Creativity

[Omoi Otoshi]

Creativity

The same thing with martial arts. In Judo for example, first comes intentionally throwing by breaking balance and applying full force, then you get more skillful, more focused, more prepared, Mind like Water. Throws come naturally flowing. Finally there are moments when you are being balance, being motion, being effortless throwing, everything throwing and being thrown, pure action without intent. Moving Zen.

[christopher:::]

Re: Creativity

Initially there is feeling out the basic image onto the surface, but once there is some information on the canvas, it begins to suggest its own unfolding. This suggesting grows until in the final stretch where the painting really does paint itself. That latter stage is very joyful.

The biggest killer is doubt, second guessing. No doubt. No second guessing. Just a spontaneous gesture that has an effortless perfection, like the way a tree grows. But I do think that confidence in skill, born of effort and commitment, is the ground.

Beautiful description. This has been my experience as well, and it's what initially drew me most strongly to meditation. The change in how "I" created was dramatic, suddenly it was like the works were painting themselves, or more like a dance where there was a unity of artist/creating/art, with no division.

Truly joyful.

A Harder challenge has been to bring that creative mindset to everything in life.

[RichardH]

Re: Creativity

Well, I guess we all have one thing we can talk about without hesitation. :lol:

Been slowly going through the talks posted on this site by Jundo and Taigu, and those words inspire to practice. Should join in the group sittings when I figure out the techy part. Slow learning curve that way. Gassho.

[Omoi Otoshi]

Creativity

Beautiful words. Makes me want to paint!

[RichardH]

Re: Creativity

I couldn't tease apart the Dharma from painting. Painting is practice. Once skills have been internalized through repeated effort they become second nature, or rather first nature. The practice of painting is just painting with no painter. It is not always like that. There are self-conscious times, and the work shows that self consciousness in its laboured gesture. But generally once things warm up, the art determines its own unfolding. Working with a canvas has an effort profile. Initially there is feeling out the basic image onto the surface, but once there is some information on the canvas, it begins to suggest its own unfolding. This suggesting grows until in the final stretch where the painting really does paint itself. That latter stage is very joyful.

The biggest killer is doubt, second guessing. No doubt. No second guessing. Just a spontaneous gesture that has an effortless perfection, like the way a tree grows. But I do think that confidence in skill, born of effort and commitment, is the ground.

[Ryumon]

Re: Creativity

Since I have been sitting Shikantaza, I noticed I am more open to creativity. I work as a graphic designer which involves developing creative solutions every day. Doubt, fear and self-judgement are all creative killers, and I feel I can let go of those afflictions easier. This allows ideas to flow more freely and to be aligned with my creative abilities. Also, the finished design is simpler but in a good way. Simple meaning it's an effective, creative solution that meets the project objective without the unnecessary elements. I truly believe Shikantaza helps to be in touch with my creative side even though that's not the reason why I practice Shikantaza.

Has anyone else experienced more openness to their creativity whether it's art, writing, music, etc.? Please share if you have.

That's tough to judge. I'm a freelance writer, and there are days when I can write a 1000-word article in an hour, with few corrections or revisions to make afterwards. I don't know if this is from experience, or if my mind is more flexible than in the past.

Personally, in my work, doubt and self-judgement are good to have. I find the need to question myself, whether what I'm writing is useful, valid, or well composed, in order to do better. Perhaps with visual creativity it's different...?

[Ekai]

Since I have been sitting Shikantaza, I noticed I am more open to creativity. I work as a graphic designer which involves developing creative solutions every day. Doubt, fear and self-judgement are all creative killers, and I feel I can let go of those afflictions easier. This allows ideas to flow more freely and to be aligned with my creative abilities. Also, the finished design is simpler but in a good way. Simple meaning it's an effective, creative solution that meets the project objective without the unnecessary elements. I truly believe Shikantaza helps to be in touch with my creative side even though that's not the reason why I practice Shikantaza.

Has anyone else experienced more openness to their creativity whether it's art, writing, music, etc.? Please share if you have.

Thanks
Jodi