Magic of Awe Inspires Creativity

“My mother loved butterflies. After her celebration of life, a Monarch was fluttering around the exit door. She followed me to my car. Later, I wrote a poem about my mother migrating south with Monarchs. Glorious” – Becky Breed

If someone asks “What makes a good life?” Would you say friends and family you can count on? A spiritual connection? Personal resources that make you happy? Dacher Keltner, author of “The Thrilling New Science of Awe,” replied, “Find awe.” In his many years of research, he found that an awe-inspired life gives us meaning, and helps uncover something larger than ourselves–intense joy and  a sense of mystery that transcend common life. For artists and writers, there’s more. The magic of awe inspires creativity, creating a sense of wonder and deep curiosity–profound satisfaction and meaning.

Any Place and Sense of Self
Our life experiences are full of magical things that happen every day and the more we swim in them, the richer our lives become. Awe can be found in any place that quiets, touches or stirs us, where our breath is taken away and time is suspended. We can’t find awe on a map or through GPS on our phones; rather, we stumble upon awe when we view the world with wonder in our eyes. Particularly, perhaps, in thin places, a Celtic Christian tradition, where our connections to an external world expand. For instance, when we feel the heartbeat of a sacred place or the waves of reverence when returning to a certain silver mountain creek…sighting Orion’s belt in the dark sky on a frost bit night. Unforgettable music or dance.

Everyone has their own unique sense of self in relation to the world. Artists and writers know the magic of creativity and imagination are integral to them, essential to well-being and sense of self. An awesome experience inspires creativity by connecting us to the undiscovered, the mysterious. Awe awakens a sense of longing and hope where more is possible, anything is possible. Here’s my story:

Encountering Awe Inspires
I was walking our new puppy in the fresh snow and dappled sunlight, no one was around. In the distance, I heard muted voices, wild singing, and lots of laughter. Brightness was everywhere.  Four people, different heights, were walking in an open field towards me, their facial features blurred. Golden light rose from their heads, streaming in great ribbons to the sky. I couldn’t get my breath, my body tingled. And then, whoosh, the bright light was gone and a family walked past me.

All week I had been working on painting an artist shed, having difficulty. That day when I pulled out my water colors, my brush found new angles, perspectives that spoke shadow and light. My painting of the shed bloomed and became a reality.

It’s true, seek awe and you’ll find the good life, a meaningful life, and creativity will pour out of you. – Becky Breed

Writing/Creativity Exercise:

• Think about your moments of ecstasy, of great joy. Your wedding or a memorable time with family. Perhaps, a walk in nature, sitting on a rock sunning, in your garden, watching children play. The face of someone you love. Jot down a few or sketch them out.
• Think about the details that surround these experiences. Do you remember the colors, warm hues or bright? Language shared, the rich silence? How light touched his eyes? Heat or sensations in your body? What was the character of your experiences? Add them.
• Be inspired by your favorite music. Hearing special melodies can suspend time. What are your favorites? Consider listening to “Bolera” by Maurice Ravel or Peter, Paul and Mary’s anthem “There is Love”
• Now select one and create what you are pulled towards, be surprised and let your heart and hands do the work.

For more inspiration, check out our website www.thewritingandcreativelife.com.

Or follow this link to purchase our latest book, The Fire Inside.