Still Life

To paraphrase: "...the true definition of still life: nature morte or natura un posa, inanimate objects that are isolated or in repose. There are no implications of action..."-- American Still Life

Upon reflection, I fit the definition of a still life. Sitting at my desk at the computer every day, virtually an inanimate object, isolated, and in repose. It seems the only exception is that I have a heartbeat.

Depression, anxiety, fear, and all those buzz words that are  every other commercial for medication on the TV creep into our brains. We feel there is something wrong with us. The loss of interaction with people via in person or the telephone affect us in more ways when we choose to instead "talk" via text or email. Staying in instead of going out. Fearing what lies in the dark, or worrying about that next day of work- those are ways of being a still life. Limiting ourselves when there are no limits.

It's hard to see yourself until you hold up a mirror and see past your face. Those Dove commercials that have that very message cover the physical manifestations of this point, but it is more than that. Seeing inward is the most important part of taking yourself out of being a still life and becoming more. If we could all become "more" what are the possibilities?  Continuing the thread of the art historical metaphors, we are  abstract, expressionistic, or impressionistic works; individual, one-of-a-kind works of art that are appreciated on their own merits and can withstand the test of time.  Why is that so hard to believe sometimes?