Creativity is basic to the very fiber of our being, and not-as many suspect-solely the privilege of a gifted few. When we silence the voice of creativity that lives within us, we confine our spirit. Award-winning author Dan Wakefield helps us to examine our reasons for not creating-debunking the myths-and shows us the path to a fulfilling, creative life.

Drawing on examples from religion, philosophy, and literature, Wakefield teaches us that the key to unleashing our own inner creativity is in clarity of mind, body, and spirit. Releasing the Creative Spirit gives us practical guidance to demystify the creative process and to help each of us achieve this clarity by:

Breaking the Myths-Explode the myths that creativity is only for the artistic elite, that creators must suffer, and that science and business can not be creative pursuits.
Emptying-Learn ways to recognize and move beyond the tired routines in your life that deaden the senses and soul.
Filling Up-Experience new sensations through simple practices that revive natural perceptions and unlock hidden creative resources.
Creating-Try hands-on, practical exercises to explore the mystery of creativity in your life from a spiritual perspective. This passionate, personal guide draws on examples from the experiences of many creative people-Elaine Pagels (professor), Tom Wolfe (novelist), John Coltrane (jazz musician), Harold Kushner (rabbi), Danielle Levi-Alvares (yoga teacher), Stephen Hawking (physicist), and Phil Jackson (basketball coach), just to name a few-who each demonstrate one or more of the characteristics of someone who creates from the spirit. Creative People...
Develop clarity as the source of creativity
Take responsibility for their lives and work
Regard age as an opportunity
See obstacles as an invitation to create new solutions, techniques, and skills
Recognize the body/mind/spirit connection
Find surprising new ways to perform routine tasks
...and much more This fresh exploration of the creative spirit includes hands-on exercises to help you unlock your creative powers, inviting you to experience the artistic grace and pleasure that can exist in our everyday lives. You may discover, as many others have, that with creativity comes more joy, more laughter, and more accomplishment than you previously thought possible.

Autorentext

Dan Wakefield is a novelist, journalist, and screenwriter. He has won a Rockefeller grant for creative writing and a National Endowment of the Arts Award. He is the author of many books, including The Story of Your Life: Writing a Spiritual Autobiography (Beacon Press) and Returning: A Spiritual Journey (Beacon). Wakefield is also author of "Spiritually Incorrect," an ongoing Beliefnet.com column. His memoir New York in the 50's is now a documentary film showing on The Sundance Channel. His novel Going All the Way was turned into a movie starring Ben Affleck. Dan Wakefield can be contacted at www.DanWakefield.com.