Creating from the Spirit: A Path to Creative Power in Art and Life [Paperback]

Dan Wakefield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 1997

"THIS BOOK WILL STRETCH YOUR MIND AND HELP YOU FIND THE SOURCE OF YOUR OWN SPIRITUAL AND CREATIVE POWERS."
--Yoga Journal

In this passionate, clearly reasoned book, award-winning journalist and novelist Dan Wakefield explodes the many myths often associated with the mysterious creative process. Drawing on examples from religion, philosophy, and literature, and exercises such as journaling and right-brain drawing, Creating from the Spirit teaches us that the key to creation is clarity of body, mind, and spirit. Wakefield also challenges the "dangerous nirvanas" of drug and alcohol as false agents of inspiration.

Creating from the Spirit teaches anyone who wants to be more creative how to access our natural perceptions and hidden resources, a process brilliantly expressed in the lives and words of twenty "creators from the spirit." Wakefield interviews artists and writers, scientists and athletes, CEOs and chefs--all who have learned to embrace each moment as a creative act. Now you can, too.

"FULL OF EXAMPLES OF SANITY, BALANCE, AND EVEN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT COHABITING HAPPILY WITH CREATIVE CALLINGS."
--Utne Reader

Product Details

• Paperback: 321 pages
• Publisher: One World/Ballantine; First Thus edition (June 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345413431
• ISBN-13: 978-0345413437
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,837,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice guide for the spiritually-minded artist, September 23, 2000

By 

Jeffery K. Matheus (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Creating from the Spirit: A Path to Creative Power in Art and Life (Paperback)

Acclaimed novelist and "inspirational" author Dan Wakefield has created a nice volume about the creative process, titled "Creating From the Spirit". Wakefield basically gives tips on how to utilize the creative spirit to its full potential, using the ins and outs of everyday life as a springboard to greater artistry. As a writer of poetry myself, I see a lot of value in Wakefield's simple hints and suggestions. As the title would suggest, Wakefield writes with a decidedly "spiritual" slant, but some traditional Christians may be put off by his rather all-encompasing "Unitarian" theology, as he quotes everyone from liberal-minded Catholics, to feminist extremists, to new age-y "self-help" gurus, treating all with equal vigor! Wakefield also quotes from several artists from varying worldviews and creative mediums, who give their own theories on creative inspiration. One of the most interesting chapters deals with what Wakefield calls "the myths of creativity", as he convincingly debunks the oldest "myth" of all...that drugs, alcohol, and self-destructive behavior somehow enhance an artists creativity! As a reformed alcoholic (which he admits openly), Wakefield obviously speaks from experience, and makes a great case for a clear-headed, drug-free approach to art and life. This book is highly recommended to anyone seeking enlightenment about the creative mind, but some readers will no-doubt have to take Wakefield's "open minded" theology with a grain of salt.