Are you an artist? A painter, sculptor, jeweler? What about a writer, teacher, runner, dieter or housewife? If you're in the process of any kind of creative endeavor, venture in self improvement or move to a higher moral calling, you should read this book! I recently heard about Steven Pressfield's, "The War of Art" when I ran across it on Sandra Evertson's blog and then again in the newest issue of Somerset Studio where editor, Jenny Doh, wrote about it in her "Letter from the Editor". I just finished reading it...it's an easy read in a few sittings...and I highly recommend it. In fact, I like it so much, I'd like to pass on some of the best of what I've read so, I'm going to occasionally post some of Pressfield's wit and wisdom here for you.
"In Flight"
As the subtitle suggests, most of us creative types struggle with blocks and battles with the muse. Pressfield calls these obstacles "Resistance". He defines Resistance perfectly and tells how to overcome it. "Resistance by definition is self-sabatoge." We all know this to be true. How many times has that nasty little voice whispered in your ear "You can't do this! You're really not that good. Everyone else is better, more talented, prettier and better dressed than you!" From the git-go we are our own worst enemies!
But...there's another, insidious form of Resistance waiting in the wings. Once we begin to succeed and overcome our own, inner Resistance, we may begin to notice others resisting our success! Those close to us may develop strange, adverse reactions to our positive growth. Maybe you have a husband who is suddenly demanding, a child who develops an issue that needs all your attention, a friend who decides you've "changed" or, worse, a fellow artist who is unjustly critical or wildly jealous. Pressfield writes: "The reason is that they are struggling, consciously or unconsciously, against their own Resistance. The awakening (artist's) success becomes a reproach to them." Fascinating stuff.
Pressfield gives a terrific analogy for this: "The highest treason a crab can commit is to make a leap for the rim of the bucket." According to Pressfield, the best thing we can do is get over the edge and don't look back. Moving forward into success is what you want for yourself...isn't it also what you want for your fellow artists? If you're the one holding someone's leg as they try to get over the rim, it's a golden rule moment. "The best and only thing that one artist can do for another ist to serve as an example and an inspiration" If you're still at the bottom, gazing at the rim...what's keeping you in the bucket?
Get this book if you need a kick in the pants. Take the leap!
