Joy of Expression

Mary is an organizational development specialist and writes about today's challenges.

Expression in its Fullest

Expressing the Inner Spirit

Lately, I have been devoting time to art, and I can't tell you enough of the exhilaration that comes from creating something of beauty, something expressing the inner spirit. It is beyond taste, beyond sight, beyond feeling. It is beyond what your senses can offer. It is expressing what is inside of you. It feels like something waits to be given words, painted, played, to come out and display its beauty.

On the Periphery

In the past, I have always been on the periphery. I have dawdled in the backroads of art, going to art shows, museums, performances and was so enthralled.

I did the occasional artwork mainly to support my education involvement. Still, I have not given way to fully express myself in art until recently when after skirting around the edges, I plunged in, took my brushes out and spread all the paper I have collected all these years.

The plunge was just like the first swim on the lake in late spring. With lots of hesitancy and then go, and wow, I got hooked. I even forget to eat or get bored or feel lonely. I woke up, and I got into it. I did not care if I have to clean up, which I hated to do before. It was part of it. I became more organized even with my time. I can stop and go for a walk or clean up for visitors coming. It has become a part of me. I am still in it

The Big Plunge

Yes, art is an expression of me. It takes all my attention, energy, and concentration when, like a composer, I give birth to the masterpiece I have been carrying for some time.

How many years has it been? It doesn’t matter now. It has come to life.
This creation is my life, my joy, my gift to the universe.

An Ode to Expression

The joy found words. It found expression in poetry. Something profound has come alive, and it is here to give pleasure.

I am sharing with you what my inner self expressed as I awakened early. Yes, I can't wait to wake up now and go back to creating. I'm like a baby trying to learn new things and expressing these in verses:

Life thou hast has been

In my womb forever

waiting to awaken

To the world of the keen

Life what beauty

You bring to me

On this particular day

Of my awakening to me

Gratefully I sing

The canticle t0 thee

Of art and beauty

That life does be

Gone is the hesitation

Onward I go

Lost for a long time

Now found and lo

Words of complain

That time there is none

That space can’t be found

Obstacles now are gone

To thee, I bow

To your long vigil

Till the soul awaken

And open its heart

One with Myself

The Inner Beauty

Inside each one of us is an inner self wanting to come out, express itself in all its fullness. We have a glimpse of this once in a while as we get busy with living. Busy I had been in the past, always going somewhere, still doing something. Busy with what is external, what I thought were the trappings of success. I entirely gave myself to it, but somehow, inside of me is that nagging feeling of something wanting to come out.

Finally, I have given it expression, and the joy far surpasses all the successes I have in the past. Maybe, my success now only I can see most of the time, but this is not what matters. What matters to us? Maybe, I have to live several decades to know these. I can't claim I know these fully well, but I have an experience of it, and it has brought me joy. It also brought wholeness, a feeling that I am one with myself.

© 2019 Mary Norton

Comments

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on June 10, 2020:

Thank you, Peggy. That is why I enjoy your articles on the parks close to you.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 10, 2020:

Hi Mary,

I chose to reread this lovely poem again today as a distraction from the daily news. It is full of joy and light. We can all use more of that in our daily lives.

Sourav Rana on May 25, 2020:

Very beautiful article and thanks for sharing!

Eman Abdallah Kamel from Egypt on May 08, 2020:

A very beautiful article. You are right when the one holding the pen, whether, for drawing, poetry, or writing in general, it certainly expresses what is going inside.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 04, 2020:

If your friends framed your artwork, that is a compliment that must make you very happy. You are sharing not only your love of art, but joy to others as well.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on March 04, 2020:

I do a bit of photography but it is more for myself. I hope you get into it. Thank you for reading.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on March 04, 2020:

Thanks, Peggy. I chose watercolors because they are easy to clean and they don't smell. I gave some of my paintings to my friends and they framed them so I am happy. One of these days, I will post them.

Nell Rose from England on March 03, 2020:

I love your poem! And your words totally inspired me! I have always wanted to get into photography, I can't paint, so that is the next best thing. I am going to give it a go. Wonderful!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 03, 2020:

Creativity unleashed is a joyful place to be! Watercolors are so lovely and I believe it is the hardest medium to do well. I hope that you will be sharing some photos of your work here.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on March 03, 2020:

Thank you so much.

