What is the art of living?

You are a miracle, reject any limiting belief that would separate you from the greatest expression of your magnificence. - Amber Howard, CEO/Founder

One wouldn't expect to become an Olympic athlete without decades of practice and mastery. So then why do we expect to create the life of our dreams without practice, resilience, and at least a few setbacks?

The term "the art of living" encompasses the idea of intentionally crafting and experiencing a meaningful and fulfilling life. It involves approaching life as a creative endeavor, where one consciously and deliberately makes choices, cultivates virtues, and engages in practices that align with their values and aspirations.

The art of living goes beyond mere existence or going through the motions of daily life. It emphasizes the pursuit of personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of a holistic and balanced lifestyle. It involves nurturing relationships, seeking knowledge and wisdom, and finding harmony between various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, and personal passions.

At its core, the art of living is about cultivating mindfulness and awareness, making intentional decisions, and embracing a sense of agency and responsibility for one's own life. It encourages individuals to reflect on their values, set meaningful goals, and take purposeful action to create a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with their true selves.

While the art of living is a highly individualistic pursuit, it also acknowledges the interconnectedness of human beings and the importance of empathy, compassion, and ethical conduct in creating a harmonious and flourishing society.

Ultimately, the art of living is a lifelong journey of self-exploration, self-improvement, and embracing the beauty and challenges of life with intention, mindfulness, and an open heart.

In the art of living a created life, practice holds immense significance, yet it is often overlooked or undervalued. Unlike learning to play sports or mastering an instrument, we rarely dedicate intentional practice to living life itself. We may gather knowledge and acquire tools for personal growth, but when it comes to implementing new habits or practices, we often exhibit impatience and seek immediate success. I confess that I, too, have fallen into this pattern. I have tried countless times to adopt new approaches or embrace transformative habits, only to give up prematurely when faced with initial setbacks.

However, I now realize that the true essence of practice lies in perseverance and resilience. Just as an athlete refines their skills through persistent training or a musician perfects their art through endless rehearsals, living a created life demands consistent practice. It requires us to approach each day with a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt. By accepting that setbacks and failures are merely stepping stones on the path to success, we can develop the resilience necessary to persist in our journey of living an intentionally crafted life. Through practice, we can cultivate self-awareness, refine our choices, and align our actions with our deepest values, ultimately shaping a life of purpose, fulfillment, and authenticity.

The Art of Living Blog seeks to provide those interested the guidance, awareness, skills and tools helpful in the pursuit of living a created life of their own design based on what they authentically want.