Lately we have been engaged in a project with the indigenous of Costa Rica. We are creating a web site that features indigenous arts and crafts and in the process of creating it we are visiting and shooting video of five tribes known for their art. Last week we visited Guaitil, where the tradition of the Chorotegas is kept alive in the creation of beautiful pottery. Previously we had visited the Maleku tribe, who are known for their carved and colorfully painted balsa masks, as well as other items. One thing that is clear from these visits is that the indigenous really are passionate about their work. It represents their heritage, their culture, their world view. And they take great pride in every piece. The families of Guaitil who make pottery in the timeless Chorotega fashion produce each piece in a meticulous manner with focused attention to each small detail of the process. That attention to detail and the striving for perfection presents an excellent lesson for life. Of course, perfection is unattainable and therefore a standard of perfection makes no sense and will only lead to frustration. However, excellence is another thing. We can at least strive for the unattainable and when we fall short, we stand a greater chance of hitting the mark of excellence. These people, while they live in conditions that most of the world would consider impoverished, nevertheless rise each day to hone their craft to the mark of excellence. Their motivation is not monetary, as the reward they receive for their work barely provides food, shelter and clothing. No, it is something far deeper. Something that is entrenched in the recesses of their souls. Because, you see, what they create with their hands represents who they are. And, perhaps surprisingly, it is the same with you and me. What we do each day and the quality by which we do it represents us to the world. And make no bones about it, the world demands excellence. Anything short of that is, sadly, ordinary or worse. Do you want to be ordinary? So take a clue from the Chorotegas, the Malekus and other indigenous groups and imbue all that you do with the mark of excellence. It’s like my mother always told me, if you’re going to do something, do it well.
Chorotega Pottery Video from Costa Rican Artisans…
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