Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and renowned writer, once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of art in our lives. Merton believed that through the act of creating or experiencing art, we are able to delve deep into our inner selves and discover aspects of our identity that may have been hidden or suppressed. At the same time, art has the ability to transport us to a different realm, allowing us to escape from the constraints of our everyday lives and immerse ourselves in a world of beauty, imagination, and emotion.

Merton’s own life and work are a testament to the profound impact that art can have on an individual. As a monk, he dedicated his life to prayer, contemplation, and spiritual reflection. However, Merton was also a prolific writer, poet, and artist, who used his creative talents to explore and express his deepest thoughts and emotions. Through his writings, Merton was able to connect with others on a profound level, sharing his insights and wisdom with a wide audience.

For Merton, art was not just a means of self-expression, but also a spiritual practice that allowed him to connect with the divine. He believed that art had the power to transcend the limitations of language and logic, and to communicate truths that could not be expressed through words alone. In this sense, art became a form of meditation for Merton, a way of quieting the mind and opening the heart to the mysteries of existence.

In his book “No Man is an Island,” Merton writes, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.” These words capture the essence of Merton’s philosophy on art and creativity. By embracing the paradox of finding and losing oneself through art, we are able to tap into the deeper currents of our being and experience a sense of wholeness and connection that transcends the boundaries of the self.