Merry Christmas Eve!
On this day before Santa Claus, the dwarfs have stepped forward to talk about our own artistry. Throughout history, the dwarfs have worked within Norse, Germanic, and Celtic mythology. As craftsman, healers, and even engraving enchantments into metalwork. Crafting works such as Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir.
With such skills in metalwork, design, and craftsmanship the dwarfs are great teachers in how to create. Because there are artists within all of us. So often, we can neglect our own artistic abilities in favor of practicality, efficiency, and comfort. Yet, art is what expands our minds, heals our hearts, and lifts our spirits.
Artistry & Craftsmanship:
Within our world of polarity we will always hold both within ourselves. Our capacity for one end of polarity (light, healing, mercy) will always be equal to the other end (darkness, destruction, severity). While we can lean towards one end of the spectrum more, both are voices within us offering up options and suggestions. Therefore, a truly healthy state honors both aspects of ourselves. This doesn’t mean we allow the more wild and destructive parts of ourselves free reign, it merely means we don’t deny, disown, or reject our nature. All this to say, that whether you associate as a left or right brain thinker – we are both. You are capable of artistry.
Whether you express your unique vision through: paint, beads, fabric, music, etc. or….through: graphs, baking, scientific equation, business proposals, or even plumbing – there is artistry. How we craft something, the order and design, the integrated components, the statement that it makes….all of these are your voice shining through in a way that only you can provide.
Which is why artistry can be so challenging. Not only do we sometimes not understand the voice of another, can’t seem to find our own voice, or are required to take a leap of faith and create (maybe not that well), but we also are engaging in a vulnerable act. Which is why vulnerability is definitely an act of courage. So, why put ourselves through art: seeing it, learning about it, paying for it, and even doing it?
Well art has been commonly called: food for the soul. And that’s what we are. Yes, we have incarnated upon Mother Earth, into human bodies, for a human experience. We’ve come to learn and grow, however we will always be souls. Beauty, joy, love, emotions and their expression are intrinsic to our soul and to our human nature. Art allows us that expression.
Why live our lives only to suffer? Art, healing, joy, and even love offer us meaning to why we work so hard. To why we keep hanging on in times of hardship. The dwarfs are here today to help remind us not only of the cherished place art has within our world and Creation in general, but also the role art has within our individual lives.
The dwarfs are a clan society, which means that they are a close and tight knit community. Since they come together to build their forges and work together at pounding away at metal and mining gemstones, the dwarfs playfully challenge you to engage in an act of artistry with your clan today or this holiday season.
To pull out those paint brushes, to crank the music up and dance, maybe stand around a piano and sing Christmas carols. How about cooking a family dinner? Even playing fun rhyming words games or looking up art activities online.
I know that there is a vulnerability to art, especially when it’s not something your great at (like me and drawing), but when you’re with your clan you’re in a safe and supported space for vulnerability. These acts of strength don’t just expand you, but they will bond you with those you love.
Like all things – life is what you make of it; if it doesn’t fit you make alterations. This holiday season is what you choose to make of it. Your clan are who you choose and who choose you too. Take a page out of the dwarf handbook and choose joy for yourselves.
Not all things in life are meant to be efficient and “purposeful.” The things that bring a smile to your face matter, because you matter. Take time this holiday season to feed your soul, expand your mind, heal your heart, and lift your spirits. You deserve it!
