Life may be short but the art of living can make it rewarding

"Ars longa vita brevis" is a saying by history's most famous physician, Hippocrates of Greece. Translated into English, it stands as "Art is long, life is short". Here is a proverb that highlights the universal truth of art's enduring nature while the existence of the artist who creates it is brief. So the fleeting nature of life has always remained a cause for consternation. Artists are gifted with special talent to create art, there are others known as connoisseurs who can appreciate artistic creations. Yet the deeper meaning of the famous saying perhaps eludes most people where the artist in his/her lifetime falls short of accomplishing the shape of the vision seen by the inner eye.

Unfortunately, ordinary people hardly experience such artistic revelations and creation of art for them is an impossible proposition. But there is hardly an impervious mind that does not dance with the sight of a flower, a bird, a puppy, a glowing sunset or rainbow, a cascading waterfall and the likes. One has to learn the basic grammar before appreciating a work of art or a masterpiece. But the master artist's creative wonders and strokes are all around for even the common people to feel joyous. A baby's joy and happiness know no bounds when it comes face to face with a puppy, a kitten, a kid, a calf or a bird, the encounter is something quite divine. The sprightly baby animal jumps in joy or nudges its human counterpart trying to understand who that is. The same is perhaps true for a child who wants to explore why the four footed or feathery friend is so different from him or her.

The wonder of the innocent age, unfortunately, does not last for the majority of people. Social regime imposes on children's mind a host of 'don't do this' restrictions and a daily routine to follow. They must be educated or else in this competitive world their survival will be at risk. This is why few children know the names of some common trees, flowers and birds. Parents, even those who are the first generation to live in an urban centre, hardly ever feel that their children should be introduced to Nature so mystical, majestic, magical and attractive.

True, many are always on the run in order to earn a decent income for managing their families. They are so much under pressure that little time is available for them to spend with their children in an idyllic and enchanting place. In the city, there is noise, pollution and crowds everywhere. Once people become accustomed to such an inhospitable environment, they do not even know when their mind has embraced a cynical death.

It is exactly at this point, any excuse for not connecting with Nature is unacceptable. Much as someone may be busy, at least there are holidays which can be gainfully spent with families away from the madding crowd. Even this Dhaka City has at short distances some places for retreat. If the mind has not become morose and apathetic, one can surely feel the urge to get out of the routine life full of drudgery. Ordinary people may not be artists but there is a yearning in every mind to find joy in simple things. A poet may rue over missing the dew drops that gather on the paddy ears like pearl, but not many have the minds to marvel at such a wonderous sight. When an unseen artist paints the entire sky with crimson colour and bold strokes of an unseen brush, few minds can cease to wonder how this is possible.

Indeed, it is this capacity of the mind to wonder about everything around, that makes life pleasant and enjoyable. In this age of electronic gadgets, the virtual world has taken over Nature's beauty and appeal. Mind has turned robotic and monotonous for the young generation. But they are not to blame. It is the elders who have gradually lost touch with the verdant woodlands, chirping birds, flowing rivers, floating clouds and the breaking of dawn with the sun sending its soft rays through the trees and just before setting down the western horizon playing with colours from its heart before taking a bow for the day. So the mantra of living a full and valuable life, much as it may be short, is to pour out the soul into all things one was gifted at the time of coming to this world.