What We Ache for: Creativity and the Unfolding of Your Soul

Oriah's WHAT WE ACHE FOR: CREATIVITY AND THE UNFOLDING OF THE SOUL is a gift of support to creative people. The book resonates as a perfect complement to works by Julia Cameron (THE ARTIST'S WAY), Jan Phillips (MARRY YOUR MUSE), and Natalie Goldberg (WRITING DOWN THE BONES.) These visionary and generous creative women each provide an intimate view of personal creative process, often a solitary pursuit; together they instill a sense of community to honor a creative spirit that unites us. Regardless of the reader's particular artistic passion, the books provide nurturing on a holistic level -- even for the creation of one's path in life. ALL OF THESE BOOKS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I didn't know when I began reading What We Ache For that it included writing suggestions. But, in hindsight, writing is the major form of creativity in which Mountain Dreamer expresses herself. Her definition of creative work is, "that [which] makes something new from the paradoxical combination of a focused intent and a willing surrender to something larger than us." She writes of opening herself up to unexpected twists and turns within her [and anyone else's] creative endeavors. Each of her chapters ends with two sections: one is "For Contemplation," and the other is, "Writing Exercises," both of which are meant to help the reader go deeper into his or her search for creativity. She asks her reader to substitute the reader's form of creativity for her word "write." In her Beginnings chapter, Mountain Dreamer suggests that if what you are doing bores you, then, stop and begin again. One prompt which I will try is that of taking a sentence or phrase from a book and spending seven to ten minutes expanding upon it. Or doing the same thing with a picture. She uses three components of daily practice when she begins her writing time: a time of contemplation, a time of physical movement and some journal writing to integrate her spirit, her body and her mind. These become rituals which signal the unconscious that the time of creating is to begin. She writes, "If our creative work helps us to be with what is in this moment with a compassionate heart and willing acceptance of what we cannot control, if it enables us to open to the joy of being alive, to seeing and co-creating the meaning that sustains us, these are the things that will ripple out into the world from us whether or not anyone ever reads the words or music we have written or sees the painting or play or film we have created." To be creative is personal. It is to grow and become more expansive. Mountain Dreamer endorses creative activities with a group such as a Story Circle Writing Circle and she also encourages timed activities which create a container for our art. Other suggestions are that each meeting of the group start and end with a small ceremony or ritual. The chapter, A Necessary Silence, stresses the importance of solitary time. She says, "To create in any form, we have to be willing to engage our intent and then let go and allow this grace, this flow, this unpredictable and sometimes chaotic energy that is both what we are and yet larger than us, to direct the process." We must risk failure. There is never a guarantee that others will see and feel as we do and will appreciate it enough to publish it, buy it or spend money for tickets to see it. The last segment of the book describes her own process as she begins a writing project including ignoring the inevitable voices of the inner critic. She writes of her life as an artist as an example for others, and of building a community of support. To keep one's creative work totally for oneself, she says, leaves the process o

This book is a fantastic journey through the creative process. Living a creative life is the kind of thing so many people idealize, but here we are presented with the reality, the fears, the risks, the vulnerabilities, all the harsh things artists of all sorts will put themselves through repeatedly in order to live a creative life, not because it's what they want to do but because they are compelled. If you can look at the title, "What We Ache For", and feel that sharp tug in your heart, if you know what it is to ache for creative expression, then you will find comfort, camaraderie and plenty of invaluable tips for living a creative life within these pages. This book is pure, blazing-bright inspiration to me, and I'm forever grateful to it's author for sharing her thoughts and experiences.

One of the problems for an artist who wants to develop his or her creativity is knowing what creativity is. Some hope to lure a bolt from the blue that will change their view of the world. What they are probably looking for is inspiration. Most of the books on creativity don't even notice the difference between creativity and inspiration. Add to that that many of the creativity books seem to believe that artists are not creative because of psychological hang-ups and you begin to see the problems an artist may have in working on creativity. Oriah Mountain Dreamer is a writer who also has spent time as a facilitator and workshop instructor. I was a little reluctant to read this book because the title sounded so mystical. Well, the book is a bit mystical because the author believes in the strong connections between our sexuality, spirituality and creativity. But, surprisingly to me, the book is filled with practical information to help artists explore their creativity. To the author creativity is finding the way to look at what we know from a new direction or without our preconceived notions. Or to quote a wonderful expression that overuse has turned trite, "thinking outside the box." It means trying to expand the way we see the world, by exploring our experiences at a deeper level, or even more playfully. For example she describes seeing a sign saying "Angels Flight Railway" and wondering where angels would flee and what they would be fleeing from. The author doesn't give us a key to a door in our mind but suggests that we may be able to find a lever. The book is full of good practical advice, like telling the artist to find a special place to do his or her work, or learning to put aside time that is unscheduled. Some of these elements seem obvious but for me it was useful to hear her suggestions. Each chapter includes exercises to do. The reader may shy away from them, but they are worth trying. Thinking about which year of your life you would wipe out and why and what the effects would be can provide you with an insight into yourself that can help you shape your art. This is not a great book, but it is full of useful, practical advice. The artist in search of improved creativity will benefit from reading it.

In this book, Oriah Mountain Dreamer lovingly encourages us to follow our creative yearnings. She shares strategies that help her creative life. Also she gives food for thought as well as concrete exercises. The advice she offers us is provocative and challenging.