Victor Shamas, Ph.D.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • The Inspiring Playbook
  • Deep Creativity
  • Media
  • TEDx
  • Global Chant
  • Books & CDs
  • Repose
  • AUM Tantra
  • The Pledge
  • PlayHaven
  • Wave1
  • The Chanter's Guide
  • The Way of Play
  • Intuition Study
  • About
  • Inspiring
  • Beatles Video
  • Fountain

FREE-spirit artists can never fail!

10/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Are you a free spirit? You can take this short quiz to find out. And what you will discover is that the definition of a free spirit is based entirely on one thing: the experience of being fully alive (EBFA)! You are already familiar with this experience. In an EBFA, you are so immersed in the moment that time stands still and you literally lose yourself. All distractions disappear, and the only thing that matters is the sensations you feel: passion and inspiration, love and joy, bliss and ecstasy.

For a free spirit, nothing is more precious than the EBFA. Most of the artists I have met and interviewed qualify as free spirits because they have made such experiences their highest priority. They have devoted their lives to their art, even when it has meant financial struggle and a lack of recognition. Most would agree that an artist’s life is not easy. Like everyone else, artists have bills to pay, and they have heard the modern-day gospel of “security and stability.” I can’t imagine there are very many artists who have not been encouraged at some point—by a friend, parent, spouse, or lover—to settle down, find a more practical career, and start thinking about their future.

Given these challenges, why would anyone pursue the path of an artist? Perhaps some hold onto the dream of future success. But many more know that the moment they delve into their own creative process, they have already achieved success. When you are devoted to the EBFA, you can never fail! The magic that happens in the creative moment is infinitely rewarding. That is not an exaggeration. I know that it has been for me. When I write, I don’t think about what will become of my words. Will anyone read them? Will anyone care? It makes no difference. There is a moment when I “lose my fingers.” Those fingers almost seem to have a mind of their own. They type words on the keyboard of their own accord, and I am a fascinated reader waiting with baited breath to find out what will appear next on the computer screen. That’s magic!

The more I immerse myself in that moment, the richer and more satisfying it becomes. There is so much unfolding right here, right now, in this precious instant. I connect with something infinite and eternal. Suddenly, all things become possible. An expansive universe opens up to my imagination. And nothing—I mean, absolutely nothing—is missing. My personal mantra, as an artist, is: “Here and Now, Baby!” These words draw my attention to the perfection of this moment: Everything that ever was or ever will be is here right now.

I just came across a story about film director Steven Spielberg. Early in his career, he had a studio boss who assured him, “I will support you as strongly in failure as I will in success.” These words gave Spielberg a sense of freedom, allowing him to be bold and imaginative without fear of failure. What a wonderful luxury it would be to receive such words of support from a boss. But I have an even more liberating message for my many artist friends: You cannot fail. If you know the intense joy that comes from creating, you are already a success. No matter what else happens in your life, you can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt: I MADE IT!

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    I want to hear from you! Please share  your questions and comments. And sign up for my newsletter, where I will pass along the insights, ideas, and inspiration that come my way.
    Picture

    Contact me:

    ​Email
    Facebook
    Twitter

    Archives

    November 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    January 2017
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    October 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    May 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • The Inspiring Playbook
  • Deep Creativity
  • Media
  • TEDx
  • Global Chant
  • Books & CDs
  • Repose
  • AUM Tantra
  • The Pledge
  • PlayHaven
  • Wave1
  • The Chanter's Guide
  • The Way of Play
  • Intuition Study
  • About
  • Inspiring
  • Beatles Video
  • Fountain