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Ever stand at the shore and throw a pebble into the water? See how the ripples get bigger and bigger and wider and wider until the circumference of them becomes larger than what we can actually see? This is how kindness works in the world. And if you stay at the edge of the water, just a little longer, sometimes you see, one by one, the ripples returning to the spot where the pebble was cast. That is kindness echoing back, but this is not why we do it.
Whatever stories we have about our life, whatever our life experiences, I am certain, there is one which was difficult to go through. I’m talking about the kind of experience that stops us in our tracks, changes things up and makes us re-evaluate what we believed before. It happens at one point or another to all of us. Although difficult, times like these can transform us as they can be an opportunity for growth and reflection. Out of our own struggles, we learn kindness and compassion. From the depth of our pain, we find the voice of tenderness within. When we understand that everyone shares this, that no one is exempt from the ebb and flow of life, we know we are not alone. Ultimately, from our own experience with suffering, we are motivated to reach out and ease the suffering of another. It is not just in difficult times that this is important. Kindness creates a better world each day. We just don’t know how far one kind gesture will go.That’s pretty cool when you think about it... When we choose to act out of our common bond we share as humans, we realize that what we do for another we are really doing for the planet, for the children, for humanity. And if we are lucky, sometimes there is a friend or maybe a stranger offering a little bit of kindness.Take it, smile at them, hold it, and pass it on. Sometimes, a little bit is all we need. Alyssa Sineni is the Director of Programming and Community Outreach Art and Inspiration International. Copyright 2020 Alyssa Sineni
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Artists have a natural curiosity for life...Even as children, they have a tendency to push the boundaries and question the status quo...It's an inherent part of being a creative individual...And even though it can be a risk at times, it can transform the way we see the world.
Each time, we, as artists, risk, expose, and make ourselves vulnerable, each time we give a voice to those authentic parts of ourselves, we have the capacity to touch others and to give expression to the thoughts, hopes, and struggles of humanity. This is why art has moved and inspired people for thousands of years. Art unifies and connects us to each other and to the human experience. It casts a wide net, welcoming even those who have been marginalized. Art dares to be heard. It questions, pushes, and speaks to what we hold in our hearts and what has been suppressed by society. It is important then, as artists, to discover this authentic voice, to be comfortable in what is uncomfortable, to be strong in our vulnerability, and to be aware of anything that holds us back from that. How often do we edit ourselves? How often do we change who we are, curate our lives, to please others or to be accepted? And in doing so, how does this ultimately affect our happiness, our confidence, our lives, and of course our art? It touches each one of us to be understood, but understanding occurs at a level of truth and vulnerability. We can only really be understood, when we risk being seen. And to be truly accepted, we must risk acceptance for authenticity. This is the place where transformation happens…personally, in our families, in communities and globally. It only takes one person, but ultimately, authenticity liberates and empowers each one of us. Questions to ask yourself: When do I feel most authentic? (in a certain place, around certain people, doing something you enjoy, etc..etc..) What does my authentic voice need to thrive? What encourages/discourages me? How do friends and family influence me? What role does social media have on my authentic voice? How do I try to please others and how does that affect my truth? Do I notice myself editing what I want to express most? How to tap your authenticity: Journal, Create, Rebel, Meditate, Allow, Accept, Encourage, Play, Travel, Read, Unplug. Ideas to strengthen your authentic voice: Follow your intuition, Take risks, Be bold, Be brave, Don't give in to doubt, Extend compassion and kindness, Keep an open mind. Art and Inspiration International Alyssa Sineni is a metalsmith, artist, and writer. She has worked as a designer, Reiki practitioner and small business owner. Alyssa approaches her work intuitively and is endlessly inspired by the natural world. Copyright 2016 Alyssa Sineni |
AuthorAlyssa Sineni is a metalsmith, artist, and writer. Alyssa approaches her work intuitively and draws inspiration from the natural world. ArchivesCategories |
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