Lost Arts

Lately, for whatever reason, I've started to make a mental list of things that got lost somewhere in the mire of time (in the last year? the last decade? the last century?), things that I think make the world a happier place.

1. The Lost Art of Accepting a Compliment. At some point, embracing a compliment, without deflecting it or negating it or changing it, made us feel less humble. But in fact, it is the opposite—it shows a grateful heart. It also makes the person who gave it to us feel all the more valued for having spoken up to say something kind.

2. The Lost Art of Relaxing. In our country, conquering and succeeding are the top tier of our value list. But as we travel around the world, we see that most other countries value the moments of rest as much as the moments of success. Drive-thrus are replaced by three-hour dinners; weekends working are replaced by weekends away. The best thing is, the balance of the world tilts on the axis of both, despite their displaced value.

3. The Lost Art of Being Alone. Sometimes, when asked about my weekend, I feel the pressure to say that I went on five dates, hit up two parties, met up with 10 friends, all while getting my errands done and my fingernails painted. But our time isn't any less wonderful if it is spent alone instead of with a group of people. Both have their place; both are wonderful. And sometimes there's nothing better than hours lost in a delicious book and a good meal fixed for a party of one.

4. The Lost Art of Believing in Our Bodies. I too fall victim to looking in the mirror and wishing I could tighten something up or flatten something down. But in a world of being and looking better, we can still honor ourselves for exactly who we are right now. It is okay to let a big, fat smile creep across our faces when we look in the mirror. It is okay to mentally cat-call yourself when you feel you're looking fine. The confidence that comes from loving ourselves is more attractive than losing five or ten more pounds.

In the words of Elbert Hubbard, "Art is not a thing; it is a way." So here's to bringing back a few old school ways.