Timeless Wisdom: What Artists Can Learn from Marcus Aurelius (Part 2)
Nurturing Presence, Courage, and Legacy in Your Art for the Year Ahead!
Welcome back to The Intentional Artist. I hope you had a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season.
In this final issue of the year, we reflect on the profound words of Marcus Aurelius, who once said…
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
This sentiment lies at the heart of our creative endeavors, reminding us that our art, and the fulfillment we derive from it, is deeply rooted in how we cultivate our inner landscape.
In our previous edition, we delved into the vital lessons of resilience, self-reflection, and the pursuit of authentic purpose. In this concluding edition, we’ll dive into the inner workings of the artist’s mind and spirit.
We will begin by Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence. Here, we’ll understand the power of being present, a crucial element where our creativity can truly thrive. Together, we’ll explore practical steps to bring mindfulness into our everyday creative routines, deepening the impact of our work.
Then, in Overcoming Fear and Doubt, we face the universal challenges of every artist. With guidance from stoic philosophy, we will arm ourselves with strategies to strengthen our resolve and navigate past the internal blocks to our creativity.
Finally, we address Building a Legacy. It's about more than making art; it's about leaving an indelible mark through our creations. We will consider what it means to produce work that not only stands the test of time but also carries profound meaning.
Let’s get started...
Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence
Marcus Aurelius was a proponent of mindfulness, consistently advocating for presence in the moment. “Concentrate every minute like a Roman – on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, and with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions,” he counseled. This advice is not merely for the stoics of old but is incredibly pertinent to the artists of today.
Mindfulness in art is about engaging fully with the creative process, immersing oneself in the flow of creation, and being attuned to the nuances of one’s own artistic expression. It’s about being present with the brush, the pen, the instrument — feeling every stroke, every word, every note.
Here are some approaches to help artists weave mindfulness into their creative practice:
Start with Stillness: Begin your creative session with a moment of stillness. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and center your thoughts on the present moment.
Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to your senses as you create. Observe the colors on your palette, the texture of your materials, the sounds that accompany your movements. This engagement can deepen your connection to your work.
Embrace the Process: Focus on the process of creation rather than the outcome. Enjoy the act of making something, even if it’s not perfect.
Slow Down: Take your time with each aspect of your work. Rushing can lead to a disconnection from the art. Slow, deliberate movements foster a mindful approach.
Reflect on Your Intentions: Regularly pause to reflect on the intention behind your work. Remind yourself why you started and what you hope to convey.
Create Mindfully, Edit Later: Allow your initial creative impulses to flow without judgment. There will be time later for critique and refinement.
Practice Gratitude: Take moments to appreciate your ability to create. Gratitude for the creative process itself can anchor you in the present.
By practicing mindfulness, we honor our craft and the moment we’re in, which can lead to more authentic and inspired art. As we draw from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, let’s remind ourselves that true artistry and creativity lies in the here and now. Let’s allow mindfulness to be our guide, nurturing a presence that fills our work with clarity and purpose.
Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Marcus Aurelius, in confronting the vast responsibilities of leadership and the complexities of human life, spoke directly to the challenges of fear and doubt. “Our actions may be impeded... but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting,” he reflected.
This stoic resilience is particularly resonant for artists, who often grapple with the challenges of fear and doubt. Whether it’s the fear of criticism or the doubt in one’s abilities, these internal challenges can stifle creativity and hinder the artistic process. Yet, as Aurelius teaches, it is within our power to adapt and redirect these feelings toward constructive ends.
Here are strategies to help us navigate and overcome creative insecurities:
Acknowledge the Fear: Identify what you’re afraid of. Naming your fears can diminish their power and help you to address them more objectively.
Reframe Doubts as Questions: Instead of stating “I can’t do this,” ask “How might I approach this?” This reframing can turn doubt into a problem-solving challenge.
Set Realistic Expectations: Perfection is an illusion. Aim for progress, not perfection, and celebrate small victories along the way. Forget about perfection as it stifles progress.
Focus on Learning: Approach your art as a continuous learning journey. Mistakes are not failures but opportunities to learn and improve. Remember failure is your friend.
Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing the successful completion of your projects. Visualization can build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with positive influences — people who encourage you and art that inspires you.
Develop a Practice of Reflection: Regularly reflect on past successes. Remind yourself of the obstacles you’ve overcome and the growth you’ve achieved.
Limit Exposure to Negativity: Be mindful of the media you consume and the conversations you engage in. Negativity can feed fear and doubt.
Embrace Stoic Flexibility: Like Aurelius, learn to be flexible in your thinking. Adapt and redirect your energy from worrying about fear and doubt to taking action on your art.
Marcus Aurelius’ insights offer a timeless antidote to the paralyzing effects of fear and doubt. By applying these stoic strategies, artists can find the strength to push through uncertainty and embrace their creative potential with renewed confidence and vigor. As we edge approach the new year, let’s carry this fortitude forward, meeting our creative pursuits with a bold heart and a clear mind.
Building a Legacy
Marcus Aurelius, centuries beyond his lifetime, continues to impact the world through his meditations on life, virtue, and purpose. His legacy is not one of battles won or territories conquered — rather, it is his profound wisdom and introspective truths that endure. He reminds us, “What we do now echoes in eternity,” a statement that invites us to consider the long-term resonance of our actions and creations.
