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June 2008 
Describe a sensation or feeling that lacks a specific word.
Posted on Jun 15th, 2007
by 
Lisa
Lisa
This is in Response to the Questions and Reflections for June 15, 2007:
When I stand before a great work of art, I get this feeling in my solar plexus that I've described in various ways, but never really have been able to get it across to other people. It's like I have a tuning fork in the center of my chest that vibrates when I see great art. I'm not talking about just any old art. This is when I stand in front of masterpieces. The closest thing I've found to generating that same feeling is chanting the word Om because the same spot vibrates, but it's not identical, just similar. When I was in art school, I called it a "soul hum." I still think of it that way, because it's like a great piece of art makes my soul hum.
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This is very interesting. I recently wrote a poem about a photo of nature I saw. It was the first time I wrote a poem about a picture/work of art…
Here it is:
Poem Inspired by Celka's photo
I guess awe is a good work to describe the feeling but it's more than that…much, much more…
So what exactly is the difference between chanting om-respose, and seeing a work-of-art-response? Or is this difference also beyond words?
I like the question for today - it really reminds us that some things are beyond words, and that words are twice-removed from the truth - truth can only be experienced, not really described properly. This is why being still and going within are such important spiritual practices.
I agree, the connection to specific pieces of art are on a vibrational level. When the artist creates directly from the soul, he or she vibrates on a very high frequency. It is similar to meditation. The energy vibration is reflecting off the painting and people that vibrate with the same intensity have an immediate connection. It is like you are magnetized by the painting. I find that from one painting to the next that I create, my intensity is different. I could be working on them on the same day or in the same hour…..it is the message in the painting and how it reflects the state of being of the artists at its time of creation that detemines the vibration frequency.
That's really interesting that Hillie can see the difference from painting to painting, when that intensity is different. When I work on my fiber pieces, you can see from piece to piece when I'm in that deep, meditative space while working on the piece and when I'm not.
I think the difference between the feeling I get before great works of art and chanting the word Om, is that when I'm in front of that art, my whole being, every particle, every bit of energy measurable and immeasurable vibrates. Where chanting Om keeps the energy localized around my heart.
I haven't tried chanting, but I will. I do find thought that playing music is a must…and dancing. That too shuts off the outside world and makes me go in.