Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my 16 year old daughter, Callie. To mitigate the mind-numbing boredom of a cold, wet, dreary April quarantine, she started painting. Callie said, “Mom, do you realize that in the future, this time period will be famous for a renaissance in art, poetry and literature? People will probably call it the Quarantine Period or the Pandemic Period. Art produced during the Quarantine Renaissance Period will be very valuable.”
My mind was blown. She’s right. We are smack dab in the middle of a massive renaissance. Many people are inspired to use this time of quarantine to contribute art that might otherwise die inside them. Callie went to Wal-Mart to buy more canvas and paint. They are sold out. Right now, in this moment, millions of artists, writers and musicians are stepping into their true power, finally recognizing that creation is their birthright in this Quarantine Renaissance / Pandemic Renaissance Period.
The Bible says that man was created in God’s image. What is more God-like than the desire to create? Each of us intrinsically feels a tug to design, forge, mold, shape, paint, write, construct, express and explore. Amidst the busyness and distraction of life, it’s easy to ignore that gentle tug. In the empty silence of quarantine, that inner voice gets louder, demanding to be heard. It calls us to create.
Often people hear the call, but question their worthiness. “Who am I to paint? I’m not an artist! There are so many people who paint better than me. I got a ‘B’ in art class.” They go down the rabbit hole of income and audience. “Thousands of artists work their hearts out and never make a dime. If I produce a painting, who will buy it?” Money becomes the excuse as to why their picture won’t be painted, why their music won’t be heard or why their story won’t be told.
First of all, money isn’t the strongest exchange value. Self-worth, admiration of others and sense of accomplishment are arguably more valuable than money. Second, many of us under quarantine are not able to go to our day job anyway! Why not use this time to participate in the Quarantine Renaissance Period / Pandemic Renaissance Period, whether it generates income or not?
We are indoctrinated with messages about the need to invest time, effort, energy and pain to be worthy of our goals. “No pain, no gain.” Our communal psyche has been poisoned with the belief that suffering is tied to success. Do you think God suffers when he creates? Is God’s creative process painful or difficult? Of course not! God’s creation is a work of joy! Art isn’t something that needs to be earned. It doesn’t need to be perfect. You don’t need practice to be worthy. It is simply an expression of who you are in this moment. Art is the process of tapping into your own creative source, which is easily and naturally available to every human being.
I am embarrassed to admit that there have been times when I’ve read the work of a great writer and have felt a twinge of jealousy. Now I realize that jealousy is simply my higher self reminding me that I am capable of doing this or something greater. Jealousy is a powerful tool. It’s often tied to your own higher purpose, your own unfulfilled destiny. Rather than pushing jealousy away, hold it in your heart and ask it to reveal your unmet desires.
You have a message that you alone are meant to deliver in this world. You were born with everything you need to deliver that message. You do not need to earn the right to express yourself. You were born worthy. Your unique talents, abilities and proclivities prove that the ability to create is your birthright.
Stop trying to prove your worthiness. Stop trying to convince yourself or others that you need to earn your success through pain and suffering. Stop trying to justify your right to pursue your dream. You are worthy of your highest and loftiest goal. Go forth and contribute your unique message to this Quarantine / Pandemic Renaissance Period!
Comment below to share your Quarantine / Pandemic Renaissance Period art, literature or music with others. If you are interested in purchasing one of Callie’s paintings, please contact me using my contact page.