Eiddwen from Wales on March 01, 2020:

Loved this and now look forward to many more by you.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on January 13, 2020:

Thank you, Audrey. I am happy to have done so.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on January 13, 2020:

Thank you. Am glad to have done that.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on January 11, 2020:

My own joy is elevated to a higher level as I read this beautiful article. Mary, you have captured the joy of expression artistically with your lovely paintings and poetry.

Thank you so much!

Shaloo Walia from India on January 06, 2020:

What a beautiful poem to read in the morning...You made my day!

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on November 27, 2019:

You are so right Jason. I am glad you read my article. I was born in Cebu but was raised in Iloilo. We often visited when I was growing up.

Jason Behm from Cebu, Philippines on November 26, 2019:

A nice article and I am happy for you that you have found what could bring you joy and make you one with yourself. It reminded me of writing as one of the ways making me one with myself. From time to time, we need a break from the outside world's demands and succumb to our heart's desire giving us a fresh start and rebirthing ourselves.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on November 14, 2019:

Devika, I wish I can be focused on this long enough. I find that I have many interests though I always go back to this.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on November 14, 2019:

Thank you for the visit Nithya. Yes, I am beginning to discover more of myself and expressing it.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 13, 2019:

It is often the best to get back to what makes us feel happy and comfortable even though one would prefer to go out of the comfort zone. A focus on art is exciting and gives you a sense of direction to feel and see the different scenes in art.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on November 13, 2019:

The paintings are beautiful and your poem inspiring. It must be great to express your inner creativity through painting and poetry. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on November 03, 2019:

Thank you so much. It is good to see you again here. Yes, I am improving my art now starting with painting with watercolours.

manatita44 from london on November 01, 2019:

I am very, very happy for you, my charming, soft, sweet, sweetr, sweetest Mary. Blessed is the one who has found his/her station in life, says Sri Krishna.

Art is beauty and beauty is art. The Supreme art, is to know the Supreme Artist, intimately, within and without. Then true art will flow effortlessly, as with Kahlil Gibran or Da Vinci. Still, you do a great service to the world of art.

So some of your work, or are you talking of the joys of nature? You are a free woman now and so life/God is re-chanelling you. Never fear. Do you feel His Love? Dance!

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 30, 2019:

Thank you, Rachel. You do share your own inner beauty in those meals you so lovingly prepare.

Rachel L Alba from Every Day Cooking and Baking on October 29, 2019:

Hi Mary, I love your pictures and your poem was inspiring. God gave you that inner beauty and joy you wrote about. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and poem and creativity.

Blessings to you.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 14, 2019:

Thank you.

Robert Sacchi on October 13, 2019:

I'm looking forward to it.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 13, 2019:

Hope so in the future.

Robert Sacchi on October 12, 2019:

It is wonderful you have taken up art. Will you add any of your works to this Hub?

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 11, 2019:

Thank you so much Ters. That's how I feel, a newborn.

Teri Valdes on October 11, 2019:

Men, you have always been artistic, in various mediums: art, writing, clothing,... But it was never given full expression, always waiting to become... am so happy your inside is now ONE with your outside... you have been truly BORN. So happy for you!

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 10, 2019:

Thanks 'Nid. I am finally my own self.

Enid on October 10, 2019:

Menmen .,, how awesome! How ALIVE! You are dancing!

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 07, 2019:

Thank you Ann.

Ann Carr from SW England on October 07, 2019:

Go for it, Mary! It's obviously doing you the world of good.

Ann

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 07, 2019:

Ann, that is what I really felt. I found the inner voice and became friends with it. You are so right about any form of art. In fact, I just read that our crafting of ourselves is truly an art. Thank you for confirming my inner journey.

Ann Carr from SW England on October 07, 2019:

This is bursting with joy and enthusiasm, Mary! It's brilliant.

I know what you mean about the satisfaction of painting, the way you can lose yourself in it - indeed, the same thing happens with any form of art, I think; poetry, prose, photography, painting and much more.

I love the emotions you convey in this. It sounds as though you've found a new you! I wish you well with it all.

