Customer Reviews

Standing at Water's Edge: Moving Past Fear, Blocks, and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion

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In ten chapters, Anne Paris explores the creative impulse, what may block it, and how to avoid the pitfalls. I admit to skepticism at first, as so many books on this subject fall into the pop psychology category, but the author has navigated these shoals skillfully, offering coping skills, insight, and impetus to readers who strive to create.


Writers, artists, and businesspeople should benefit from this book. As a writer, I found it particularly intriguing, especially the chapter on family dynamics, in which the author explains that roles are often thrust upon us without our knowledge. Paris addresses what can occur when one is viewed as "the baby" (even when we are older). With intriguing insight, she points out that when such a person achieves success, she upsets the applecart because her siblings "could not tolerate her change in position in the unspoken family hierarchy; her siblings could no longer feel better than their sister (an experience they needed to boost their self-esteem)..." When experiencing this situation, some writers even give up their craft, perhaps feeling the price of success is too high to pay. Paris urges, "Take back your dreams of childhood and then reach for them!"


The author acknowledges that the creative process does not have to be a lonely, solitary endeavor, as we have heard so often. Feedback, interaction and encouragement from friends, co-workers, and colleagues are useful and beneficial. Being positively seen by others when we are young is important. But if that is not part of our history, Paris suggests we can turn to "positive fantasies of a perceived audience," thus affirming that imaginary supporters, even ancestors, can bless and enrich our creative endeavors.


As I read, thoughts of my personal experiences surfaced, and I realized that each time before I make a public appearance, I summon a memory of my first poetry reading decades ago at a Women's Voices Writing Workshop in Santa Cruz, California. My audience applauded, whistled, stomped, and sent me home with an empowered feeling that I resurrect each time I get up to read my work. I don't know where any of these women are now, or if they are still writing, but I hold them in my memory as a gathering of compassionate souls whom I summon to bless my efforts when I need them. It was and is one of the principles Paris explores in Standing at the Water's Edge.


Having read Csikszentmilhalyi's Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, I was delighted to see parallels in Paris' content. Flow explores the mental and emotional state in which an artist, if she is fortunate, finds herself in order to bring the creative process to its highest level, a condition the ancient Greeks referred to as Kairos.


At the end of each chapter, readers are offered "Guides" with helpful suggestions. So much of this book spoke directly to me. Multiple quotes sprinkled throughout the book enriched it. In short, Paris' entire theme seems to echo a quote from one of my heroes in the art world, Vincent van Gogh... "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."
For people who create or who would like to create, for those who have struggled with fears and blocks, this book is more than helpful. Paris will move you toward understanding yourself as an artist.

by Joan Shaddox Isom
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

By the time I bought Anne Paris' book, "Standing at Water's Edge," I'd been on a how-to binge for almost eighteen months; gorging on anything that promised to teach people like me how to write better, and avoid the pitfalls every "real" writer experiences. One frightening, common thread/threat throughout was writer's block.

The more I read the more I doubted myself. Writer's block? But I'd never . . . Did it mean I wasn't a "real" writer? I had stories stumbling and tumbling to get out of my head and onto paper. My well would never run dry! Right?

I hadn't drawn or painted in years. I hadn't touched a camera in over three months. Writing was all I had left. Without the pen-and-paper creative outlet, what would I do? Maya Angelou understood. "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Quotes aren't cures though, and, I had way too many stories waiting.

I ran my hands over the cool, smooth cover like a sighted person trying to read Braille; almost hypnotized by the lone figure standing straight and sure, next to a bench. Was that me? A watercolor sky soothed and drew me down to the blue water waiting between Earth and sky. There's always a Negro spiritual to fit most occasions in my life: "Between the Earth and sky, thought I heard my Savior cry . . ." suited this one.

A promise of freedom to soar beyond the sky, but only if I left the comfort and stability of solid ground behind, gave me the courage to dive into that expanse of healing water within the pages of Anne's book. Not knowing how to swim, I took the first step into a creativity-saving dive.

The first sentence that held hope with a hook got me: "How do we take the plunge into creativity?" The second pulled me along: "If you are an artist, a writer, or a person who works in any other creative capacity, this book is for you."

I snapped to by page four, started highlighting on page five: " . . . this book will show how the nature of the artist's childhood experiences and the nature of her relationships with others shape her creative process." I think I whimpered.

