When was the last time you felt free of worries? Do you even remember?
Neverending cycle of problems. Your mind spinning frantically, trying to stay afloat. You want to get rid of those intrusive thoughts but you cannot. And even if things start to calm down, you feel that the danger is still there, ready to strike when you stop being vigilant. So you stay vigilant. You think of every worst-case scenario. You want to be prepared. And you feel like a prisoner in your own head.
Is escaping wrong in this situation? I’m certain that it is not. I believe our ability to create fantastical worlds, alternative realities, has not been given to us without a purpose.
Someone could say: “You’re irresponsible. You should focus on the problem at hand and find a solution”. But how can you do it if a burden you carry is too heavy? What can you do when you want to stand on your feet but the situation keeps getting worse and worse and worse? To act, you need to gain strength. It’s impossible to think rationally when you are in a constant survival mode. You need an escape from anxiety.
For me such an escape is God. However, I believe that He acts both directly, through prayer as well as through His creation, things around us that bring us comfort. One of those things is the fantasy genre.
Dragons, elves, dwarves, faeries, or, in this case, a hippocampus. Majestic castles, mysterious forests, vast skies, and waters full of wonders… Finally, well-deserved rest.
Escapism is a blessing. As with everything it can be used badly but if we approach it well then it gives back our freedom.
Let this painting be a moment of pure, joyful escapism for everyone in need of that!
