Our desire is to grow so quiet and to work so deeply that we participate fully in the mystery in which we're embedded. When we manage to do that we feel as if we have merged with the universe; for the duration of that experience we feel immortal. Eric Maisel More Quotes by Eric Maisel More Quotes From Eric Maisel An inability to choose is a hallmark of anxiety... The too-anxious artist, afraid to choose, will halt dead in the water. Eric Maisel anxiety artist water Ambition is vital, but dangerous: it is a keen motive and a driving force, but over what edge can it drive the artist? Eric Maisel driving artist ambition The writer loves the fog as it pours in; he loves the sun when the fog pours out. The rest of California is Beach Boys country, but San Francisco has that moody thing going on, those blues notes wrapped in moisture, an atmosphere that tempers California dreaming and makes life more real. The fog brings reality, but it is still a California reality, one spent outdoors the whole year round. Eric Maisel dream beach country If we had the consciousness of a cat or a dog, we would have it in us to become perfect Zen masters. We could gnaw on a bone, take a nap, play with a spider until we killed it, get our litter just right, and be innocently and serenely present. Meaning would mean nothing to us, nor would we need it to mean anything. We would be free, and we would be spared. But, we are human beings, and we posses that odd duck – human consciousness. Eric Maisel cat dog mean A key to a long, productive writing life is finding ways to support that life, emotionally and existentially. Eric Maisel keys writing long Creativity is the gift that keeps on giving. Eric Maisel vacation creativity giving Hurray for criticism, if it means that an artist's voice is heard. Let the wise artist invite criticism and survive it when it comes. Eric Maisel artist wise mean The artist's personality, built upon strong desires and compassionate vision, is by its nature prone to depression. Eric Maisel strong artist depression Humanitarian convictions are the linchpins of our salvation, and these an artist must champion. Eric Maisel champion artist humanity Artists are often poignantly careless about making and keeping friends. Eric Maisel careless artist friendship It goes against an artist's grain to retire. But whether he retires or not, he will age... What work will get done in the remaining time? ...Can he find a little peace in this twilight? Or must he still rush on, restlessly and hungrily, to the very end? Eric Maisel artist twilight age Affirmations need to be used if they are to become incorporated into the fabric of your being. Eric Maisel affirmation fabric needs The growth that an artist seeks is a fine combination of mastering craft, garnering an audience, maintaining one's mental health, and working mightily from a ever-expanding base of experience. Eric Maisel crafts growth artist While it may feel natural to devote yourself to your creative work and succumb to feelings of separation and alienation, it nevertheless isn't a terrific idea in terms of your overall happiness and health. Eric Maisel health creative ideas The artist can't paint, sing, or dance without emotion: if he does, he is a machine masquerading as a person. Eric Maisel machines artist doe You can sweat by not practicing or you can pick up your clarinet. There's good sweat and there's bad sweat. Eric Maisel clarinet sweat worry Even though we require flexibility to negotiate our changing circumstances, we are rather built to anxiously turn away from alternatives. Eric Maisel turns alternatives circumstances A creative block is a fear about the future, a guess about the dangers dwelling in the dark computer and the locked studio. Eric Maisel block fear dark Artists know failure. It is not tragic that they know failure; it is only tragic if they know failure and little else. Eric Maisel failure artist littles It is in an artist's real interest to congratulate herself more often: not out of narcissism, but in her role as her own dear friend and advocate. Eric Maisel encouragement artist real
