Introduction
Although it’s still spring as I sit here writing this introduction, I can’t stop singing the first bar of what I consider the classic song of a southern summer, “Summertime, and the living is easy.” The imagery and emotion invoked by the song are things that non-Southerners often romanticize and mystify. Unfortunately, as is far too often the case with art, Gershwin’s opera was not fully understood or appreciated during his lifetime.
The notion of posthumous appreciation and respect has always appealed to my romantic nature; however, it also has always simultaneously frustrated me. I always thought I wanted a career where I would cobble and fiddle and create, go underpaid and underappreciated, and then die poor but noble, and probably with a houseful of cats. But then I came to Clayton College.
I never thought I would be a part of something— more than a career—that just keeps getting better with time, and is becoming more appreciated, respected and understood by the world! Although I did not attend the natural health conference this year, that’s the feeling I got from those who came home with inspirational tales to tell. CCNH has made a difference in the lives of many, and the simplest exchanges with students and graduates have made a difference in my life as well.
When I first began to have these “warm fuzzies” about CCNH, my cynical side reacted by saying, “yeah, but it’s not art…you’re not there yet, Tara.” Strangely enough, it is my romantic side that seems to be better informed in this situation. Is it not art to write this introduction or to create a Web site worthy of sharing our philosophies with the world? Is healing not an art? Is teaching not an art?
Although I wasn’t there, through poring over the conference proceedings book, listening to the stories staff brought home, and reading the letters and e-mails sent by conference attendees, I have realized that how we live our lives can also be a form of art. More importantly, the art of living is one of the few arts that can be truly appreciated in the moment, or in one’s lifespan. In fact, it is the act of living in the moment, grasping it and recognizing it for all its worth and beauty that IS the art. We are works worthy of The Louvre!
In addition to the regular update and columns, inside this issue of Holistic Times you’ll find heart-warming stories about animals and herbalists. You can also draw inspiration from our natural health conference scrapbook and get fired up about attending next year! Maybe you’ll find that spark you need to remind yourself that your life is canvas waiting for you to color it with your art of living. Seize the summer days!
Tara N. Brown, Editor
 |
|
 |
|
|
|