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When
you want to create
With
the humble attitude of one who is seeking a divine gift, you can
experience creative inspiration. It is partly a matter of quietness,
focus, and intention, and it can be very much like prayer or meditation.
You may want to give this experience a special name all your own.
I like to think of this process as "Invoking the Muse"
and I find these times to be pure joy.
Perhaps
you are saying right now, I appreciate the arts
just as much as the next person, but how do I find that Source of
inspiration for myself? I want to be a player not just a spectator!
The
creative process is a little like riding a bicycle...it gets easier
with practice. It's a matter of getting into the flow, the rhythm
of the experience.
Learn to believe. In yourself, of course. If
you are not ready to do that, just believe in the process itself.
It has served many people very well over the
millennia. Don't worry if you fall down and skin your knees a few
times. All sorts of wobbling are allowed! Become a small child again
and let the process take you where you need to go. And be willing
to explore unfamiliar territory.
Getting
out of our own way
In any creative endeavor, we must learn how
to get out of our own way. How do we put our usual, rational, egoistic
ways of thinking aside long enough to go into the quiet center of
our hearts?
To prepare, we must stop
thinking about what we're going to get out of the creative activity.
No more thinking about how the rent will be paid. No more thinking
about whether anyone will like what we produce. No more thinking about
how this piece could just solve your latest problem or bring the clamoring
millions to your feet. No more inner complaining about how talented
other people are. Certainly, no thinking about grades, awards,
or job security. That's all death to the creative process.
Your ego is there to help you survive. It may
even help you build on what you create. Thank it, but ask it to step
aside for a few hours. That's all. Just a few hours. And allow yourself
to have a joyful, no-strings-attached experience of the creative power
flowing through you.
When
you begin, expect nothing. Put your whole focus on the activity itself.
Have fun. Experiment. Be amazed.
Do
it again.
NEXT
PAGE:
Allowing inspiration to strike
Seeking
beauty's place
in our time
Learn
more about
the Greek muses
Read
an article about aesthetics
and cyberart
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