The mind expands, or contracts, proportionately to the space it is allowed to reside.

   There is an awful lot of clutter in our heads most days; the day-in, day-out diplomacy, distractions, and dogma that disrupt free-thinking and constrict common sense and worthy thought.

   Think about it. We all need to think outside the time we allow ourselves.

   We need more space to care for our self. Art, by nature, allows you that indulgence. It is not competitive, hardly even quantitative, fully meditative, and true relief from many of the soul-sucking situations we find ourselves in.

   The method or medium is up to you. It is not important when, or how, you do it. It hardly matters how much you do (although once you get started it can be difficult to stop); it matters only that you do. Really, what matters is that you make a greater attempt to use that portion of the brain that demands so little of you, but wholly appreciates the activity.

   Don’t even think about it (contrary as it seems).

   Engage the mind. Sit, sing and strum your guitar (or that damn dulcimer, an impulse purchase, that sits silently in the corner).  Dust off your camera, audition for the next community play or student film project; act as if nobody is watching. Craft a poem; then craft another (it’s fine if they don’t rhyme). Take a dance class: tap, jazz, or ballet. Sketch a self-portrait, or one of your cat. Use any pencil and paper that is handy (or your niece’s crayons).

   Don’t worry whether your talent is good enough — we already have too many worries — simply create. Do not even think so much about doing it; just do it; now or this evening (tomorrow too). The possibilities are endless, and we all need more possibilities.

   Update your imagination.

   Our minds, analytical by nature, much like our personal computers need a software upgrade every now and then. Both it and us function better when everything is up to date.

08/30/2024                                                                                            j.g.l.