(Virabhadrasana / Warrior II – A strong, fierce pose building strength and stamina from ground up. Allowing yourself to stand straight and tall with long arm expansion. Rooting to the Earth with an open heart to love, peace, and mindfulness.)

The sun rises above the sea, a new day has begun…

I hear waves crashing underneath the steel polls filled with greenish brown fungus as I walked on the boardwalk of Santa Monica Pier. They disappeared as the waves withdrew their arms leaving softly to say “we will meet again.” I stared ahead into the vast ocean, the water shimmers like diamonds under the gleaming sun blinding the naked eye. Like stars in the night sky, you cannot tell which ones you’ve counted. Chills ran down my spine as the cool wind rushes through my hair, I paused for a second to embrace the warmth from the sun to rejuvenate my body. Oh, what a beautiful day to enjoy Mother Natures’ beauty.

I’m grateful to be alive. 

As I make my way down the path, I encountered many artists working on their crafts. By a tiny stand a man crouches down on his stool and paints a beautiful pink sunset on a mirror canvas using his knee as a table for balance. I showed my appreciation with a smile, he smiled back. Just a few feet on the other side of the boardwalk, a heavy breaded man with long hair, self claimed as the “Rock N Roll Jesus” dressed in a long white robe and a red cloth across his body held his guitar and sang passionately into the mic. It felt like a mini concert walking by, music heals the soul, brighten the mood, and relaxes the mind.

In that moment, I declared myself an artist, too.

What does it mean to be an artist, a creative soul, a visionary, a singer, a painter? The more you think about it, the less complicated it gets. Ironically it is different than expected. Quite the contrary isn’t it? The more you think, create, embrace, the more of an artist you are. An artist is someone who is passionate in their craft. Art is judgment free, everything and anything can be art, its all how you look at it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

It is the same for everyone. The famous label of an “starving artist” is nothing but an illusion, it holds more truth than others. However, if doing what you love will make you happy, I’d say go for it. Yes, life is complicated, life is cruel, life is filled with responsibly but so what? If we do not embrace our creative and wild thoughts, we may never will. Let loose, baby steps, I’ll hold your hands (giving you a visual hug), you have my support. Believe in yourself and know that it’s never too late. Today is a great day to start because today’s tomorrow will be history.

Smile. You can do it.

I am an artist because I write passionately, I want to take you on a journey through my lenses. I am an artist because practicing yoga is an art. I am an artist simply because I’m creative (or at least I think so, and I don’t care otherwise. =)

I believe so, therefore I am.

xx,

D