Anne Paris laid out her cards; offered proof that she could help my sickness. Then she began. She said the therapeutic process of healing and growth involved a creative element. I'd already learned that in therapy! She went on, "The creative state is one that is similar to a meditative trance, in that the artist becomes unaware of his or her surroundings and is free of external judgment and self-evaluation." By then I was in up to my calves. So, I went for it! Sink or swim.

I had experienced "being In The Zone" before. I'd been there without knowing how I'd arrived. I had done some of my best work there. I knew this truth.

At the bottom of page seven, I noted in pencil: "7-24-08 I believe we tap into a collective consciousness that we can take away from, but only as much as we are capable of handling . . ." In the margin along the outer edge of the page I wrote: The more we dip into the "well," the deeper the depths are plumbed . . . Our cistern fills and runs over. We become masters of the well's contents."

Standing at Water's Edge confirmed that I've sabotaged my own success as an artist and photographer. I've known it for years, but knowing didn't stop it from happening. I only suspected that I was sabotaging my desire to become a writer.

I have learned that there are healers for what ails us. Sometimes we have to search hard and long, all the while, hoping . . . believing in our quest. But, I hoped, and help came in the form of Standing at Water's Edge. It helped me. It lifted me up; it helped me undo damage from early childhood; it helped change my damaging inner critic . . . Finally! I had proof that someone DID understand. "It takes one to know one," and Paris' "knowing" is part of what helps creators understand and break barriers between creator and creativity.

I wish I could offer up the paragraphs or chapters that undid me, or jump-started the creative flow again. I can't. But, I am grateful for all the parts that worked together for me. I haven't read from Standing at Water's Edge recently. I've been too busy writing, and drawing, and painting, and loving photography again. Yes, I am creating. And, I've learned that there's nothing wrong with being good at more than one thing. My new mantra is, "Never fear a gift." Anne Paris wrote the key that unlocked the blocks that had held me prisoner. She taught me not to fear immersion, and to enjoy down time.

Get Standing at Water's Edge. Then dive right in, and learn how to move "past fear, blocks, and pitfalls to discover the power of creative immersion."

Limner

Paperback 190 pages.

I really enjoyed this book.I found it interesting,informative,friendly and very readable. I am not a writer but I like to dabble and play with words.

I purchased the book because I wanted to better understand fear and blocks in thought patterns as I have a disability and they are something I can ill afford.

Dr Paris explains the process very well. The book is an immersive experience just as the author suggest. I found all the procrastination and other stuff made a lot more sense. (Great to know it was not wasted time after all.)

The introduction and guide summaries were a great idea and very helpful for later use. I hope to use them in other activities when learning new skills. I liked the organisation of the book, I also liked being encouraged and inspired as I read. This is a great first book. I hope there will be many more. It is pleasing to see professionals sharing their knowledge in this way. It helps to improve the lives of others. I note also you have a web site.

Standing at Water's Edge by psychologist Anne Paris is an exceptional read for everyone. The author brilliantly examines our fears that prevent our access to our ultimate creative potential. She highlights that our deep connection with self and others is a powerful tool that can encourage inspiration and creativity. Whether you are an artist, musician, author or simply someone who is interested in facilitating your creativity in every day situations, this book is a valuable guide.

Throughout this book, the author offer practical "Guides" that are questions and exercises that shift us beyond what we perceive to be our fears and blocks so that so that realize our potential.

"Standing at the Water's Edge" is well documented with footnotes, a Bibliography, and most helpful Index, so that you may conveniently refer to subjects presented in the book.

Good read and highly recommended.

Katie Davis, Author, "Awake Joy"

I just finished reading Standing at Water's Edge, and found it to be one of those rarest of books: true to life and mirrored my experience and helped make sense of the hall of mirrors that one goes through. Her words resonated with me and reflected my experience pretty well, from start to finish, and gave me encouragement and strengthened me in hope. I plan to go back to it time and again.

Many people do not find life to be a series of false starts and feet-dragging. But I do. I've been struggling for decades to find a livable rhythm of life, with responsibilities, relationships, feeling my way toward my life's calling, and deep seated desires for something more--all calling out for attention. With much thought and counsel and work, I've made some breakthroughs, and Dr. Paris has wonderfully put into words many of the things I've stumbled on in an inarticulate way. Like all wisdom writing, little is earthshaking and altogether new, but one cannot put a price tag on how helpful wisdom can be! She's a worthy guide to know when to push, when to pull, when to let it sit there for a while, and when you're going down a rabbit trail.

