Embracing Zen in The Creative Process
Being an artist and a creator is deeply personal. It’s about your passion, purpose, drive, and craft, yet it is also so much bigger than you. As you delve into the creative process, you tap into a vast array of both seen and unseen forces. To truly access this depth of creativity, it’s crucial to move beyond your ego, or to at least keep it in balance. This shift is not only essential for creating meaningful art but also for maintaining your energy and avoiding burnout.
Two books that delve into the Zen aspect of the creative process are The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and The Art of You by James McCray. Rubin’s book is a highly recommended read that explores the essence of the creative process from a spiritual perspective. McCray’s book, which I am currently reading, offers a beautiful collection of affirmations for artists. One page in particular resonated deeply with me, and I’d like to share some of those affirmations with you.
"I am not my work; I am merely a channel." – this idea can be liberating, especially when you feel overly attached to your creations. It reminds us that creativity flows through us, rather than being a product of our singular efforts. This mindset helps us distance ourselves at least a bit from the outcome and allows for a more fluid and natural creative process.
Another powerful affirmation – "There are no mistakes. Mistakes are portals to unexpected solutions." This has helped me a lot to not get into self-flagellation mode, and helps us be more confident, real, and playful. When you stop fearing mistakes and start seeing them as opportunities, the creative process becomes less about perfectionism and more about exploration and discovery. It’s also a reminder that some of the most innovative ideas can emerge from what initially seemed like errors.
"Creativity is playful. If I’m not having fun, I’m doing it wrong." This affirmation underscores the importance of finding and creating joy in the creative process. While not every moment will be fun—creativity can be challenging and sometimes frustrating—there should be an underlying sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in what you do. Embracing this playful aspect can help keep your work light and inspired, even during tough times.
"I will let my work flow through me without trying to micromanage the process." This affirmation speaks to the need for trust in the creative process. It’s about relinquishing control and allowing your intuition, as well as the present circumstances, whatever they might be, to guide you. Micromanaging every detail can stifle creativity and lead to burnout. Trusting the flow can result in more authentic and inspired work.
"My success is based on inner fulfillment, not external validation." This is a crucial reminder in a world that often equates success with external accolades and recognition. This is a very hard lesson sometimes to internalize and requires discipline, but true success lies in the satisfaction and fulfillment you derive from your work, not in the approval of others. This inner focus can sustain your creativity and keep you grounded, despite “failures”.
"I will not compare myself to others. My only competition is my own fear and self-doubt." Comparison can be detrimental to creativity. Every artist’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary self-criticism, doubt and overthinking. Focusing on overcoming your own fears and doubts is a far more constructive approach that fosters actual growth and development.
"I trust where I am on my journey. There is no hurry." This final affirmation is a reminder to be patient with yourself and your creative journey. It’s easy to feel pressured to achieve success quickly, but creativity unfolds in its own time. And it's different for each one. Trusting your path and embracing the pace of your journey can lead to more profound and meaningful work.
In conclusion, embracing the zen of creation involves shifting your mindset, trusting the process, and finding joy in your work. By integrating these affirmations into your creative practice, you can cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling, and sustainable approach to art. It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth, one that requires patience, trust, and a balance of the playful as well as warrior spirit.