For artists, the concept of legacy can be a profound contemplation. It’s about more than the art we create — it’s the imprint we leave on the hearts and minds of those who encounter our work. It’s the messages we convey, the emotions we evoke, and the thoughts we provoke.
Our legacy is the total of the artistic contributions we make to the world, contributions that may continue to inspire, challenge, and provide solace long after we are gone.
Here are reflective prompts to help you think about the legacy that you may wish to build:
Define Your Values: Consider what matters most to you. What central themes or values do you want your work to express and carry forward?
Visualize Your Impact: Imagine the future. How do you want people to feel when they interact with your art? What conversations do you hope it will spark?
Create with Intention: Approach each project with the awareness that it could be a part of your lasting legacy. Let this inspire you to put your best into every creation.
Share Your Journey: Your artistic journey can be as inspiring as your final pieces. Share your process, struggles and triumphs — they are all part of your story.
Mentor Others: Part of your legacy can be the support and knowledge you pass on to other artists coming up in your field.
Stay True to Your Vision: While trends and tastes change, a strong personal vision will ensure your art remains distinctive and true to your legacy.
Consider the Bigger Picture: Think about the broader impact of your work. How does it contribute to the community or society at large?
Reflecting on one’s legacy is not about ego, it’s about the essence of what we leave behind. As we create, we are not just making art for today, we are leaving echoes for tomorrow.
Like Aurelius, whose words have traveled centuries, let us too aspire to create art that stands the test of time — art that is not just remembered but revered, not just seen but felt, and not just experienced in the present, but cherished as a part of our collective human heritage.
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, we find ourselves at a point of reflection and anticipation. The lessons we’ve explored from Marcus Aurelius these past couple of weeks, though centuries old, are as relevant today as they were in the halls of the Roman power.
These lessons offer us a compass for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of our creative lives, providing a foundation of resilience, purpose, self-reflection, discipline, mindfulness, courage, and legacy.
The beginning of a new year is a symbolic fresh start, a blank canvas ripe with possibilities. It’s an opportunity to recalibrate our intentions, to refine our practices, and to recommit to the pursuit of our artistic truths.
As we step into this new year, this new chapter, let’s invite the stoic wisdom of Aurelius to infuse our creative endeavors. Let his insights into human nature and the virtues of a well-lived life guide us in making art that not only speaks to the soul but also stands as a testament to our deepest selves.
In the coming year, I encourage each of you to embrace these timeless lessons. Let them be a source of strength when you encounter obstacles and a reminder of purpose when you seek direction.
Apply discipline and consistency to nurture your skills.
Practice mindfulness to deepen your connection with your work.
Face your fears and doubts with the courage of a stoic philosopher.
Above all else, create with an eye toward the legacy you wish to build.
As we step into the new year, let’s carry with us the wisdom of the past, using it to fuel our creative future. Here’s to a year of intentional artistry and purposeful creation. May your art not only reflect your vision but also illuminate the world with its unique light.
Happy New Year, and may your creative journey be as rewarding as it is profound.
A Call to Action
As we close the chapter on this year and look forward to the new year, I extend an invitation to each of you, the heart and soul of The Intentional Artist community…
Share Your Journey: I encourage you to reflect on the insights from Marcus Aurelius and how they resonate with your creative path. What lessons struck a chord with you? How do you plan to integrate these timeless principles into your artistry? Share your thoughts, plans, and aspirations with us. Your journey is unique, and your perspective may be the very inspiration another artist needs.
Engage with Our Community: Remember, you’re not alone in this creative exploration. Our community is a tapestry of diverse artists, each with their own stories, challenges, and triumphs. Engage with fellow creators, share your experiences, seek advice, or offer your wisdom. Together, we can build a supportive and vibrant space where creativity thrives.
Stay Connected: Follow us on our social channels, join our discussions, and be part of our events and workshops. These platforms are designed to foster connection, growth, and inspiration among artists like you.
Contribute to Our Collective Wisdom: If you have insights, stories, or experiences that you believe could benefit the community, we’d love to hear from you. Write to us, and let’s collaborate to enrich our collective journey.
As we begin this new year, let’s commit to not only refining our craft but also nurturing our creative souls. Let’s take these lessons from the past, apply them in the present, and shape a future where our art not only exists but resonates and inspires.
Together, let’s make this next year a journey of intentional creation, shared growth, and boundless inspiration.
Here’s to a year of living, creating, and thriving intentionally.
And with that, we wrap up our final issue of The Intentional Artist for 2023. It’s my sincere hope that the insights shared here will enrich your craft and inspire your journey into 2024. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your creative process this past year.
As always, if this resonated or was of help, I’d love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.
Artfully yours,
Chris
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Thanks for this post. I've tried to build a legacy in a way of community since the very beginin of a my entrepreneurship. About a decade later I realize I tend to work backwards. I had no idea what I was doing but my plight lead me to learn profound life experiences. My take away from this article was hearing "stoic flexibilty". I tend to get stuck on my passion projects when they aren't working out and I don't no when to walk away. I think maybe times it's from "thinking" I had to have it done by a certain when in reality it doesn't.
Your posts have profoundly helped me understand my art more than before, put value on it, and hoping that my art will attract the right community.
Most of the time, my family members and friends just use phrases like "oh, your paintings are very beautiful", "oh you're so talented", and so on. But only an artist asks me how much time i've put on creating these artistic pieces, what mediums i've used, and so on. I've reached a level that i want to find a community for my art because i'm tired of being alone and missing out on the opportunity of growing artistically.