Gaia: Creative Spirit

Help get my novel published!

http://22.gaia.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:40:03 GMT

Dear friends,

Please forgive me if this is not the correct place to post this information. I have been a member of Zaadz (Gaia) for quite a long time now and love the positive atmosphere it (and its members) have created.

I'm currently in the process of writing my first novel (I'm about half way through). Its aim is to present a positive look at spiritual/esoteric "abilities". The protagonist (Ethan) is gay -- in my opinion, there aren't enough positive gay role models in the media (or books) today.

I'm aware that it can be VERY difficult to get a book published these days, particularly if it doesn't happen to fit into a pre-defined genre. What would help is if I could show that there is a readership for "esoteric fiction".

I don't enjoy "publicising" myself in this way, but sometimes it's necessary to achieve something different, eh?

I would be deeply grateful if you could spare a few minutes to visit my website and sign the guestbook.

www.ethankingnovel.com

Feel free to post this link in others places if you think it may be of interest.

Thanks in advance!

Martin

I love painting

http://aarshi.gaia.com — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:22:23 GMT

I love painting. Its something that gives me that extra bit of energy and helps me rewind. Its often happened that I was completely undecided on what I want to paint and was playing around with the colors. At the end, what I ended up painting was quite cool, artistic as well as expressive. I am pretty passionate about painting and feel that I can express myself with the help of colors but I somehow cannot sit down to paint just about any time. I usually get this urge inside to want to paint. I guess that's my creative gift...

Writing is my Joy

http://baretoedgirl.gaia.com — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:43:33 GMT

I love to write. I'll write just about anything: poems, rambles, journals, stories (nonfiction, fiction, fanfiction), really anything that fulfills that spot inside me that needs to write. I have to pour out my thoughts, whether that means in cyberspace, or in one of my many journals, notebooks, and diaries. I've become looser about how I write in recent years. I used to feel really worried about the fact that other people might see what and how I write, and so I'd spend a lot of time trying to make them seem really eloquent and prosey. Although I still try in my work to make my words beautiful and best show what is in my head, I try to relax when I'm writing stuff like this. I've discovered that I can write pretty coherently if I just write EXACTLY what's in my head. So it's like I have a running commentary as I write, and I write just that, very informally and exact. I guess most people do this, in some way, but the particular way I do it is new to me. Anyway, I don't know if all of that is really worth reading to anyone, but that's alright. You don't have to. :)

I've been so inspired by the beautiful things that people on Gaia have written, quite effortlessly it seems, that I want to try to write in a lovelier way too, but sometimes that seems forced, so I don't do it. Everyone on here practically seems like a famous writer, they all write so perfectly, and sometimes it can be a bit intimidating, because I feel like I don't come off well, but I guess that's just part of the experience.

I don't plan on being a Writer with capital "W" in my career life; in fact, I want to be an archaeologist. But I discovered Elizabeth Peters the other day, and I've been inspired to try to emulate her a bit, in writing fiction based upon my experiences and knowledge in the field. I think I could do that, especially if I really tried to develop my abilities. So I guess that's what I'm trying to bring into the world: more writing. ;) And maybe more of a general appreciation for the work that archaeologists do, and for ancient history and peoples.

Thanks for letting me spout off and peace,
Samantha

INTERNSHIP: Learn Fair Trade Festival Business

http://wiselittleraccoon.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:15:20 GMT

I'm such a project person! I'm not gonna stop till I drop!

In my gypsy peddler wanderings with Heathcote Earthings I've met lots of folks trying to sell their good idea, like my friend Harriet Moon who makes cloth menstrual pads. She does an occasional booth on a very small scale. I saw someone selling dryer balls, tried them, and now I sell them at very little markup because I think every home with a clothes dryer should have dryer balls! My mom is after me to teach her how to make jewelry for a little extra money. Finally we at Earthings have decided to share our business wisdom in an internship!

Have an idea for a green retail venture but don’t know where to start? Heathcote Earthings sells at music festivals, county fairs, etc., saving the expense of store rent. We educate consumers on fair trade and many organic, recycled, natural and energy-saving options. We’re a cooperative based at Heathcote Community.

