Beyond Bali

I was told that the Balinese dialect does not have a word for art. As I slowly became more and more immersed in the rituals and cadence of daily village life I could begin to see why not.

The Hindu framework through which so many people access the world around them provides meaning and space for everything around you. Every room in the house has role to play, every tree has a purpose in its construction. The innate quality of something transposes into its purpose. Extended to people and their identity, one discovers a real place and purpose through contribution. A selflessness imbues everything you touch and tasks are conducted in a clear devotion. "I give myself completely into this task."

Making breakfast, sweeping the yard, entertaining guests; every task becomes outpouring/selflessness. By being thus emptied, you transcend self to live an artful life. The word becomes redundant when it abounds and pervades the typography of your biography.

Balinese musicians, artists and dancers live very plain lives. The belief is that the beauty of the performance is only channeled through them, not of them. Their art only lives in so much as they are able to let go of themselves. This self therefore has no celebrity outside of the act of consecration in art. In fact, the greater the individual ego, the smaller the chance of being artful.

The result is that one finds happiness, even in small tasks. The degree to which you can pour your whole self into the task provides a huge sense of value and connection. The presence process of happiness.

What a contrast to the Western view of management and work. One is hardly ever encouraged to engage yourself in a task that can be all consuming. Instead we are made acutely aware of the transactional value of labour. One is not encouraged to be true to yourself, but rather to find your true value and hold on to it. What if the true value and beauty of a life could only be achieved by letting go of the self?

The fear of being exploited or manipulated brings on the protection mechanisms, creating opportunities for cynical dismissiveness. "Oh, I didn't think they were going to buy that in any case..." Holding back, holding out, feeding anxiety.

How would the way we engage with daily tasks change if we viewed every one of them as an act of outpouring? Do you live in the document/the strategy/the design you created? Is your 'art' so self evident that it doesn't need a word?