Blocks arise when we maintain attachment to outcome. Passion in any type of work enables us to surmount inhibitions and keep reaching beyond past accomplishments. We must desensitize ourselves to criticism and find happiness in doing something utterly our own. Striving to surmount creative challenges, we frequently trigger peak experiences from within ourselves, inspiring us to express freely and courageously. While in these loftier states of mind, we may at times consciously link with the Creative Force itself. Challenges for the web-book's participating artisans were as unique and varied as their individual artworks.
One out of ten feared an inability to fully manifest what they envisioned. Some, feeling inadequate, found it hard to discipline themselves to start or stick with the job. A few found very large works most challenging, and nearly all who turned professional, felt intimidated when exposing their work to the public, establishing markets and promoting sales.
Often, it’s only when chaos or disaster courts our lives that we’re lifted beyond ourselves to new heights of creativity, where we realize higher laws of expression. Is our true desire, perhaps, to somehow transport ourselves into Inspirational Modes before chaos, confusion or pain impact us? We want to intentionally enter the Inspirational and Expressive Modes at will__ and that is what this text is about.
First, we need strong inner security systems fostering a trust in the Creatior-Spirit Within to aid us in overcoming our fear of facing the unknown, and of being “out of control” while in altered states of mind. Our western culture provides few scenarios through which to develop this side of human nature. But it is precisely from these “other realms” that we reap the true bounty of our creative receptivity and problem-solving. Connecting with "other realms" is addressed in Chapters 3 and 4.
Low self-esteem, stagnant routines, unrealistic expectations, limits placed around notions of what is "possible" and creative efforts restricted to only one activity can severely block initiative. Substance abuse, medications, too much sugar, caffeine, chemical food or water additives__ poor dietary habits__ can suppress or dull the creative drive. We have to find out for ourselves, just what works best for us. The jarring noises of TV and city living__ bright, flashing lights, cell phones, smart meters and quick, repetitive movement around us__ have been shown to not only distract, but to actually damage nerve cells in brain and body.
Dan Wakefield bursts the false bubbles of belief that "creativity is only for the artistic elite”; that “women’s work is less creative than men’s”, and that to be creative means one must be tormented, alienated, neurotic, addicted, irresponsible, and a failure at relationships __or must cut off an ear lobe.... “On the street, to be creative is not macho"... "so there’s no outlet for creativity except in athletics with the body. The truth is that many talented people are blocked because they habitually ‘numb'"... "themselves on a regular basis, to blot out the psychic pains of life__also blotting out the natural instinct for any sort of spiritual experience.” Some distort the creative drive by focusing on attaining six-figure incomes, still more material belongings, a "perfect" appearance, or global media fame. Overall, “we compartmentalize our lives into the ‘creative’ and the ‘common-place’.” (6)
(6) Wakefield, Dan. Creating From theSpirit: Living Each Day as a Creative Act. 1996. Ballantine Books, Random House.