Passion

Many of us were initially mesmerized by the creative expressions that once came to us so easily in childhood. Painting, singing, dancing were pure movements of joy, and it was not until we grew older that we soon felt pressure applied to those delights. At the cusp of realizing that our creative endeavors were something that filled our minds with endless possibilities, the harsh admonitions of our elders were ceremoniously given to us: “How are you going to make a living doing that?” We were warned that these passions of ours take time—precious time that would eventually run out, and to master these passions one might dedicate a lifetime to them, sacrificing other prospects: careers, family goals, or even monetary stability. Most everyone is quick to point out how the arts and humanities are a waste of time, devoid of any real prospects or pragmatic results because there is an inherent fear of pursuing passions which can be empathized with.

Originally, passion meant the suffering caused by someone sacrificing themselves for something they loved; the focus of that love was something that utterly consumed us, and yet it was so meaningful to us that we could not break from continuing to nurture and protect it. Though the more severe understanding of the word has fallen out of use, even now the suffering from those passions can still be applied to those that find themselves compelled to follow what their hearts whisper. This is why so many fear passions and warn against giving oneself over to them. Passion has the ability to destroy the everyday societal norms we have cultivated for millennia: work hard, find stability, grow a family, stay in order, and you shall be rewarded with a life greatly reduced of the suffering one might experience following their intuitions. If these intuitions are not tamed, the young impassioned might find themselves destitute and drained from an overall frivolous pursuit, and so the safer option is to follow the advice of others who have paved out a rational path towards avoiding the woes of uncertainty.

Throughout life, we are told what to do to find happiness, purpose, success, so that we may overcome the afflictions of our artificial condition: paying bills, facing poverty, getting ahead in life; these powerful forces are constantly said to be triumphed over if one just follows the “game plan” found conveniently listed in self-help books or paid seminars. We are given maps early on to navigate ourselves away from the hurdles of life, but when everyone is given someone else’s blueprint, we might come to resent the lack of choices we were given.

For some, they ignore the path laid out for them by others and instead choose to blaze their own trail guided by their passions. Some choose this because they need an outlet to release their emotions and thoughts, others find therapy and healing with their expressions, artists will simply be motivated by the fun of doing it regardless of any other motivations, and some are motivated by all three and more. These people cannot imagine doing anything else; they understand that the differences they have compared to others are their strengths and leaning into them is what allows these artists to grow not only as creatives but as human beings.

Myles Jordan came on the podcast this week and professed his love of the arts; acting, writing, directing are all aspects of himself that he cherishes and sacrifices for. He works hard networking and looking for anyone who shares his visions and his love for the expression of his humanity. Myles was steadfast in his decision to pursue his passions and found a welcoming community that wants to lift him up as he continues to chase every available opportunity to continue his journey. LouRae Gallery sees the passion of the people of Kentucky and promises to keep your fire lit as you blaze your trails. All you have to do is make your way to us.