This I Believe

When I was a freshman at Parsons, three years ago, we had an assignment to write a one-page essay in the vein of an ongoing radio segment called “This I Believe” on NPR. This is my most recent version of that essay, and I think, a good way to introduce my new blog.

I believe in brilliance.

In the limitless capacity that you and I and all of us have for creating and being beauty. And not just in the boring magazine-slick plastic-surgery sort of way, but the beauty of the individual and the crowd. The beauty of authenticity, of fully and wholly owning every part of yourself, without apology. Of the endless permutations that define us in degrees and decades are what make the universe electric.

I believe also, in losing the barriers between self and surroundings. The magic that throttles through our veins when a connection is made, when syllables and neurons and heartbeats become no longer lonely, but shared. These shared moments become stories, shared stories that can be set upon the world for others to reach out to.

I believe in the art of connecting with one another, the instances of light and brightness when synapses fire in the same sequences. When a look, a nod, a smile, a touch, a sound is made and shared and there is an understanding that goes beyond any need for language.

I believe in the construction of community; that our social architecture is more incredible and more important than our individual lives alone. I believe our combined efforts and energies become an alloy that is indescribable and indestructible.

I believe in the sheer bliss of experience, of turning my life into a constant living work of art. I believe in the beauty of single, sparking instances where a connection is made. Of sharing, spreading, speaking up to burst open your world a little further.

I believe in constant evolution, every second is a chance for revelation. Every second our bodies have changed from the last, so there is no reason why our minds should stay static. I believe in personal dynamism, of constantly breaking down and rebuilding yourself in order to create a more perfect state of being. I believe, as well, in always learning and always keeping an open mind, for we are infinite in our ability to appreciate and understand.

I believe in chaos, in the reliability of instability. I believe that there is a beauty in never staying the same.

I believe in self-expression and the importance of sharing our stories, struggles and secrets. Creativity is our vehicle for these expressions, for entertaining our dreams and dreaming up our futures. I believe that self-expression is the key to connection and change, a cipher in order to unlock our differences.

I believe that art and music are transformative; that the motion and exploration of the body and mind within beauty and ugliness can create a new understanding of the universe and of one another.

I believe in light, color, brightness, because they are the purest manifestations of the sun.

I believe in love and hate and despair and envy. I believe the sanctity of emotion, and experiencing each in all of its infinite hues, because it is what makes us human.

I believe it’s important to remain in a constant state of wonder.

I believe in our combined brilliance.