3 ways the arts have changed my life.
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As I think back over my life, many of my best memories have involved the arts in some way. From participating in marching band, musicals, and choirs in high school, all the way up to making music and writing today, the arts have made a major difference in my life. And I’m a better man because of it.
I’d like to share three specific ways the arts have lifted my life to a higher level and made me who I am today:
1. The arts have opened my eyes to the beauty and wonder of the world.
A few years ago I was able to see U2 not once, but twice, on their 360 tour. One show was in Chicago, and the other was in St. Louis. Both shows were memorable experiences, and if you’ve ever seen U2 live, you know what I mean. It’s less like a regular concert and more like a religious experience.
Art shows us the potential of humanity to create beauty and take in the full wonder of the world (and universe) around us.
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Music, and really all forms of art, has the ability to lift us to a higher level of experience and transformation. Art shows us the potential of humanity to create beauty and take in the full wonder of the world (and universe) around us. And in today’s world, we can use all the beauty and wonder we can get.
2. The arts have given me the opportunity to connect with many wonderful people.
I think with fondness of all the great people I’ve met over the years through the arts. There was my junior high music teacher who patiently taught us about classical music. There was my high school drama teacher who for some reason gave me the lead in a school play, thereby terrifying me and giving me a huge boost of confidence at the same time. There were all the wonderful, servant-minded volunteers in the church music ministry I led for eight years in my 20’s. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but they were patient and supportive anyway.
And today, I’ve had the good fortune to be involved with so many creative types around the world because of my writing, as well as my college teaching and involvement with The Good Men Project. There are great people in every field, but I’ve personally loved the experience of connecting with so many creative types of the years through my involvement in the arts.
The greatest thing about connecting with others through the arts is that you meet many people who are different than you. Yet somehow, you come together because you realize your common connection around making and enjoying art is greater than your differences. What unites you is greater than what divides you.
3. The arts have given me the confidence to keep growing and learning.
I still remember it like it was yesterday: I was in 7th grade and was the drummer for our junior high jazz band. I had a pair of blue-and-white metal drumsticks. One of the songs in our concert that Spring was “Wipeout,” a song from the 1960’s that heavily features the drums. I thought I had died and gone to drummer heaven because I couldn’t imagine anything more thrilling than playing the drums on that song in front of an audience.
I’ve had my share of failures on stage over the years, but my times of joy have greatly outnumbered them.
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I’ve had my share of failures on stage over the years, but my times of joy have greatly outnumbered them. Through music, drama, writing, and other outlets, the creative arts have allowed me to express myself in a variety of ways. And I have the privilege now of helping others do the same through my writing, coaching, and teaching.
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But enough about me! I’d love to share your story as well. Here at The Good Men Project, we are dedicated to furthering the conversation about what it means to be a man in modern culture. The arts are a significant part of our culture and the world at large. How have you been impacted by the arts? What kind of art do you create? What experiences in the arts, whether positive or negative, have shaped the man you are today?
And what about our children and families? How are the arts impacting your kids? What opportunities do they have today, and how can we use those opportunities to help them grow and learn? Are there creative experiences from your childhood you want them to repeat (or avoid)?
If you have a story you’d like to share, or just need help processing your thoughts on this topic, email me at [email protected]. I’d love to help you share your story here at The Good Men Project.
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Photo: Flickr/Niels Heidenreich
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The arts, specifically music, have taught me many things. I regularly explore them here: http://charleslines.blogspot.co.uk/. In particular, I have learnt that to make progress you sometimes have to take a backward step: http://charleslines.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/one-step-back-two-steps-forward-i.html