Live in community and learn how to make a difference while making your living! Interns will learn jewelry making, selling, display techniques, wholesale ordering, scheduling, booth design and placement, festival politics, bookkeeping, etc., from a 20 year veteran peddler! Upon completion, interns will have skills and business plan to start their own ventures or join our cooperative!. Housing is in our mill bunkroom. Vegetarian meals provided. Internship is a 3 month commitment, offered April through November. 40 hours per week, usually long days most weekends with time off mid week.

Nitty gritty: Non-smoker. Must have own car. Computer skills helpful. Details on community at www.Heathcote.org. Email for details on internship.

creative nonfiction

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:32:56 GMT

I write. Writing is like candy for the soul. Sugary, sweet, delicious. I write mostly creative nonfiction, as sometimes I find it hard to draw stories out of thin air. When the fiction feeling does strike, however, I often find myself simply embellishing a true story into something more unbelievable. I strongly believe in the wealth of knowledge a person can draw from reading something spectacularly well-written. Just the increased range of vocabulary is incredible. Inspiration grows by leaps and bounds after finishing up a good book. Reading even helps spelling, I'm sure, along with other sensibilities like grammar and punctuation. I believe the English language (or whichever one you read and write in) is beautiful, and it is meant to be exercised daily.

Good luck to everyone's artistic endeavors! The world can never have enough creativity. : )

Re: What I discovered about objects starting with stuffed animals

http://wiselittleraccoon.gaia.com — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:35:19 GMT

Annie, I know exactly what you mean. Life force flows through everything and we can connect. Thanks for this "tail"...

the Medicine Woman

http://wren-alitama.gaia.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:57:09 GMT

and the Medicine Woman said..the people will come and they will be asking to be taught..and to find their roots and the roots of their people....tell them the stories..and teach them if they ask to be taught..such is the way of the People....

What is in a mans heart ..or a woman's, is what is the most important thing that counts...all is Spirit and as we choose to use (or misuse) this Spirit.... it goes out into the World and does the intention or purpose that is the intent of this choice....Spirit is all there is..and to choose Peace instead of war is the greater truth ....and is the way of Spirit....to choose love and honor instead of dishonor..to those around you or to yourself ..is the greater truth and coinsides with what Spirit intends for us...to choose Love instead of hate..or ridicule is the sign of true holiness...and all else is false and manmade and of the world ..not the true intent of Spirit....if we could but love and let each other be...if we could but love and give honor to those around us...we will be doing what Spirit Wills us to do....and giving honor to ourselves....and Spirit will smile on us and we will be happy and guided on our path... When we do anything disharmonious ..this blocks us from seeing and doing the Will of Spirit...misuse of this Divine Gift is so very sad..and causes tears ....for those who choose to malighn each other...and causes there to be more disharmony in the world...there is so much of this now...my Brothers and Sisters...Let us instead choose to add to the harmony of this world and to the healing of our Mother Earth....and to love each other without judgement or dishonor..for when we dishonor someone..we dishonor ourselves....and even the Angels cry..... Wren ... Alitama

Reflections on 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl

http://darshan.gaia.com — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 21:20:26 GMT

So what are you doing December 21, 2012? Made any big plans?

The date just a little bit more than five years away, gives one pause for thought. Especially, when one considers the hypothesis put forth in the book 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl by Daniel Pinchbeck. Pinchbeck, a writer and founding editor of literary journal Open City, would on the surface definitely fit into your stereotypical role of member of the East Coast intelligentsia. But that description would probably fit a Pinchbeck from an earlier paradigm.

In Pinchbeck's first book, Breaking Open the Head: A Psychedelic Journey into the Heart of Contemporary Shamanism we explore one writer's journey into the world of psychedelic substances and the mysticism and ceremony which accompany them. This is the story of his personal experiences and the realms opened to him while undergoing rituals surrounding such psychedelic plant essences from the Iboga tree and the Ayahuasca vine brew.

Following this, in The Return of Quetzalcoatl, we are given not only deeper insight into his experiences with these substances and their accompanying shamanic rituals, but also a work of scholarship pulling inspiration from knowledge gleaned on the journey.

What if there were phyiscal evidence in the world that suggested our days of living in this plane of existence were strictly limited? What if there were voices around us that told us we were at a true crossroads in our human history and planetary evolution?

I know that many of my fellow Zaadzsters who read these words can almost instinctively taste these ideas without a directed notion from the outside world. After all, it is a commitment that each of us have made to being a part of the change in the world that brought us here.

