Decisive Devotion

A subtle decision that changed our culture

I spent the better part of a Saturday exploring the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. There was a special exhibition highlighting Vincent Van Gogh and David Hockney, an artist inspired by Van Gogh’s work. My friend who accompanied me (shout out @xoxojennnifer) pointed out something interesting in Van Gogh’s career. After he had taken his sabbatical as a monk, he decided and devoted himself to art.

That phrase struck me, “decide and devote”. Intuitively, it makes sense — decide what you want to do, and devote yourself exclusively to improve in that area. Reflecting back on my life experiences, there has been a lot of deciding but not enough devoting. I’m realizing now, that to be completely present with your craft is the greatest gift you can give your future self. The feeling where nothing else matters except the continued refinement of your craft is entrancing, even empowering.

I don’t think Van Gogh realized how such a simple decision would impact our global culture. (e.g There are few in the modern world that wouldn’t Starry Night) Seeing how an internal mental shift had a rippling effect on our society, I can only imagine the profundity of how our daily decisions reflect upon not only ourselves, but our partners, family, friends, and immediate community.