Sometimes, certainly, and absolutely not, always, Instagram can inspire. Here are quotes from two woman both of which are role models of great excellence.
I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free. Georgia O’Keefe.
We do not escape into philosophy, psychology and art.. we go there to restore our shattered selves into whole ones. Anais Nin
I have had years and years and years of psychotherapy in the past – indeed it did turn my shattered self into a whole one. This healed self then found the Islamic Faith. Psychology was a step along the way, for me the first step. Philosophy has also played a role , restoring my shattered self. I have four university degrees,; philosophy courses were a component in all my studies (except for the law degree perhaps)
I look to the broader definition of art in order to see the role it played in the restoration of my shattered self. Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Another definition: works produced by human creative skills and imagination. .Wikipedia chimes in with this:
“Art describes a diverse range of cultural activities centered around works creative or imaginative talents, which are expected to evoke a worthwhile experience,[1] generally through an expression of emotional power, conceptual ideas, beauty, and/or technical proficiency.”
That definition broadens the horizon – my creativity is expressed in many ways, all diverse. For example, Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), culinary skills and courses, photography and of course, my writing. I retired from the practice of law at the age of 61 to pursue my creativity on a full time basis. I did and I have. Therefore, reading the words of Anais Nin enabled greater insights – and self esteem seeing how
Wikipedia further discusses the functions and purposes of art.
- “Basic human instinct for harmony, balance, rhythm. Art at this level is not an action or an object, but an internal appreciation of balance and harmony (beauty), and therefore an aspect of being human beyond utility.
2. Experience of the mysterious. Art provides a way to experience one’s self in relation to the universe. This experience may often come unmotivated, as one appreciates art, music or poetry. There is an Einstein quote: The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. – Albert Einstein
3. Expression of the imagination. Art provides a means to express the imagination in non-grammatic ways that are not tied to the formality of spoken or written language. Unlike words, which come in sequences and each of which have a definite meaning, art provides a range of forms, symbols and ideas with meanings that are malleable.
4. Ritualistic and symbolic functions. In many cultures, art is used in rituals, performances and dances as a decoration or symbol. While these often have no specific utilitarian (motivated) purpose, anthropologists know that they often serve a purpose at the level of meaning within a particular culture. This meaning is not furnished by any one individual, but is often the result of many generations of change, and of a cosmological relationship within the culture.”
There are also what Wikipedia calls motivated function.
“Motivated purposes of art refer to intentional, conscious actions on the part of the artists or creator. These may be to bring about political change, to comment on an aspect of society, to convey a specific emotion or mood, to address personal psychology, to illustrate another discipline, to (with commercial arts) sell a product, or used as a form of communication. “
Nine are listed. This purpose has special meaning, particularly to me.
“Art for psychological and healing purposes. Art is also used by art therapists, psychotherapists and clinical psychologists as art therapy. The Diagnostic Drawing Series, for example, is used to determine the personality and emotional functioning of a patient. The end product is not the principal goal in this case, but rather a process of healing, through creative acts, is sought. The resultant piece of artwork may also offer insight into the troubles experienced by the subject and may suggest suitable approaches to be used in more conventional forms of psychiatric therapy. “
I was a victim of this, in a rather tragic way. . During my extensive therapy with Karla Clarke I used collages to retrieve memories of my horrific abuse. It was best that this abuse be forgotten. The memories retrieved haunt me – and are often the cause of post traumatic stress attacks. My faith in Allah (SWT) has been so healing, so curative. One recent attack found me in solitude crying: “Allah please help me. PLEASE” Allah (SWT) was there assuring me I was not alone and had His protection. I thought often of suing Karla Clarke for malpractice reporting her to licensing organizations. However, I saw her quite by accident when returning to Marin County for a visit She, thankfully, is no longer in practice. She is retired. She was once a poet, her creative juices are dried up. She suffers from painful psychologically induced illness. I remember saying to her.
Me: I am a success.
She: I always knew you would be.
Me: That is interesting for you to say. You balked at my studies in London which enabled my creativity to soar. The antidepressant drugs you had prescribed for me suppressed my creativity and when I was found to be allergic to them, tested and found they were and had been unnecessary my creativity soared to even greater heights. I was ‘drug free’ on October 20. 2020 – the day I became of the Islamic Faith.
Enough of the past. What am I doing today? Absolutely nothing. I am not leaving my hotel room, not even to eat and there is no room service in this hotel. I have taken some photos from my view – an interesting and evocative view with much activity. There is a massive tree, no idea of its age or origin. Never seen one like it. Birds flock constantly, landing in the branches. I am not sure I can capture its grandeur but will try. The other photo is of a stating statuary. It has no rose that I can see, attached to a building.
It is not exactly accurate to say that I am doing nothing. I am praying, writing, reading the Quran. In other words, being creative. It is a blissful day, free of people in any form or shape. No bothersome texting, the one to one communication that does nothing for anyone. It has wasted so much of my time in the last year. I have nothing or nobody to show for it. But it is now a relic, a thing of the past.
No plans for tomorrow. Impossible to deal with Chase Fraud Alert. I was sent an opportunity to evaluate my experience.
They: Thank you for being a valued Chase Private Client customer. Would you please tell us about your recent experience with Cyrus on 12/22/2024?
I told Joseph A Garcia, the Director of Customer Experience of my experiences, giving Cyrus a one out of 10 in every category. I shall pursue further remedies when I have more energy to waste on a useless endeavor. I shall pray to Allah (SWT) for patience to deal with this dreadful incompetence again.
Photographs from the window of my self-imposed jail. The tree in all of its glory, the strange sculpture and the prayer mat supplied by this hotel.
