The Art of Aliveness

The Art of Aliveness is a captivating compilation of 14 thought-provoking concepts, this collection offers a unique perspective on cultivating a symbiotic relationship between one's creative endeavours and their overall existence. Drawing from personal experiences, the author presents a series of anecdotes that serve as a foundation for these ideas. Moreover, including practical exercises empowers readers to actively engage with the concepts, while providing them with the necessary tools to implement these practices in their own lives. Overflowing with inspiration, this remarkable work serves as a guiding light, encouraging individuals to embrace a life that seamlessly intertwines creativity and personal growth.

At the tender age of 19, Flora Bowley embarked on her artistic journey by enrolling in her inaugural college painting class. Little did she know that this fateful encounter would forever shape her creative trajectory. As she settled into her seat, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the class, her professor made a memorable entrance, uttering words that would resonate deeply within her artistic soul: "Well, my dear students, it is said that each one of us harbors a thousand subpar paintings within. So, without further ado, let us embark on this transformative artistic odyssey." In a truly remarkable fashion, the individual has embarked upon a career in the world of art.

In a remarkable display of artistic dedication, Flora, after a span of more than 25 years, has successfully produced an impressive collection of over 1,000 paintings. In the course of its evolution, painting has transcended the boundaries of being merely a pastime or a profession. Flora's relationship with it blossomed into a cherished companionship, a steadfast presence that witnessed and influenced the various peaks and valleys of her life.

In her book, "The Art of Aliveness: A Creative Return to What Matters Most," the author delves into the profound connection she has discovered. In her own words, the concept of "aliveness" refers to the symbiotic relationship between our creative endeavours and our daily existence. It is the notion that the knowledge and insights gained from our artistic pursuits can profoundly impact our day-to-day experiences, while simultaneously, the lessons learned from our everyday lives can enrich and inspire our creative practice. In this literary masterpiece, readers will find a meticulously curated compilation of fourteen invaluable methods to foster and nurture a profound and reciprocal bond.

Lesson 1: Life and art are a balance between comfort and risk, and your “baskets” help you.

In a remarkable achievement that many creative individuals aspire to, Bowley has realised her lifelong dream of sustaining herself solely through her artistic endeavours. At the tender age of 30, she has managed to carve out a niche for herself, allowing her to thrive as a full-time artist. In a surprising turn of events, she found herself experiencing a sense of loneliness rather than the expected fulfilment.

Prompted by a friend, she decided to venture into the field of teaching. Flora, uncertain of the turnout for her inaugural workshop and lacking confidence in her teaching abilities, questioned whether anyone would attend. From humble beginnings as an impromptu fusion of yoga and meditation, her unique "Intuitive Painting" approach gradually emerged as her defining artistic style.

In a groundbreaking moment, Bowley expresses a newfound sense of unity as all aspects of their identity converge harmoniously for the very first time. In a bold move towards uncharted territory, she embarked on a journey to unravel this enigmatic aspect of her vocation.

In a metaphorical twist, Flora employs the concept of baskets to strike a delicate equilibrium between comfort and risk. In the vast expanse of your professional journey, your basket brims with a rich assortment of tools, techniques, and knowledge meticulously gathered and honed over time. In a recent statement, Flora emphasised the significance of keeping one's basket positioned behind them while working, highlighting its constant availability and reliability.

In an era where comfort and familiarity often dictate our actions, it is crucial to recognise the limitations of relying solely on what we have already mastered. While it may be tempting to fall back on our well-established knowledge, habits, tools, and decisions, this approach hinders our ability to learn and innovate. Flora also mentions the existence of "life baskets." In certain instances, it becomes necessary for certain individuals to remain in the background. In a thought-provoking statement, it has been suggested that the antithesis of growth is none other than stagnation, a state that is diametrically opposed to vitality and progress.

