The Art & Science of Skillful Living ®

LIFECRAFT ®

Companion User's Guide

PART FIVE
The Principle of Craftsmanship

LIFECRAFT is about an ancient quality so easily missed living in today's world of constant distractions. The ancient quality is the principle of craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is one of the highest qualities revered by the human spirit since the beginning of recorded time. Indeed, it was present even at the creation of the world in the person of "Wisdom", who identifies herself as "the (craftsperson) at the Creators' side".

It is a quality understood by all cultures regardless of language, religious belief or period in time. Craftsmanship endures long after one has traveled the journey of life. It is immortal. It is a universal value both human and divine which speaks for itself. Its presence is self evident the moment one comes into contact with it, whether through the superior work of a craftsperson, or the life of one who conducts himself or herself as a true craftsperson.

Craftsmanship is the foundation upon which the curriculum of LIFECRAFT is built. It is intended to teach ourselves and our children to value the ancient and time tested quality of craftsmanship, and to cultivate the spirit of the craftsperson in everything we do to empower our children with the skills to make a masterpiece of their lives.

Craftsmanship can be studied and pursued by itself. One does not need to practice LIFECRAFT to appreciate or apply craftsmanship to any endeavor. One could also "practice" LIFECRAFT (i.e. using the LIFECRAFT Life Planner) and achieve results without ever having knowingly applied the principle of craftsmanship. However the greatest results will be achieved when you consciously apply the principle of craftsmanship together with the LIFECRAFT system to your life.

What Is Craftsmanship?

Craftsmanship is an attitude of mind. An attitude of mind which continually strives for perfection. It is the skillful use and control of the tools of the craft and mastery of the materials of the craft while taking care never to abuse either. Craftsmanship reveals the best of the natural characteristics and charm of each craft and enhances their appeal to the craftsperson and admirer alike. The point at which craftsmanship becomes "art" might be described as "a moment in time" when the creative spirit of the craftsperson is in complete harmony with the perfection of skillful execution: the result of the craftsperson's attitude of mind. This brings full pleasure not only from the creation; the finished work, but also from the process; the manner in which it was done.

What Is A Craftsperson?

The craftsperson is one who is concerned first and foremost with balance and perfection. The craftsperson is the prime source of those fine things by which life is enriched. The craftsperson is the guardian of the highest standard of quality. Endurance in both design and function measure the skill of today's craftsperson as it has in the past. The "complete" craftsperson is one who is equally skilled in all the elements of their craft. Most are usually advanced in their years, their skill and knowledge firmly rooted in long and broad experience.

LIFECRAFT is the practice of applying craftsmanship to life - "the physical, mental, and spiritual experiences which constitute every human being's existence." LIFECRAFT is the "art & science of skillful living through craftsmanship" -- the selective application of specific skills achieved through study, observation and practice. It is a structured, systematic approach to managing your life and the life of your family.

Go Forward to Part VI

User's Guide - Companion to the Life Planner

Life Planner® - The LifeCraft Organizer

LIFECRAFT® - Home Page

To move backward or forward in exact order to all other pages you may have previously viewed, please use the navigation tools included in your Web browser especially designed for this purpose.