On Having a Living Body
I have a body. People who haven't been born yet don’t; sometimes those we remember feel like they don’t either. A body is what completes us as dynamic beings. Concepts, memories, and ideas can live on but aren’t constantly changing. We humans, however, are always changing. Our brains make new structures, our stomachs process food, our skin adapts, and our blood vessels shift—all in continuous transformation.
Sometimes, we resist change. But life and change are intertwined. We spend much of our lives trying to limit change: we live in temperature-controlled houses, extend our day with artificial lights, and use routines to create stability.
Yet change is inevitable. We may have to shift our daily rhythm, alter our diet, adapt our exercise routine, or even reconsider our friends and habits.
So, what inner compass guides us through all this inevitable change? It’s partly our moral sense, but perhaps even more, we can enjoy and recognize joy. Following what pleases us offers a fresh perspective on morality.
Traditionally, morality brings ideas of guilt and conscience, not joy, to mind. But what if, at the end of life, the honest regret is that I wish I had followed what brought me joy more often?
Maybe there’s a moral obligation to follow your joy, but making it a duty can sometimes take away the pleasure itself. Freedom is a massive part of what makes joy joyful. Many artists say, “I discovered new freedom.” The joy of freedom, combined with a specific commitment, becomes my compass.
Freedom, Commitment, and Permission to Create
For artists, this joy compass is essential. The freedom and permission to create without limits fuel new energy and inspiration. The thrill of experimenting and discovering new possibilities keeps your work alive, while the commitment to meaningful art keeps you grounded. Here, you find balance: the joy of freedom, your permission to create, and the responsibility to produce something remarkable.
Topics covered in this blog:
"The Joy of Freedom in Art"
"Permission to Create and Embrace Change"
"Balancing Freedom and Responsibility in Art"
"Exploring Artistic Freedom and Moral Compass"
"Transforming Life Through Joy and Creativity"
Jezus Erica! EPIFANY!