Pathways
to Creativity:
The Journey Towards Authenticity
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Part One: The Beginning
| "Any path is only a path, and there is not affront to oneself or to others in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you... Look at every path closely and deliberately... Then ask yourself and yourself alone, one question... Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't it is of no use." -- Carlos Castaneda |
When
we pursue a creative opportunity, we are moved by an inner drive to express
ourselves. We may not know the origin of this need or what we want to
accomplish, but we are keenly aware of its existence, and a sense of
discomfort settles in if we do not follow its call.
Once we choose to pursue the creative path we most trust the process as a guide on the journey. We don't know what's coming, we may be excited, fearful, or curious. We move into uncharted waters. If we stay open, we engage with the best parts of ourselves.
We immerse ourselves in the creative environment - both the external and internal challenges and nurtures the process to supports us. Ideally, our surroundings will include a physical space for inspiration, and people who support our courage to explore our unique creative path. We must call upon the inner gifts that nourish us and invoke compassion, openness, spontaneity, and humor. What is most important is to suspend judgment of ourselves and our work and trust our gifts to learn to use them.
The creative process is not limited to the arts. It is the personal journeys in this world, we leave our footprints visible to the outer eye as well as the inner self. The gift of our uniqueness is our greatest creation.
The following art work reflects the experience of beginning the creative journey. Enjoy!