The Zen of Creativity introduction and chapter one

[Jinyo]

Thank you for the encouragement Anne. I know what you say is true - just need to remind myself during these fallow periods that they do indeed often
eventually birth something new.

Looking forward to being part of the group and thanks once again for the work you're putting in.

Gassho

Jinyo

Sat today

[Meitou]

Thank you for sharing - lots to think about within all the insightful comments here.
Hopefully book should arrive tomorrow so need to read opening chapter to get up to speed.

At a real low point concerning my personal creativity just now (to be honest, one of the reasons I think I avoided getting involved in joining in
with the group.) I'm a self-taught artist (even writing that jars) and have exhibited solo and with two groups I belong to for many years.But for
the past year I've felt very flat and uninspired. I also write and have published two novels and just finished a third. The importance of creativity is a central theme in the earlier two (particularly the second which is part memoir and part magic realism and shares my journey with art and Zen).

I have this nagging sense that I have somehow exhausted all that I have to express and can't create anymore art or literature or music/songwriting.

It feels selfish but I'm hoping being part of this group might help - but of course I want to contribute and be of some use as well


Gassho

Jinyo

Yes I can relate to this too, especially even thinking of myself as an 'artist' - imposter syndrome rears up. I agree with everything Anne has said. I don't believe it can ever leave us, rather like our practice, you think you can leave it, but it never leaves you. As I've said elsewhere here, I think a major key to unlocking blocks of negativity is to drop all idea of end results and allow ourselves to enter fully into the journey. Looking for the way forward certainly isn't selfish, I'm sure it's why we are all here, and in that we all help each other.
PS I'd be really interesting in reading your books, feel free to PM if you want to share the titles!

Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday/lah