What she writes and teaches does not lend itself well to television: no bleeding and explosions, and it doesn't even sound all that flashy or new. But I've found some genuine wisdom in what she writes, and if you're at that place to hear some wisdom about fears, blocks and pitfalls--or a virtual voice of focus and encouragement while you push on--hers is a worthy voice.

I decided to buy this truly inspirational book after reading an excellent review on a local arts networking website. Boy, am I glad I did! The author gives great insight as to why some of us are afraid to totally commit (or "immerse") ourselves to our art, whether it is due to lack of support, poor self-image, lack of "twins" (someone who shares our experiences and trials) or even a lack of affirmation of our talents from loved ones. Speaking of which, the chapter titled "Finding Strength In Mirrors" proved to be a very painful, yet necessary read for me personally. Check it out!

While there are a fair amount of self-help books out there, few concentrate specifically on dissolving the roadblocks to creative expression in the practical manner as this book. What I really appreciate from this author is that she does more than just anaylze--she fully relates her own first-hand experiences with the subject at hand, which proves to be very comforting to the reader.

I would highly recommend this book to any artist, regardless of what stage they happen to be at in their career. Likewise, this would also be an encouraging read to basically anyone who is struggling with such issues as creative release, fear of audiences (judgement) and even relationships. It makes us aware of the difference in the role that we play in our private lives vs. the one that we choose to put on "display" to our public (our audience). In my humble opinion, this book has served as a great learning tool and it makes me want to delve deeper into finding out more about myself as a performer and WHY I am the way that I am. Perhaps it will for you too. Buy! Read! Learn! Immerse!

Ann Paris provides a clear, insightful road map for creative exploration. I have been a Creative Life Coach for several years and am always on the lookout for books to help clients break through their creative blocks. As an artist myself I also struggle with pushing past embedded beliefs that get in the way of my painting & other creative projects. (i.e. "Your family suffers when you paint. You SHOULD be doing something more productive...")

This book helped me understand my reluctance to enter into the state of creative IMMERSION. When I allow myself to truly immerse with the process of painting it is both scary and wonderful. Now I know WHY and have a new suitcase of tools to deal with my fears so that I can "wet the brush..."

If you are feeling stuck and frustrated, get this book and actually do the tasks listed in the "GUIDES" section at the end of each chapter!

Standing at Water's Edge is a profound journey into the essence of the human condition. Anne clearly and succinctly displays what most people who are attempting to be creative in their endeavors, that emotional blocks hold us back!

Standing at Water's Edge brings to mind the reality that we are actually standing at the edge of the cliff, that if we jump, we jump into the abyss of darkness!

Anne clearly shows that when we do make that jump, we are actually tuning in to our creative abilities, and after releasing the shackles of the fear based ego, we see the world from an entirely different, and most importantly, supportive, environment.

our lives have been bombarded with negativity, and Anne helps the reader realize that they are not alone, that human connection is critically important, and that support by others means more than any thing else.

Having read Anne's book, it became clear to me that people are our most important asset, and the relationships we have, and will have, are of significant importance.

Anne truly will assist you in realizing that relationships are vital, that support is there, that you do not need to change, and it is okay to take that leap into the unknown, because you will be supported every step of the way.

Dom Mogavero,
Specialist, Training & Development
[...]

Though intended as a tool for professional artists immersing in the creative process, Dr. Paris' book has universal appeal as a profoundly revealing guide to understanding the human condition and teaching all of us how to immerse in healthy relationships with our children, our parents, our partners and others. As a single mother, I only wish that I had been able to read this book 18 years ago when my sons were first born. Dr. Paris puts herself out there, sharing not only her professional therapy experiences with gifted artists but also by exposing her own creative hopes and fears and highly personal dreams.

It has profoundly opened me to a new understanding of my own early childhood relationships (dysfunctional and otherwise) and given me guidance and hope for healthier relationships with my own children. I have always believed that creativity is our soul calling, and that nurturing a child may be our greatest masterpiece though I have made mistakes in the pursuit of both. Dr. Paris' book has given me hope that it is never too late to heal ourselves and our relationships whether that be in pursuit of an artistic endeavor or in the raising up of our children to know boundless joy.

This book is very insightful for an artist of any profession. I highly recommend it for those struggling with artist block or inspiration.