In the quest for personal growth and success, individuals often find themselves facing a pivotal question: How does one summon the courage to relinquish the familiar embrace of comfort and venture into the realm of uncertainty and risk? This quandary, though daunting, is an essential step towards progress and achievement. In a thought-provoking query, individuals are urged to ponder a fundamental question: "Do I prefer the tranquillity of comfort and inertia, or the vitality that arises from embracing discomfort?"

Lesson 2: Use “riverbanks” to manage your life and creative practise to perform without overload.

Renowned dancer and esteemed author of the critically acclaimed book, The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp, firmly held the belief that in order to expand one's creative boundaries, it is imperative to commence with a foundational structure, metaphorically referred to as "a box." In a confirmation statement, Bowley affirms the information.

In the realm of self-expression, Flora is often hailed as a free spirit, unencumbered by societal constraints. However, it is worth noting that an excess of freedom does not necessarily guarantee flawless self-expression. The phenomenon known as "creative decision fatigue" is a prevalent issue that many individuals encounter. Flora, who has previously engaged in the rigorous practise of meditating for 10 hours daily during her time at a Vipassana retreat, understands the profound sense of liberation that can arise from embracing restrictions. In her poetic language, she refers to them as riverbanks. In the realm of possibilities, the potential is boundless. However, the key lies in the ability to narrow down choices and create an environment that encourages concentration.

In a bold artistic endeavour, she made the daring choice to incorporate Prussian blue, accompanied by meticulously crafted sketches of trees, and an unconventional triangle-shaped potato stamp, into her forthcoming masterpiece. As the simplified framework was implemented, a noticeable sense of relief washed over me, causing my tense shoulders to gradually unwind. While freedom is undoubtedly a cherished value, it is important to recognise that it does not possess the ability to solve all problems. In the realm of communication, the age-old adage "less is more" holds true. Constraints: A Catalyst for Focused Thinking and Goal Achievement

Perform this exercise: Draw or collage a river. Write your objective in the river. Next, draw riverbanks around the river and add limits to achieve the aim.

Maybe you want to learn the piano, strengthen your back, or launch a business. Riverbanks could be things like "Listen to only these three songs this month," "Do not lift more than 10 kilogrammes," or "Construct my website solely with free tools."

Another thing: Riverbanks shift as rivers change course. Depending on your situation, you can change your limitations every month, week, or even day. Choose the constraints that will help you achieve your goal and work within them until they no longer help.

Use your imagination, but don't lose sight of reality.

Lesson 3: Life is like a painting—accept all its layers to glide easily between past, present, and future.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Flora's mother received a devastating diagnosis of late-stage cancer several years ago. Tragically, a mere seven weeks later, she passed away. Flora's paintings and life intertwined in a tragic narrative, unfolding with multiple layers. In a display of profound artistic expression, she skillfully translated the raw emotions of anger, grief, and fear onto the canvas, resulting in a collection of paintings that remains among her most captivating and thought-provoking works to date.

According to Bowley, rituals have the power to transform emotions such as grief into compassion, fear into insight, and anger into righteous hope. Engaging in the act of painting can often take on a ritualistic quality. Whether it's the serene act of rowing a boat across a picturesque lake, the introspective practise of writing a personal journal, or the solemn participation in a Burkinabe grief ceremony, individuals find solace and meaning in various activities.

If you're stuck in a rut, try this ritual:

Think back to a challenging time in your life. Do some writing on the subject. Then, assume a posture that seems appropriate for conveying that feeling. Don't move from there; instead, make a symbol that represents everything. It could involve forming a circle, making a hand gesture, or severing ties.

Second, use the same four techniques (thinking, writing, posing, and drawing) for both the here and now and the future. What are you feeling at the moment? Tell me about your ideal future.

Finally, physically switch between the three locations you have available. What's it like to travel across time, from the past right into the future? Experiment with your symbols as well. Are they in sync with one another? Match? Perhaps you could add a fourth sign?

It's up to us to decide whether our history will remain a secret basis for our future or actively emerge in the ways we live now. According to Bowley, though, one thing is certain: "Each layer and story of our life set the stage for the next chapter to unfold."