Magic of Awe Inspires Creativity
- At February 20, 2023
- By Write in Community
- In Blog
8
“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.
Mike Stinson
“Bolera” and “There is Love” both inspiring performances. An awesome experience does have a tendency to loosen our imaginations and energy, as exemplified by your painting experience. Haiku writers like to go on “kigos”, walks for the express purpose of opening to the wonder in front of us, then capture the moment in a poem. Thank you, Becky!
Write in Community
I appreciate hearing from you, Mike, and your experiences with wonder inspiring poetry. The haiku you write are beautiful. Glad to know that you, too, relish how rich and stimulating walks can be. The word “kigos” is new to me. I’ll remember it on my next adventure!
Barb Highstreet
Becky… love reading and thinking about your words. Meaningful moments are sometimes missed by our hurried life. You are right ….we need to be aware and open to our surroundings and the sounds and sights.
Your words makes me open my senses.
Thanks.
Write in Community
Thank you for your insightful comments. You live your life with openness and wonder, Barb. All of your stunning artwork conveys this beautifully.
Brian Breed
Becky,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. From your Mom and butterflies to Sailor and walks with “wild singing”, I was completely captivated. The good life for me is the state of being perpetually grateful. I’m constantly in awe, humbled and inspired by the endless beauty in the world. Thanks again for reminding me of the limitless love from the people in my life that provide that bright ethereal light of inspiration for me everyday.
Write in Community
Brian, thank you for your beautiful reply to my post. You captured the essence of what I was trying to say. Being grateful opens our eyes to new possibilities. In the state of gratefulness all things have meaning and promise. We are more loving, thankful and see with fresh eyes. Our sense of wonder exponentially expands and the thrill of creativity is in our hearts.
Ron
It was, what the Irish call, a fine day, overcast with faint traces of moisture in the air. We were moving along the high ground, Laura and I, above the beach at Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland. The weather and clouds seemed to make everything appear as though it were a black and white photo.
The grass was slick and the possibility of a fall down to the water. was real. Then there appeared, in front of us, a depression in the earth, just big enough for the two of us. We lay down and curled together, almost completely out of the chilly wind that blew off the North Atlantic from the direction of the Great Blasket Island, just off the coast to the west.
There were no other humans in sight, a dolphin played in the rollers, it was as though we were the only two people on Earth. As we lay there we did not speak, for all was understood, we pondered in awe at the moment we were given, a snapshot in time of this “thin place”. A tactile, visual and emotional memory that I can call to mind as though Laura were still here today.
Write in Community
A remarkable story of an awe-inspired encounter of a “thin place.” Your account of the shared experience with a loved one conveys the deeply moving and unsuspected dimensions of what it means to experience awe. With most accounts of awe I’ve read, explanation subtracts from the full experience. In your case, Ron, your words captured the heartbeat of a “thin place.” I appreciate very much your sharing. Thank you.