About

Meaningful practice at the art of living is a mantra that I developed while on a three week adventure through Peru in 2015.  The concept is a reminder that while we all are striving to be great at work, sports, hobbies, etc... there is a larger purpose that we can be working towards as well, the art of simply being alive! 

Foggy sunrise on the Manu River, Peru.  Photo: Mati Bishop

We are all alive, but without being mindful of what we are doing, few of us are capable of turning our lives into a form of art.  Or better yet, a series of varied and different artistic works that represent the life that we have been blessed with.  This site is my personal quest to take advantage of opportunities that I see to express the art that is all around me.  I'm hopeful that my efforts will inspire others to be mindful about the life that they are leading and use as many opportunities as possible to express their lives as art as well.  It all starts by being mindful of the opportunities that you encounter and making the most of them. 

Double Rainbow taken from Day 3 Camp on the Inka Trail.  Photo: Mati Bishop

You will notice if you choose to experience this site that I am not an expert photographer, nor a master writer or a five star chef or even the best that I can possibly be at what I do for work.  This does not mean that I cannot value the art of what I am doing.  Not every painting is a masterpiece, not every novel is a best seller, but each of those works represents a journey that someone consciously undertook to express their art.  The true beauty in art is the effort and the journey that went into creating it.  I am here to celebrate my efforts and also my results.  I encourage everyone who reads this to spend more time celebrating your own efforts.  Don't wait until you achieve perfection or greatness to enjoy the effort that you are putting into getting there. 

Zona Urbana.  Cusco, Peru.  Photo: Mati Bishop

Your art is happening all the time.  Your challenge is to appreciate it, get better at it.  This will result in you being meaningful about your life.  That is what it is all about.  Now get out there and make your life art.  On the trail, the volleyball court, your backyard, on the paper in your journal, through your camera lens, on a different continent or at your neighbors house.  Wherever your journey takes you, celebrate and exercise meaningful practice in the art of living. 


About Mati Bishop
Mati teaches values and volleyball in the Puget Sound Region of USA Volleyball.  He is the director of Beach VBC, a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and development of beach volleyball in the Pacific Northwest.  He lives in Everett, WA with his wife Helen and their jack russell terrier Ace.