The Path of Creativity
We begin Yoga for the Creative Soul with a journey through the obstacles that stand between us and our true, expressive Selves. You may not yet believe that you are an expressive or creative person. Trust that if you have picked up this book, it is a calling from that mysterious place within that impels all creative action.
The Path of Creativity is a mystifying one. No two paths are alike. In fact, the more unique your expressions and creative outputs, the more likely it is that you are in touch with your true inner creator. This requires courage, however. Especially in the beginning, reaching into the depths of yourself to pull out some form of “art” can feel like swimming against an unseen current. Let the idea of “art” go for right now. Anytime a voice in your head starts talking about art or related concepts such as aesthetics, balance, harmony, or any other external judgment, shift your focus to the process of creating something and expressing yourself.
For the purpose of this book, and for the sake of your creative soul, reset your focus to the ideas of creativity and self-expression. They are a more honest filter through which to view your output. The part of us all that paints, writes, cooks, dances, etc., has its own personalized preferences and approach. As soon as we apply a vision of technique or outcome to that one-of-a-kind self-expression, we begin to take creativity out of the process.
This book is more about the process and about learning to keep the creative flow happening. This begins with Chapter 1, Motivation & Movement, and carries on by addressing the five main obstacles in yoga philosophy that stand between who we think we are and who we really are. These spiritual hindrances are addressed in Chapter 2: Resistance & Clearing Ignorance; Chapter 3: I, Me, Mine, Divine; Chapter 4: Toward & Away; and, finally, the interference of Chapter 5: Fear.
Read on, and enjoy Part 1 as it supports you in removing the obstacles that stand between you and a connection to your creative zest for life. You can explore the beliefs, experiences, and proclivities that limit your free expression and apply creative practices to learn more about why these barriers interfere with your unique personal journey. You will notice that some obstacles possess more power than others. It is okay for you to experiment with different barriers to different degrees on different days. Sometimes you may wish to examine deep personal challenges and other times take a gentle path to getting more insight about what you already have a handle on. Revisit Part 1 anytime you lose touch with your creative process as a means of removing what may be standing in your way. Be playful and accepting—there is no right or wrong way to create. This is your journey. Enjoy it!