When you think of a successful life, what comes to mind?
According to the author, Kurt Vonnegut, it is defined as follows:
“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
In Your Brain on Art, the authors teach that creating is the very core of how we learn. The brain makes new connections which contribute to this.
Our brain is actually designed to make these connections and continually evolve. We are a curious species by nature, ready to learn. Sadly, this innate drive can be hindered during childhood due to strict educational expectations. Teaching for the correct answer vs teaching how to think critically, can diminish our love of learning.
Magsamen and Ross believe, “The best kind of learning sparks curiosity, and in return, endless discovery.” If you haven’t had an opportunity to spend time with a young child lately, I highly recommend doing so. Beyond the laughter it will bring, it will also be a study in the natural curiosity we are all born with.
Whenever learning involves “novelty, humor, curiosity, creativity, and motivation,” it makes the learning experience richer. The arts naturally lend themselves to all of these. Because of this, they trigger “plasticity, neural connections, and greater understanding.”
If we incorporate arts and aesthetics into all aspects of our lives we can be better learners.
Take Vonnegut’s words to heart and see which aspect of the arts feels right for you. Then, like a child, begin. Remember it is the process, not the product that matters here.
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