Kalpana Sharma's Key Ideas from Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert

1. Courage
2. Enchantment
3. Permission
4. Persistence
5. Trust.

 Fear is boring in the sense that it manifests in the same way every day. There is no variety to it. It never changes or isn’t able to spark any interest or delight. Once we understand the true nature of fear we don’t need to be afraid anymore. We must cultivate the courage to embark on creative journey by making space for fear. Courage is not fearlessness i.e the absence of fear but rather living alongside fear by making space for it to exist but never let it take the driving seat.

As per Gilbert, the universe is inhabited not just by humans ,animals but also ideas. These ideas are conscious and have a will be manifested by collaborating with a human. These ideas come in the form of an inspiration and if they are not tapped into they fade away and look for another human for manifestation.

• You don’t need anyone’s permission to live creatively. Why do you seek permission? You are entitled to live a life the way you want. You have the right to assert yourself just because you are born and alive.
• The creative endeavour should not be to help others but to help one’s own self. It’s also okay to not have any motive whatsoever.
• The paradox of creativity is that we need to make art as the most important thing that we do but at the same time it shouldn’t matter to us way too much. Make space in your life for this paradox to happily exist.

• There is no age limit when you can make a start at something. As long as you stick around the different phases (frustration and disappointment) of the creative process you are fine. You are learning.
• There is never going to be enough time and resources to make art possible but one needs to take that time out and work on their creative pursuits.
• Fall in love with your creativity and you will find/make time for it.
• Make your self look presentable to attract and invite creativity.
• Perfection is the enemy of the good. Don’t hold yourself back because one is not perfect. Embrace imperfections.

• We are co-creators of life and we collaborate with mother nature to create life through reciprocation of its services
• Gilbert argues that you need to trust love over suffering to be artistic.
• When you not feeling inspired or passionate about creativity then being curious is the antidote. Find clues to whatever interests you and creativity will find you eventually
• Ego demands rewards and satisfaction which is always elusive and there is no ending to it while soul desires ‘wonder’ and when we take refuge in the soul our ego remains silent or under control.
• Don’t dwell on disappointments.