Oct 31 2008
Finding the Genius Writer Inside You
Over two millennia ago a Hindu sage named Patanjali wrote something in his Yoga Sutras that all writers should memorize:
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds. Your mind transcends limitations. Your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than what you ever dreamed yourself to be.”
I find that passage to be inspiring in and of itself. Think of it: If you can find a “great purpose” or an “extraordinary project,” incredible things will happen:
- Your thoughts (your mind, your mental capabilities) will break their bonds and soar, transcending into new realms of potential.
- Your consciousness will expand outward in all directions, transporting you into a new and wonderful world.
- Forces inside you and around you, as well as abilities within you, will become activated.
- You will recognize your true greatness as a human being, and it will surprise you.
Last night I sat in bed with a notebook open on my lap, two virgin pages screaming a challenge at me. I wanted to write something good – the start of a novel, perhaps. But I was bone-tired and a novel is a monumental undertaking. I closed the notebook. It would have to wait.
This morning I have been thinking about last night’s cop-out. I was tired, to be sure. But I could have written something … at least the start of something. Why didn’t I?
I can’t say I didn’t have the energy. If a fire had broken out in the house right then, I would have been zipping around like a kid putting it out. I didn’t have much energy, but I had enough energy. It was the inspiration I lacked. That “great purpose” Patanjali spoke of – that “extraordinary project” – was not a sufficiently real presence in my mind to activate all the miracles inspiration makes possible.
Writers are more likely to suffer from a lack of inspiration than from a shortage of energy, talent or resources. The key to building a bonfire of inspiration within you is to identify your great purpose or extraordinary project, define it in detail, and then make it real – real enough to vividly see, feel, smell and taste it.
What could be a more extraordinary project than, say, writing a book, screenplay or other work that will affect thousands – maybe millions – of people? To what greater purpose could you devote your time and energies? Think about it. Live with it. Let it grow inside you. And importantly, believe in it. Let yourself fall into the transforming grip of inspiration.
Patanjali’s promises await you.
Thanks Steve - inspiring and challenging post!
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I’ve just spent a year uninspired. Still writing, but uninspired nonetheless. Notebook pages of scribble that are too depressing to reread. I didn’t throw them out though. you never know, in a more inspired moment I may be able to do something with them.
In the last few weeks though, I’ve discovered that the entire time my body was letting me down (and I thought I was just working too hard). I’ve since had my gallbladder whipped out and now, forced to ignore distractions such as work and a messy house, am slowly getting it back.
A few days ago I had a great idea about an artist with creative block, just before that the start of a story let itself be known in the wee hours, and today, well today I have just written my third posting to this blogsite. I haven’t wanted to comment on a blog for months.
I may even cruise over to my blog and see what else is waiting to be written.
At last, purpose and a project!