You speak several languages, even if you think you only speak one. Here is why that matters.
Humans are meant to speak to each other. Communicating with others is not an entertaining extra, it is a basic need. I can be introverted, but I still need to relate to others. We are social creatures in varying degrees and each of us needs a way to speak.
Being fluent with words is not a gift that everyone has. Thankfully, there are other ways to speak just as effectively, and at times, with an even more profound impact.
There is the light touch on a friend’s arm that wordlessly says, I am here for you. There is a soft kiss on the cheek that says, you are special and loved. Actions are language without words.
Consider the language of facial expressions. Wide open eyes of fear or terror. Combine those with a smiling open mouth and it is the unexpected delight of a happy surprise. These speak more eloquently than words.
The language of touch and the language of facial expression. Those are 2 more languages that you use to share thoughts.
There are other ways to speak.
Art is a language. The more an artist appreciates this, the more proficient with this language they can become.
It is true that some creative work never reaches other eyes or ears — and is still refreshing for the one doing that work — so don’t stop! Creativity in itself contains healing. For example, I am not going to share that poem I wrote when I was angry — that one is just for me and it felt good to tear it up. Creativity can be a healthy ‘talking to myself’.
There is the song sung alone and the painting tucked away in the closet. Notice your emotional response to the last sentence. Instinctively, the response is sadness.
I am not talking about fame here. Whether or not you sell your art also has nothing to do with its worth. Society has warped our values to think that these things are what art is about. Puh-leez! Stop believing this lie. Art’s value is so much more.
Your unique creative voice is meant to be shared even if only with a couple of friends. I understand it’s a bit of your heart that you put out there when you share a creative work. Boundaries are okay. You can tell your friends or live-in critics that you are not looking for suggestions for improvement. You just thought it would be fun to share.
It’s the difference between a black-and-white life, and one lived in full color. Our existence is meant to be more than waking, going to work, staring at a screen, going to sleep, repeat.
Sharing our creative voices makes the world a brighter place.
The richness of art in any form is the seasoning that gives life flavor. These are the moments when we are most alive.
Art forms such as dance, theatre, painting, or music are also languages. The more the artist has studied their art form, the more potentially eloquent the expression.
If I could say it with words, there would be no reason to paint.
– Edward Hopper
The language of art has an advantage over verbal language, art can more quickly gain access to the heart. By passing words, art appears to know a secret passage straight to emotion’s throne room, enriching our world. Art is a language that should be both treasured and shared.
Not everything I write is published on this website blog.
If you want to read all my writings, you could connect with me on Medium. This platform allows 3 free articles per month for non-members to read. Members pay $5 US per month and in return have access to unlimited articles on almost every topic imaginable.
Here is a link to my profile which also shows other articles I have published on Medium.