A couple of years ago one of my pilot friends gave me the book, “Artful Flying” by Michael Maya Charles. In it, Michael encourages pilots to develop a curiosity and awareness of themselves and their flying that transcends rote learning and brings an “artful” mindset into the cockpit.

The book was inspirational for me. It helped me view my own flying as more than radio work, flying straight and level, and landing the airplane safely. Beyond those important skills, there was an opportunity to take my flying to a higher level, to adopt an artist’s mindset in how I flew the airplane.

It occurs to me that we have the opportunity to adopt an artist’s mindset in the way we see and live our lives on a daily basis. The way we offer a creative solution to a problem at work. The smooth lane change in busy traffic, signaling and checking the mirror as we glide into the space behind the car in front of us. The fact that we’re able to do the one thing that our crying baby needs to relieve his suffering.

That’s Art. 

So while Jeff Bridges acts and T Bone Burnett writes an award-winning song, you are no less of an artist. And you have the potential to see your life and live your life in a way that creates beauty every day. But like most worthwhile endeavors, choosing to see and live life as art takes courage. We have to be willing to risk going against the tide of whining, complaining, and negativity that is pervasive in our society. We have to chart a new course that is rooted in grace and beauty. We have to strengthen our hold on the present moment and let go of attachment to outcomes.

Living artfully is a choice. It’s a mindset. 

See what you do as artistic. And see the artisan in people around you. When you approach your life as art, beauty and grace rise inside of you to the point where your life is forever changed.

Do you have the awareness to see your Artist self? I believe that you do.

Carpe Diem.