, I know... it didn't take a great work of art, literature, or a beautiful sunset to awaken my songwriting muse once and for all. It took this funny little book that is chock full of great advice.

Suffice to say, that it doesn't matter what awakens one's muse. It's only important that we are paying attention when she's raring to go; and that we nurture her along the way.

Have fun creating!
Chris : )

Posted by Christine-Anne ... on September 26, 2007 3:25 PM PDT

Hi Chris,
I love seeing this because it's something that I have become so aware of for myself, and I think it is important for others too. There is a need in all of us to connect with beauty. This happens for me in the form of being outside in Nature at least twice a day, breathing deeply, looking at the clouds, or the moon. I keep fresh flowers in the entry, by my bed, on my altar. Last Friday night I went up to the Getty, which is open until 9 PM on Fridays...(I had no idea what they would have and there was a wonderful photography exhibit). Thank you for highlighting this important part of our selves!
xoxoxoxo,Marcia