In Pinchbeck's book we are treated to a work of scholarship based on a solid editorial background, personal experience, and perhaps most importantly, a record based upon inspired perception.

I came to this book like so many other subjects in my life, based upon the inspiration of fear. I can recall a long line of subjects, people and ideas which societal thinking, mass media and popular opinion told me I should fear. In 1980, when hostages were taken in the country of Iran , I was given the American cultural mandate that all Middle Easterners were savages with aspirations toward killing every American in the name righteousness and riches in the afterworld. As a teenager, I would hear the stories of Tupac Amaru Shakur, a young Rapper who spoke of hatred toward women, whites and the noble American establishment. In each case, curiosity would lead me to removing the mask from the beast, to better understand just what it was that I was supposed to be afraid of. Usually, not only would I come to a place of deeper and more balanced understanding, but a place of great respect and fondness.

And then there's the biggest fear: The idea that you and I are living in humanity's end times.

It has been not only a need to remove the beast's mask, but an instinct that my own perceptions were sensing something deeper at work that led me to pick up the book in an effort to better understand what could be happening.

Pinchbeck postulates that what is going on is a global consciousness transformation that has been pointed to for thousands of years from cultures and records as diverse as the Vedas, Mayan cosmology, Tibetan Buddhism, Mystic Christianity, Kaballah and Native American spirituality. Not only have the recent and near recent voices of Rudolf Steiner, Carl Jung and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin spoken of these ideas, but science has gone on to reflect the truths in ideas put forth by these vast and seemingly divergent voices. Why, what we have come to learn from Quantum Physics in the past twenty years and it's support of spiritual ideas is enough to give one pause for thought.

My experience of reading this book was powerful. I found myself not only amazed and challenged by the ideas put forth in the book, but literally facing a series of shattered assumptions. Despite my desire to read the book in as few sittings as possible, I found myself needing to put the book down so as to give myself an opportunity not only to assimilate the ideas proposed, but to redefine my framework of understanding.

Central to the book is the concept of the idea of callendrical time, and humanity's seemingly intrinsic need to wield control over the uncontrollable. The book quite rightly asks why in a global culture so fixated on technology and innovation, do we base our daily lives around the Gregorian calendar dating back to 1582, and before that, the Sumerian culture which shifted paradigms of timekeeping from a lunar methodology to a solar model?

The book is full of questions and possible answers to the understanding of the human experience. It also asks us why we operate at such a discord from our own possible true natures and that of the universe we inhabit.

In reading this book, I was not left with some limited idea of the way things may be, should be, or could be, nor some construct based upon a particular “medicinally inspired” contingent's way of thinking, but more and more pulled away from a reductive way of thinking.

I have for sometime tried to think in expansive ways, frame my behavior and work my processes in ways that allowed for greater possibility in function and understanding, even before I knew beyond an instinctual level what that meant. At a certain level, this way of being and thinking is still at a highly instinctual and nascent level. But I feel as if the learning now taking place within this particular time in my life is tearing out faulty wiring. Destroying false constructs. Confronting paradox and contradiction. Taking greater leaps of faith every time I sit down to create something or consider a challenge. And with all of this I am left with a single core question:

If humanity has less than six years in which it can choose to take part in a positive manner in a coming global shift of consciousness, then what should I be doing with my time?

This question certainly begets other valid questions, but my sense is that the time of debate has past us. The idea of “who is right” is an ideal of humanity set in an adolescent mindset, the idea of being “right” further shackled to an even more childish mindset.

In my childhood, I remember through the specters of nuclear supremacy, terrorism, the cult of Nostradamus and fatalistic Christian end-time ideas, feeling as if I was inheriting a world preparing to flicker out due to it's own lack of wisdom, and God's desire to have “his” way with us all. Now in my own adulthood, I get the sense that the wisdom of humanity is here with us in ever-greater mass, and that the God we imagine is but a pale shadow of the true nature of what we think “him” to be. Instead, I now believe that we are about to inherit a world in a New Era in humanity and a coming expansive nature, infinite in possibility, unlimited in nature.

But still the big question that one is left pondering is if there are just a bit more than five years to prepare, what should I be doing with my time?

