Drawing on examples from religion, philosphy and literature, Creating from the Spirit teaches that the key to creation is clarity--of body, mind and spirit. Wakefield challenges the myths that often surround the creative process--that to be creative, one must be alienated, neurotic, irresponsible and a failure at relationships. This audio teaches the wisdom of "filling up" by accessing our natural powers. 2 cassettes.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
"Clarity of mind, body, and spirit is the key to creativity," declares Wakefield (Expect a Miracle) at the start of this sage and affirming work. To help readers understand and embrace both clarity and its radiant offspring, creativity, Wakefield follows a carefully structured "road map" that begins with the debunking of several "myths." These include the ideas that creativity depends upon suffering and that the ability to be creative fades with age. The myth that gets the author's most passionate attention, though, is the belief that alcohol or drugs awaken creativity. Here, as elsewhere, Wakefield draws upon his own experiences, investing his text with a welcome and warming personal touch. Next comes an examination of processes Wakefield deems supportive of creativity?the acts of emptying oneself of egoism and of allowing oneself to be filled with "spirit." A series of exercises designed to nurture creativity follows. The book winds up with original statements by a variety of "creators," from musician Judy Collins to writer Mark Matousek to telephone receptionist Karen Monti Lindo, on how they learned to free their own creative sparks, and concludes with commonsense advice on how to foster creativity at any moment of the day. Covering vital ground both theoretical and practical, this potentially life-changing work should appeal to the same wide readership as Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Contending that conventional interpretations of creativity actually limit the scope of the creative spirit, journalist Wakefield (Expect a Miracle, LJ 5/1/95) explodes the stereotypes and myths surrounding creativity, e.g., only artists possess the power of creativity as the simple act of daily living. In order for the creative spirit to develop, individuals must first clarify their spiritual goals by emptying themselves of the noisy intrusions of daily life and then fill themselves up with the power of their new visions. Through a series of wide-ranging interviews and reflections with creative spirits such as Michael Jordan and Reynolds Price, Wakefield demonstrates that the "key to creation is the clarity of body, mind, and spirit." Wakefield's lucid insights and luminous prose recommend his book for most libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Two Sides of Creativity,
By A Customer
This review is from: Creating from the Spirit (Hardcover)
If you are an artist who has turned to alcohol or drugs in your struggle with creativity, if you feel that being creativity requires you to be alienated and irresponsible, then this book is definitely for you. However, if you do not have any such problem, then half this book is for you. Wakefield has taken at least half the space in this work, or so it seems, to deal with the Dylan Thomases and the Ernest Hemingways of the artistic world who subscribe to the myth that an artist can not be at their best unless they are completely engulfed in misery. Wakefield, who himself had to deal with this tragic myth, shows how it is a total fallacy by contrasting these artists with others who are fulfilled, widely-accepted and seemingly content. But this is not a critical work by any means. There is a very practical side to it as well. Wakefield draws upon the experiences of these fulfilled artists to get at the heart - or rather the spirit, as the title imples - of creativity. And not only artists, but people from all walks of life including clergy, atheletes, business executives and secretaries, who believe their lives are creative. And to Wakefield's credit, he steps out of the way and lets each of these tell their own personal story in their own words and reveal methods they use to unleash that mysterious well of energy residing deep inside each of us - our creativity. No doubt anyone trying to get in touch with their creative faculties will find this section of the work interesting to say the least and can regard it from that standpoint as a valuable resource
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Two Sides of Creativity,
By A Customer
This review is from: Creating from the Spirit: Living Each Day As a Creative Act (Audio Cassette)
If you are an artist who has turned to alcohol or drugs in your struggle with creativity, if you feel that being creativity requires you to be alienated and irresponsible, then this book is definitely for you. However, if you do not have any such problem, then half this book is for you. Wakefield has taken at least half the space in this work, or so it seems, to deal with the Dylan Thomases and the Ernest Hemingways of the artistic world who subscribe to the myth that an artist can not be at their best unless they are completely engulfed in misery. Wakefield, who himself had to deal with this tragic myth, shows how it is a total fallacy by contrasting these artists with others who are fulfilled, widely-accepted and seemingly content. But this is not a critical work by any means. There is a very practical side to it as well. Wakefield draws upon the experiences of these fulfilled artists to get at the heart - or rather the spirit, as the title imples - of creativity. And not only artists, but people from all walks of life including clergy, atheletes, business executives and secretaries, who believe their lives are creative. And to Wakefield's credit, he steps out of the way and lets each of these tell their own personal story in their own words and reveal methods they use to unleash that mysterious well of energy residing deep inside each of us - our creativity. No doubt anyone trying to get in touch with their creative faculties will find this section of the work interesting to say the least and can regard it from that standpoint as a valuable resource
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