On being a vessel
Creativity is the process of giving form to spirit
The biggest creative cheat code is to get out of your own way and let the universe work through you.
An important lesson I’ve learned over decades as a writer: there is an intelligence beyond the conscious mind. You can call it God, the universe, the collective unconscious, spirit, or simply the muse. Whatever you call it, this intelligence is available to us all.
Rather than trying too hard to micromanage the process and control the outcome, in both creativity and life, I have learned that it’s better to open myself to unexpected solutions and make myself a vessel for the muse.
Creativity isn’t only something we have or do. It’s an energy that moves through us. The key is to listen more than you think. As the writer William Burroughs said, “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”
Being an artist requires a degree of humility. We have to admit that our ego doesn’t always know best, and sometimes surrender is the portal to inspiration.
Ideas are all around us, waiting to be born. They just need a carrier. Creativity is the alchemical process of giving form to spirit.
Tips for being a creative vessel:
Cultivate a meditation or mindfulness practice
Learn to be comfortable not knowing
Trust your intuition even if you mind doesn’t understand
Think less, listen and contemplate more
Upcoming creativity retreat
Join me and author Bunny Michael for The Art of Your Higher Self, a transformational creativity retreat October 4-6 at the beautiful Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone North Carolina. Blending creativity, spirituality, and mindfulness, we explore various rituals for inner transformation through writing, art, and expression.
Awaken your inner child and inner artist
Cultivate your channel of intuition
Break through the blocks that have been holding you back
Discover new rituals for healing, mindfulness, writing, and creativity
Create and express yourself with a supportive and inclusive community
More tools to help guide your creative journey:
The Art of You: My new book about reclaiming your creativity and turning your imagination into reality (Currently 10% off)
Meme School: My upcoming class on how to make memes and craft a viral message (20% off with discount code BLESSED)
Just want to say that I got your book, the Art of You, for my daughter who’s an artist and will be attending her first year at university for architecture design next month. Thought your book was the best one I could send her off with 🙏
Got the book and I am loving it! Was not expecting the spiritual components like Yin and Yang, but it makes sense and am fortunate to get to read this.