Balancing Life

Often it is quite easy to overlook the important part that arts,music and culture play in giving us balance and growth in our lives.I recently went to a music fesstival which had a focus on family for the weekend(Fairbridge Festival 2006 http://www.fairbridgefestival.com.au/location.htm )What I realised was the poverty of my appreciation of the richness of cultural activity available to me.I was surrounded by marvellous music and performances by various talented musicians and artists of many and various sorts.Where had I been?It was like I was rediscovering something essential about myself and my personal needs.Somehow this environment and the music ,the playing, the atmosphere was opening me up and reminding me of the importance of allowing joy ,fun,laughter (especially when listening to people like Martin Pearson,or Kavisha Mazzella and the Black Nonnas ) to be part of myn life more.It was also important because I took time out and caught up with friends,my partner (priority no.1)and slowed down enough to put things back into a certain perspective.I really enjoyed myself.Sometimes hard to believe as it sounds it takes planning and committment.This is because increasingly today we fill our lives with busyness and mixed priorities which unusually put our own spiritual and emotional balance last.What are the implications.Well in my own experience you can become less relaxed,stimulated,energised ,social and less attentive to others and your own needs.There is something that music and the arts give to us that we get in no other form unless we are creative in our own lives or work.http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/stories/s1445304.htm