Art, creativity and imagination are essential to human mental well-being.
A harmonious, well-lived life is marked by a sense of purpose and meaning. We are encouraged to strive for balance - work-life balance and mind-body balance. However, our world today has become less about balance and more about "inflow." We spend more time than ever at our computers or on our phones. We are bombarded with messages from social media, streaming devices, gaming systems, advertisements, television and all sorts of other technology from which we relentlessly (and sometimes unwittingly) receive information. But how often do we provide the outflow? How often do we create?
It has been my observation that art, imagination and creativity can have a direct, positive impact on our mental well-being. Art offers all human beings the opportunity to live in the moment in a calming, tranquil and serene flow of attention. These are major reasons why art can be considered a "necessary" part of life on planet earth.
First, let's consider the meaning of each of these terms. When I talk about art, I mean the creation of beautiful things. Imagination is the ability to visualize or form images and ideas in the mind - particularly of things never seen or experienced directly. Creativity is the ability to use that imagination to develop new and original ideas or things, especially in an artistic context. These aspects of creation provide a unique opportunity for outflow, which contributes to a more balanced and harmonious life.