Of Earth and Stars

I have been struggling with the "Basic Principles" of The Artist's Way, but I have been enjoying the sense of exploring the book within the theartistsway cohort, so I have tried to rewrite them avoid some of the "Creator/God" language which was I really stumbling to connect with. I have rewritten a version for myself, and I may keep tweaking them as I'm not 100% sure they still fit. There are definitely other versions that have been created for secularists/atheists that may be better or more helpful for others. Admittedly, these are unique to my perspective/view of life and the universe, but I'm putting them here as a means to re-evaluate how I approach the series for the time being.

1. Life is energy, pure creative energy. (Cheeky me: And also matter, but the arrangement of that matter is also expressed in so many intricate and creative ways, and special relativity reminds us matter and energy are interchangeable.)

2. There is an underlying, indwelling creative force infusing all of life, including ourselves.

3. When we open ourselves to creativity, we are allowing ourselves to express our natural states, which are constantly seeking, changing, rearranging, and interacting with and exploring our environment.

4. We are thus capable of expressing creativity and being creative, as creative as the DNA in our bodies, the chemistry of atoms, the diversity of evolution.

5. Creativity is a natural expression of life and energy in the universe. Using our creativity in thought or action is another expression (and celebration) of life.

6. The refusal to be creative is counter to our nature as living creatures and leaves us static, isolated, and with limited growth.

7. When we open ourselves to creativity, we open ourselves to exchanging, learning, and experimenting with others and the world around us.

8. As we open ourselves to creativity, we will notice changes in our thinking and habits and perceptions of the world.

9. It is safe to open ourselves up to greater creativity.

10. Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a desire to explore, understand, and celebrate life. As we move towards our creativity, we find joy and learning and connection.