"Start a huge, foolish project, like Noah... it makes absolutely no difference what people think of you."-Rumi
I put the finishing touches on my painting-a vibrant peacock with rainbow plumage-and leaned back in satisfaction.
I am a physician, not a painter. I am sure there are fifth-graders with more skillfully honed painting techniques than me. I imagine a professional art critic might have a lot of not particularly kind things to say about my painting abilities.
But I don't care.
I signed up for a painting class at Susie Risher's house just because it sounded like fun.
ADVERTISEMENT
And it was. There were eight ladies around the dining room table, old friends and new.
It was fun because I chose to dive into the experience with no expectations or agenda. Not trying to create a museum-worthy piece of art. Not intending to sell my work online. Not trying to impress anyone. Not even trying to impress myself.
Just painting for the sheer pleasure of putting colors on a canvas.
There are so few moments in my busy life where I feel this kind of freedom.
Now that I have tasted it, I can't wait to experience it again.
This moment of pleasure and agenda-less creation provided a kind of healing that I didn't even know I needed. This moment reminded me: "This is the point of life, ultimately. To enjoy the ride. Really enjoy it."
So I scheduled a date with Rando, and spent the afternoon at his downtown studio. He coached a colorful butterfly out of me and it now graces the wall of the microscope room at Catalyst.
Today, why not do as Rumi suggested and start a foolish project of your own?
ADVERTISEMENT
It doesn't have to be an ark, though we are very grateful for Noah's work.
It could be a five-minute project, or a five-hour adventure, or a project that occupies every Sunday afternoon for the rest of your life.
Big or small, let your heart be swept up in it.
It makes absolutely no difference where it leads or what people think.
Be jubilantly foolish. Your spirit. Your expression.
Enjoy it.
Dr. Susan Mathison founded Catalyst Medical Center in Fargo and created PositivelyBeautiful.com. Email her at info@catalystmedicalcenter.com .
