Seeds and Miracles

One of my favorite quotes comes from  Henri Thoreau. He writes, “Show me that a seed is planted there and I shall expect miracles.”  Truly the potential within a seed is miraculous.  Just to realize that within one acorn is a forest of oak trees, is a phenomenon that returns us to wonder.  I have carried this quote throughout my life as I peer into the art of every student. The seed is their longing and desire to create.  And the miracles are all that comes from that simple desire as they cultivate its potential.  I love to watch students surprise themselves.  Creating images and art pieces they never imagined they could.  The ability is within all of us to create.  It is said that if you have learned to write an alphabet you have used the very same skill that is needed for drawing.  Although it is known that we use the entire brain for all activity, it is the right side of the brain that we draw on to see in order to draw.  Just as you learned to look closely at the shapes, curves and angles of the letters in the alphabet in order to copy their shapes, in drawing, you will learn again, to look closely for those very same elements of curves, angles and shapes as you observe the wonders of creation that you choose to draw.  This is not our ordinary way of seeing once we have been well trained in education.  Our education in life teaches us to see the world through ideas, symbols, names, concepts and analytical ideas.  That is why it is so surprising to realize you may have missed seeing the beauty around you on an ordinary day.  When you learn to draw, it is as if your eyes awaken to the wonders of the earth and you see in full color and form, things you have never noticed before.  Many have said to me that learning to draw taught them to see and their lives are all the richer for this.  When we draw on the right side or perceptual side of our brain all the ideas, symbols, names, concepts and analytical ideas of the left side of the brain, become very quiet and a spaciousness emerges within ourselves that awakens new vision and a deep inner calm.   It is a beautiful experience that enriches our lives and grows our cognitive abilities to fuller potential as we strengthen and activate our whole brain.