Fingerpainting on the Moon: Writing and Creativity as a Path to Freedom

I make a habit of reading one book on the craft of writing at all times, so over the years I have read a good deal on the subject--from Henry Miller to Mary Oliver, I've covered some territory. I love this book. It is full of surprises. I thought I'd heard it all and I am delightfully mistaken.

Reading this volume summons an almost meditative state, as the wise teacher encourages the reader, as student, to go deeper within for answers, and most importantly, for questions. While this book might be an instruction manual for writing deeper material I find it also a soothing voice, affirming the powers of creation and individuality within the wilderness of wires, noise and clutter that engulf much of life in the 21st century. Especially valued are Peter Levitt's examples from a variety of literary and spiritual traditions. Caution: studying this book might free your imagination, awaken your life.

And I mean that in every sense of the word: sacred, lovely, excellent, perceptive and intuitive. Peter Levitt's vivid writing and obvious love of storytelling makes each page shine. As I read the book, I felt lost in the wilderness of my imagination and my heart, with a wise and friendly guide hovering near. The exercises at the end of each chapter are not merely "one time wonders" but techniques I know I'll return to again and again. In his chapter on permission, Levitt writes, "Everything is permitted in the imagination." And so it is with the exercises. Our only limitation being how far we are willing to go. Fingerpainting on the Moon is a great adventure.

Smile. Peter Levitt has made a tiny bible of stepping stones-Shunyru Suzuki, Paul Klee, Pablo Neruda, Robert Creeley, etc-to support the emerging writing/artist in traversing the grand void. As climbers require pitons, ropes, maps, and confidence-the essentials for the grand climb to consciousness and alert knowing and writing are here. Climbers ascend a step at a time and Peter Levitt has chiseled steps into sheer ice so readers can evolve and eventually know the fabulous view of Dao at the top of the peek. As long treks require camping and tedious hours spent in tents-so the reader will have exercises and writing challenges that help them pass the time and grasp the inner threads that will guide them. It is a warm personable journey and at times readers may even forget they are ascending and their calves are burning. I'm smiling and grateful and deeper. My copy has my underlines on every page, marginal notes, and advice like "read this writer." I only hope many others like Kobun Chino Otogawa-roshi evolve the skill to hit the Pacific Ocean with creative arrows.

I just read Peter Levitt's Fingerpainting on the Moon and feel it should be required reading for this 21st century. It's written not just for artists, but for "all who long to return to their creative source." Levitt's down-to-earth lessons will surprise you, taking you deep within yourself as well as reconnecting you to the expansive world around you. He writes in a direct, honest, but gently engaging way - with stories, suggestions, a few simple words - that lead you into each chapter's amazing journey of self-discovery. This book inspires us to embrace both the ordinary and the extraordinary in our lives, what Levitt calls the "beautiful particulars," with lasting gratitude and delight.