Photo by Ilia Zolas on Unsplash
This Monday April 10, we will meet in person.
See calendar for online and in person schedule here.
Address for the OHMC meditation space:
3812 Northampton St. NW
Washington DC 20015
This Monday evening Andy will facilitate and we will meet in person at our meditation space at 3812 Northampton St NW DC 20015. Please arrive a little early so you have time to settle in before the 7:00PM meditation bell.
This week our subject of focus will be on creativity.
I thought for this evening we would take a slightly different topic for discussion, that of creativity. Creativity is a long time interest area of mine, and one I have returned to in recent months. Some of the more interesting books I have recently read have explored the more esoteric aspects of creativity and touch upon practices aligned to our mindfulness practice.
Buddhism emphasizes the cultivation of a clear and focused mind through mindfulness and meditation. This can allow for creative insights and expressions to arise spontaneously, without attachment to ego or external validation. In Zen, creative expression is seen as a way to embody the present moment and express one's true nature. Creativity may also require dedication and persistence, as exemplified by authors who set daily word targets and do not leave their desks until they are reached.
Buddhism teaches that all human beings possess an inherent potential for creativity, as part of our "bodhicitta" or "enlightenment mind." We have an innate desire to seek out and create beauty in various forms such as art, music, writing, or other creative endeavors. In my work life, I try to extend these principles to building teams, organizations, or businesses using my mindfulness practice by focusing on how our emotions shape our perceptions of the world and, consequently, our creative output.
Non-attachment is another important concept emphasized in Buddhism. It does not mean that we should not care about our creative work, but rather that we should not become overly attached to specific outcomes. By letting go, we can approach our creative work with openness and curiosity, generating more creative ideas and avoiding getting stuck in ruts or patterns.
Compassion is a core value in our practice and within our sangha, and it also plays a crucial role in fostering creativity. When we approach our creative work with a sense of compassion, we are more likely to create work that resonates with others and has a positive impact on the world. It's no surprise that many recognized creators in the world often possess high levels of sensitivity, which can come at great personal cost.
In our own tradition, as expressed by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) and the wider Plum Village community, we can see how many monastics and lay community members have creative skills, such as virtuoso musicians, singers, and artists. Thay's own poetry and calligraphy have set the tone for the role of art and creativity in the life of this particular Zen community.
Buddhism and creativity are closely linked, and many Buddhist practices can enhance creativity and lead to a more fulfilling life. By cultivating a calm and focused mind through meditation, practising mindfulness, detaching from specific outcomes, and approaching our creative work with compassion, we can tap into the deep well of creativity that lies within us.
Tonight, I invite you to reflect on the role of creativity in your own life.
Some questions to reflect on:
What enhances or blocks your creative processes?
How might you create more space for creative activities in your daily life?
How does your creative practice intersect with your mindfulness practice?