Child of the Universe

After a trip to an art gallery downtown with a close friend I was feeling inspired, and much more confident in my artistic abilities and decided to make another painting. I posted it on my personal Facebook page and it was extremely well-received which was honestly so shocking and so flattering to me, it really helped boost my confidence in my art even more. Although having other people enjoy or even respect my work is not the goal, and I would still be having just as much fun painting had it not been well received (after all, my first painting didn't get much recognition at all) it really is a wonderful feeling.  After the painting dried, the colors became a little more dull than they are in the photograph which is slightly disappointing, but it feels so good to have created something.

Just remember that you are a child of the universe, and that you carry it's infinity within you. You can do anything, be anything, and survive anything. Your potential is limitless and you have a right to explore it, to shine the light that is you and to be yourself. Remind yourself of this with each day that you wake, each challenge that you face. Remember that you were created from the same atoms that comprise lions, and the milky way. You have stardust inside of you and you need not be daunted by challenges that may lie ahead.

There's a specific poem I had in mind when I was creating this piece, a poem called "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann, published in the year 1927. The word "Desiderata" itself is a noun that means "Something that is needed or wanted" and it is the plural of the singular form "Desideratum" which means the title could be 'translated' to "Desired Things." Here is a link to where you can read the poem, which is something I'd really like for you all to read, as it is something that has (obviously) resonated quite strongly with me. 

The specific line I had in mind was 

"You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees or the stars; you have a right to be here"

Although this poem is pretty straightforward and I really don't feel that it requires much analysis, however I would absolutely like to make a few closing comments which are as follows:

The first word of the poem is "go" which is one of the most elementary verbs, yet it is a verb all the same. It's a call to action, begging you to start your journey, suggests movement rather than stagnation or complacency. 

I think this poem does a wonderful job at reminding us that our lives are full of interruptions and outside influences and, I guess you could say, noise, however remaining calm and in a place of peace is to your benefit. I also think it suggests making a genuine effort to be on good terms with others, and to not compare yourself to them. It's a reminder to work hard and set goals but to be gentle with yourself. 

This poem makes me feel hopeful and lighthearted and makes me feel like if something brings me joy, that I should pursue it, and if I want something, to go and get it. I feel like the concept of this poem is what the ideas of yoga tries to teach, about calming the mind and acting peacefully. 

I also quite like the final line of the poem, which doesn't deny but rather embraces that there is negativity that exists in the world but we should instead decide on happiness. I like that it says 'strive to be happy' which is like a reminder that your mindset is your responsibility and yours alone, and that you shouldn't let others influence it from what you would like it to be.