Reading Like a Writer, by Francine Prose

http://storydancer.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:46:09 GMT

The aptly named Ms. Prose does a wonderful job of bringing writing alive in this book dedicated to teaching writers how to gain inspiration from those who know how to do it best. She freely shares insight and wisdom into the rich art of a well-crafted sentance and a precisely chosen word. The book is a pleasure to read and inspired me to bring my own writing to a new level of elegance.

Re: What is art? ...

http://ClarityQuest.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:24:42 GMT

Very interesting thoughts, Reza.

Co-Creating Reality ~ What Else is Possible?
Namaste,
Alex Chua

What is art? ...

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 09:01:43 GMT

I think art is somthing that have 1.arrangement or organization and 2. creativity.
I think art is a key to know god better.
and i think we love art because we made with arrangement and creativity.

Aristotle say
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.

Re: Question for writers

http://darshan.gaia.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:04:40 GMT

It's interesting because to me, I find that when I get together to talk about writing with fellow writers, discussion of the craft is seldom involved. These days I am more involved in writing screenplays, so I will talk with other writers about the films they have seen and enjoyed, but again, actual discussion of the craft seldom happens.

I have found that more often than not, I will often talk to other writers about life, philosophy and whatever it is that serves as inspiration or the fodder of writing.

I guess when it comes to the process, then yes, for me it tends to be pretty private, though I do enjoy writing in public places. Often times being surrounded by the energy of other people who are familiar but not necessarily friends, provides a source of energy and inspiration.

When it comes to editing my scripts, I will come to a circle of my most trusted friends to help provide feedback for the process, but I will once again return to a solitary mode for my actual editing.

Hope that gives you some insight. Thanks for the question!

--D.

ATTENTION! SCREENWRITER'S LOUNGE NOW OPEN!

http://darshan.gaia.com — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 09:54:50 GMT

As a resource to aspiring and working screenwriters, I have opened a new pod called the Screenwriter's Lounge. It's a place for anyone who has ever written or wants to write a screenplay to connect, learn from, and support one another.

Until Zaadz offers semi-private pods, the pod is private and by invitation. This is done to keep ideas under a little bit tighter wraps. Since screenplays and the material that inspire them are precious intellectual property, this helps ensure a greater level of security.

Drop me a private note at my profile or respond to this post, and I will extend a formal invitation to you.

Hope to see enthusiastic and passionate writers joining us soon!

Question for writers

http://mansarovar.gaia.com — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 01:37:51 GMT

Hi everyone, I'm new to this pod, and I wanted to start off by asking my fellow writers a question: In Page after Page, the author states that the input that goes into writing is public, and what comes out, what you actually write, should remain private. That is, you should read and talk to other writers and discuss books and writing and all you love about it, but when you actually sit down to write, that should be your own personal affair and shouldn’t be discussed until after the fact. Writers have to be very secretive, she says, and the same time very communal. I would like to know how writers around me feel about this. Is this an accurate description of your writing practice?

Developing Digital Short Films by Sherri Sheridan

http://daivanati.gaia.com — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 02:48:13 GMT

This book is highly, highly recommended for writers, filmmakers, animators, etc.

It appears to be a book about Developing Digital Short Films...yet it is sooooo much more. I love the quotes scattered throughout...from Sanaya Roman, Joseph Campell, Richard Bach, etc.

It's extremely inspiring and takes you through the preproduction process, character development, brainstorming ideas, visual storytelling techniques, etc.

I bought it for script writing...but now I'm thinking about taking the next step, into short films.

Transform your photos into artworks... paintings etc for FREE

http://ClarityQuest.gaia.com — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 04:14:07 GMT

I invite you to Transform your photos into artworks... paintings etc for FREE & maybe also Take the Awareness Challenge!

Re: Weeks 8 through 12 (LOL!)

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:43:08 GMT

Very true! Even though I decided to finish the 12 weeks on my own, away from Zaadz, it doesn't mean I won't be back to post something later. As I said, this isn't really something that ever ends!

In fact, I'll bable some more right now, and you'll have to forgive me that this is a copy/paste from by blog...

You know how most “self-help” books are a good read and oh-so inspirational while you’re reading them, but then when you put the thing down “real life” interferes and in the end the book wasn’t all that effective in changing anything for you? (Can you tell I’m a bit jaded? From parenting books, to “start your own business” books, to “dealing with difficult people books,” I’ve sort of had some experience here!) Most self-help books are like most cook-books. They assume too much and they ask you to find ingredients that don’t exist in any market you frequent. Well I will tell you that Julia Cameron has hit upon something. There is a difference in her method.

