Creativity and "Ego"
“Creativity and ego
cannot go together.
If you free yourself
from the comparing
and jealous mind,
your creativity opens up
endlessly.
Just as water springs
from a mountain,
creativity springs
from every moment.”
The quote above suggests a mutually exclusive relationship between creativity and “ego,” which I take to mean that if something I create (e.g., this writing) is motivated by egoic desire, then it is not true creative expression. So how can we tell the difference between pure creativity and that which is propelled by ego? I suppose one way is to pause and honestly ask oneself, why am I doing this, or why am I saying this?
I just paused and asked myself this question. The main answer is that it just feels right to try to write something. I enjoy the process of beginning with nothing, then suddenly an idea arises (sparked by stumbling across the quote above) and makes space for the creative act of filling in the idea silhouette with form and color. And then I have the opportunity to share my little creation with you. So my motivation is to uncover something living inside me and to connect with you, hopefully providing an enjoyable experience on your end. You’re completing the “beholder’s share” of creation in this instant and inevitably adding your own unique meaning to these words.
However, there may be more egoic motivations involved. How can I write a blog post that will get comments, or be re-shared, or get people to sign up for my workshop, or boost my internet following. A difference I’m noticing here is that the motivations I’m defining as “egoic” are instrumental in nature. They are not based on the creation itself, but what the creation can do for me, and specifically how it can get me stuff (e.g., money, fame, admiration, love, etc.).
According to the quote, if a creation is propelled by these egoic motivations, then it is not a true creation. To genuinely create is a vulnerable act, one of removing the block from the water spring, trusting the water will be there, and letting it flow. This can be done not only in the form of writing or other stereotypically creative acts like drawing, painting, poetry, music, etc., but also in everyday words and actions. I like the idea of seeing everything we say and do as creative acts, and gauging, in any moment, if the creation is motivated by ego or if it is a vulnerable releasing of something pure, “free from the comparing and jealous mind.”
And just to mention, Jeong Kwan, the quote source, is a Buddhist nun who is renowned for her cooking skills. Here are 5 minutes you won’t regret, in which she prepares a shiitake mushroom soup.
What pure creation
is available to you
now?
***On a final note, I’ve added an option at the end of these blog posts for you to make a small contribution if you’d like. Please only do so if you feel moved to, and know that your donation goes directly toward helping me continue to provide affordable individual guidance as well as create new content, such as this blog, in the name of increased well-being and reduced psychological suffering. One particular project I’m currently working on is a book that encapsulates my psychological, philosophical, and spiritual perspective on getting to know oneself deeply and getting out of one’s own way. If you’re so inclined, your contribution would support these efforts and would be greatly appreciated (click the button below to donate). Thank you for being here!