Sensitive and creative people, especially Artists, have been misunderstood and underestimated over the centuries. However, such ones have introduced history and culture to the world. Their spontaneous and heartfelt reactions to outside influences have categorized them. It is about time we educate and correct the views of none creative people who do not posse same amount of sensitivity.

Sensitivity is the quality of being capable to perceive with full senses and swiftly respond to external conditions and stimulations. It is the vulnerability to the attitudes, feelings or circumstances of others. It is also the degree of which someone or something may be affected by someone or something else directly or indirectly. This reaction is like rods and cones on the eye's retina and as the photo-reactive components of photography that instantly affected by light. This response happens when a photographic plate, film or paper are exposed to light, especially to light of a specified wavelength. Artists are also affected similarly, by their surroundings and circumstances. Although, creativity is an essential component of an artist's productivity and flourishes when is motivated, there are things that can unfortunately, obstruct the manifestation of this quality and its process.

Environmental causes such as dealing with suppressive and/or negative/abrasive people, dealing with inconsiderate ones, financial worries, lack of organizational support, lack of trust, lack of love, insecurities and environmental instability. Facing certain limitations and threats can also sabotage artist’s creativity.

Cultural factors such as, mistakes are not allowed, high expectations to be perfect, seeking the approval of others, worrying about whether they are making the right decisions or not, can also affect creativity and hinder artists explorative spirit. While creativity should not be controlled by human, yet, is governed by the principles of Mother Nature.

So, what is the way out? How can we keep our creativity, protect our sensitivities and keep our senses alive? How can we keep balance in unbalanced world?

Here are the Ten Commandments in this regard:

1- Receive feedback from those who are living in the same boat. 2- Interact with fellow artists who closely, understand the mental makeup of other artists. 3- Always keep a sense of humor. 4- Receive criticism with an open mind, it might not necessarily be right, but each one of us, has his own valuable perception. 5- Learn from other's experiences and listen to their comments with an open mind. 6- Build up a defense system to protect you from those who can damage your sensitivity. 7- Realize that facing reality is a learning process and requires hard work. 8- Focus on even the slightest positive things we possess in our lives. 9- Be determined to live our lives in the way we were meant to, when we were created. 10-Enjoy the gift of life, dissolve the fear of men and fear only God.

©Mona Youssef - Realist fine artist