Ann

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 06, 2019:

Thank you, Ioannis. Thank you for supporting the new phase of my journey. You are right that the person we create is the greatest art we can ever do. I try just like you do.

Ioannis Arvanitis from Greece, Almyros on October 06, 2019:

My dear Mary, being human is art anyway and being a beautiful and lightful human being like you are, is the highest of all arts! I am so happy for you! I wish you to express all your inner beauty! Thank you for sharing!

Gratitude and admiration!

Sean

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 06, 2019:

Thank you, Eric. You are an artist. you can spin anything with words.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on October 06, 2019:

I am OK not being an artist. But I love art. Fine piece here friend.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 05, 2019:

Thanks, Ellen. I wish we live close by so we can paint together.

Ellen Gregory from Connecticut, USA on October 04, 2019:

Lovely. I too paint and it is a source of self satisfaction and relaxation. I understand your feelings completely. Thank you for sharing.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 04, 2019:

Thank you, Ms. Dora. Yes, my mind has been very strong in the past so whatever inside of me has never shown itself.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 04, 2019:

Hi Denise. I wish you are close so you can guide me. Your art inspired me so much.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 04, 2019:

Thank you Flourish. I finally found my voice.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on October 03, 2019:

Everything about your article is beautiful. Both poetry and prose are excellent expressions. "Something there waiting to be given words" is the way I feel about somethings that I write about. Happy for you that you are so happy.

Denise McGill from Fresno CA on October 03, 2019:

How awesome you have taken the plunge. I understand the fear and the ecstasy of the moment so well. I can hardly wait to see what you come up with.

Blessings,

Denise

FlourishAnyway from USA on October 03, 2019:

I encourage you to fully embrace the creativity within you. It gives you such joy that you simply cannot keep this force silent and unexpressed!

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 03, 2019:

Thank you Chitrangada. you expressed for me the beauty inside an artist's heart. In the world's paradigm of success, this is often not rewarded but it still is there.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 03, 2019:

Thank you Lora. I am glad I went back to Art. It is my way of coping with my grief.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on October 02, 2019:

Beautifully expressed feelings and thoughts. This is so relatable to me. An artist can never be lonely. Because there is so much beauty inside our heart and mind, which needs to be discovered, and if possible, shared with the World.

Feeling good for you, my friend. Thanks for sharing and motivating me too.

Lora Hollings on October 02, 2019:

What a wonderful article, Mary, about the joy of finding oneself through creating! Art, no matter what form, is ultimately about expressing oneself and feeling joy. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing what makes you happiest again. You are a very creative person and I thought that your poem was just lovely! One day, I hope that you share your paintings with us too. Many blessings to you.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 02, 2019:

Thank you Linda. It's time.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on October 02, 2019:

I'm so glad that you've found such joy, Mary. Your article is a lovely expression of your happiness. Best wishes to you.

Mary Norton (author) from Ontario, Canada on October 02, 2019:

Thank you Nell. I will definitely post some of them.

I would love to thank the others who commented before but I couldn't reply because I think it wasn't yet featured.

Thank you big supporter, billybuc for singing bravo.

Peggy, thank you. Will definitely post some of my work.

Lorna and LadyMermaid, thank you for celebrating with me the joy.

Nell Rose from England on October 02, 2019:

I would love to see your paintings! And yes its amazing isn't it when you suddenly take the plunge!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on October 02, 2019:

Like you, Mary, I have dabbled with art through the years and used to do shows. Much of my art has been tucked away and just now I have gotten it out and will be doing 2 shows in the next 6 weeks. We do get busy and it is all too easy to push things aside. I am so happy for you that your artistic side has found a new life. May it long continue! I would love it if you could show us some of what you are creating. I loved the photos you used to illustrate this post.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on October 02, 2019:

Bravo to you my friend. Your joy is infectious and had me smiling grandly throughout the reading of this article.

Lorna Lamon on October 02, 2019:

I enjoyed reading this article Mary and I'm so glad that you have embraced that inner part of you which needed wings to fly. I wish you success.

Lorelei Cohen from Canada on October 02, 2019:

I was just discussing this subject with an artist friend of mine. When life gets busy it is too easy to lose track of what we love the most. It is amazing how relaxing it is to get back to our artistic side.