"We all need to have a creative outlet — a window, a space — so we don't lose track of ourselves."
— Norman Fischer
American Poet / Zen Buddhist Priest
1946 -
Commentary
I believe that creativity is as important as breathing to living a happy, successful life. We all need a outlet for creative expression — whether that is writing poetry or painting canvases or discovering creative solutions to problems. Creativity is not limited to professional writers, dancers or artists. We all have the need to be creative. And most of us should and can express ourselves through various media. Don't limit yourself to one medium. If you write novels, take up dance and see how they inspire each other. If you paint, learn to play a guitar.
Being creative is not about money or skill or success. Being creative is about opening yourself up and letting go. Being creative is about exploring yourself. Some of the most creative people have never made a dime from their creations. Some professional novelists, actors and painters find that their success becomes a prison and they lose the outlet for their creativity. They lose the reason for being a writer, actor or artist. Create for the sake of creating. The joy is in the process not the product.
Creative Practice
This week find a new outlet for your creativity. Explore new ways to express yourself. Create something in a medium you have not used previously.
Background of Writer
Norman Fischer was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1946 to Jewish parents. He studied poetry at the University of Iowa. In 1980 he was ordained as a Zen priest. He served as the co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center from 1995 to 2000. In 2000 he founded the Everyday Zen Foundation. He has published 9 books of poetry. He is married with two children.