The difference is that all throughout the book, you are incorporating the wisdom into your life, and it really is YOUR life. Not some life the author assumes you are having. As the weeks go by, you read something and then think, “Wow, how did she know?” Or something happens to you, and then you go read the next week’s stuff and there she is talking about that very thing happening “soon.” It’s magic. And at the end, if nothing else, at least you take these three things away with you for life: Morning pages (dumping your mind onto the page every morning), the Artist Date (taking yourself – and only yourself – out for an artistic adventure at least once a week), and the daily 20 minute walk.

So, of all the so-called “self-help” books I’ve read over the years while working at bookstores and the library, The Artist’s Way is only the third that I can ever remember recommending to anyone. The first was “Wishcraft: How to get What You Really Want” by Barbara Sher, and the second was Your Baby & Child by Penelope Leach (a parenting manual refreshingly told from the point of view of the baby).

And I’ll tell you, if you’re like me, you may already have a copy of this book on your shelf! Mine sat for TEN YEARS until Awen finally gave me the nudge I needed to dust the thing off and give it a try. I’m really glad I finally did.

Cheers! I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

Re: Weeks 8 through 12 (LOL!)

http://ClarityQuest.gaia.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 05:03:08 GMT

Hi Diane,

I believe everyone here appreciate all that you have put into this. Just as life have gotten in the way regardless of your initial decision, life would get out of the way in due time... keep things open & who knows, you might just be inspired to post something soon, whenever that may be :-)

Best Wishes,
Alex Chua

Weeks 8 through 12 (LOL!)

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:54:56 GMT

Well, many apologies for not continuing. I believe I stopped right at the point where I debated whether or not to continue, and thought I had decided to continue! Oh, well. Life got in the way. I really wanted to continue The Artist's Way and I was coming up so short on time that coming here and posting was putting a kink in the process. The lack of any interaction also pushed me to continue on, on my own, rather than come here and type in everything I had already processed on paper for myself.

That said, let me rave about this program and say that you get out of it what you put into it. When you see a little progress, the rush to continue is very exhilarating and as you continue, more and more revelations about yourself and your work and why you do things the way you do them will be shown to you.

I believe that now the Morning Pages and the Artist Dates will be a part of my life for evermore. I just can't imagine not having them. It is truly a way for my younger self to hear how much I love her!

Week eight was the turning point for me. It is the one in which so many ah-has! came to me. But then weeks nine & ten were like pulling teeth for me. I'm sure the chapters we struggle with are as unique as we are as individuals.

I know, from looking all over the web at various discussion boards focused on The Artist's Way, that many, many people fall off in just the first four or five weeks. I know I owned this book for 10 years before I read more than the introduction. But once it is time for you, you will embrace it and it will really take you places.

Best wishes!
Diane

Re: Affirmations

http://d.gaia.com — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:54:24 GMT

Late reply to an old thread, but hey, these issues are timeless. ;)

I have two quotes to share with you on this topic. The first is from a professional theatre director I worked with several years ago. He had stellar credentials: Royal Shakespeare Company, Old Vic, professional shows in NYC, his own theatre company in Australia, plus a number of television credentials. He told me "Every time I start work on a show, I feel certain that this is the one where I'm going to be found out - that people will realize I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing."

#2 from Kurt Vonnegut: "When I write, I feel like an armless and legless man with a crayon in my mouth.

What I take away from these (and this is reinforced by my own experience) is that you don't ever reach a point where you say "yes, I've arrived - I am a master of my artwork" - instead, you just get comfortable with feeling like you're always learning.

I've been playing the piano for a while now. I know that there are things I can play now that I couldn't play a few years ago, but that's usually not what I'm focussed on. I'm usually focussed on the things I *can't* do, simply because I'm always pushing myself and trying new things. It's like the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know! ;) I can look back and pat myself on the back for the things I've learned, but then I look ahead, see all the things I can't do, and just keep moving on.

You're exactly right when you say "I don't have to drop off the quest for excellence, but if I don't sing and write, I will never achieve it, no matter how many lessons I take" - there are some lessons that can't be learned except by just doing it, so give yourself that permission. You think you're just a beginner? Well, that's OK - lots of people feel that way, even the ones who have been doing for a very long time. :)