We are all creative in one way or another. In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t reserved for artists; it’s a universal trait that lives within us all, waiting to be embraced.

Creativity is for Everyone

The depth of The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is truly astounding. There is so much wisdom packed into its pages that I’ll need to cover it in two parts, starting with this first part.This is a book I know I’ll return to again and again, discovering new insights with each read.

A Book Worth Revisiting

Early in life, I always considered myself creative through my oil painting and art. Over time, my creativity shifted to training development and delivery, where I found new ways to express myself. Now, it’s showing up in writing and podcasting, continuing to evolve as I explore new ways to share ideas and connect with others.

Creativity Evolves over Time

"There's a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us."

Creativity is not a rare ability.It is not difficult to access.Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.It involves bringing something new into existence that wasn't there before. Could be art, a conversation, a solution to a problem, or a new way of thinking.Creativity is about perceiving, filtering, and curating experiences for ourselves and our audience.

Everyone Is A Creator

Though artists generally aren't aware of it, the end work is a by product of a greater desire.Our creations allow us to share a glimpse of the unseen, an inner landscape that is beyond what we could image.Watch for moments that take your breath away, whether a beautiful sunset, the sounds of amazing music, or a design that captivates your attention.Harnessing this energy can be useful in your own creative pursuits.

The Unseen

"Look for what you notice but no one else sees."

A practice is the embodiment of an approach to a concept.An approach to living in a state of openness.Requires setting up daily rituals and constantly refreshing awareness to maintain the state.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A daily walk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Savoring our meals by eating slower and with intention.</li></ul>One day you realize you are always in a state of awareness at all times.

Practice

We are all different. We are all imperfect.Imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.If a creator is afraid of judgement, they will never move forward in their creations.The desire to share the work needs to be greater than the fear of judgement.It is in our imperfections that some of our best work shows up.

Self Doubt

"The person who makes something today isn't the same person who returns to the work tomorrow."

When it comes to art, rules are different.The laws and rules of math and science are different than the laws and rules of art.Artists follow assumptions, not absolutes.Rules direct us to average and our goal is not to fit in.Value your own approach. Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist.

Rules

There are no shortcuts.Patience is required for crafting a work that resonates and contains all that we have to offer.If there is a rule to creativity that is less breakable than the others, it's that the need for patience is ever present.Experience life slowing. Taking in the experiences it presents.Re-image your ideas.  And now do it again.

Patience

Art creates a profound connection between the artist and the audience. Through that connection both can heal.

Inspiration involves creating space for insight.Practice meditation and contemplation as a method of quieting the mind to achieve inspiration.It's about both our quality and quantity of download.One can never be sure when this spark of insight originates.An artist's life cannot be solely based on waiting for inspiration.In its absence, we may work on other areas of our work that does not require the power of "awe."

Inspiration

"Talent is the ability to let ideas manifest themselves through you."

Part 2 of this book will come next week.Would love to have you follow me❗️Hope you all enjoy my content and remember each entry in Deepstash turns into a podcast:www.brianmunroe.tv

Would Love To Follow

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

The #1 New York Times bestseller. From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us. "A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities. The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

habits

Habits

creativity

Creativity

books

Books

Rick Rubin

The Creative Act

Each book that I write ideas about here in Deepstash turn into a podcast sharing session. I hope something you hear in my words resonates with you. - Brian<a href="https://youtu.be/ZAyiTG3vdfE">BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Ep1 - The Secret Letters from the Monk who Sold his Ferrari - Robin Sharma

This book came into my life at one of my darkest periods. The transformational journey the character went through was my journey. His words, my words.This book truly saved my life.

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

podcasts

Podcasts

Books change our lives. Book change our way of thinking. Books re-enforce our beliefs.  We learn from books.  We laugh at their words, we cry on their pages.  Books come to us for a reason and a season.  For me, these books have come into my life for a purpose and I plan to share the story and lessons around each one of them.  And when I am so lucky, I will have others on the podcast to talk about their books as well.

All About Books

The Book That Changed My Life Forever

We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.

As I started to read I had no idea this book would alter the course of my life forever.  "You read this 3 times?!" - Chris Collins author I Am Leader, during a podcast while talking about this book.That's right I read the book 3 times.  I was the character in this book.  I felt an instant connection.  I was the one with a relationship in shambles, disconnected from my children, lost in my mindset and at an all-time unhealthy weight.  Little did I know I was about to go on the journey of my life.

Man In Trouble - Was This My Story?

As I stepped into the character, my transformation began.A journey to wonderful places around the world to meet with an eclectic group of people.Strangers who reveal astounding insights on how to reclaim my life, be true to myself, and fearlessly live my dreams.Here are the lessons I learned in my journey and share now with you.

We Can Learn from Anyone

The best gift we can give ourselves is the gift of living an authentic and genuine life.  We need to:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">break free of the seductions of society and live on our own terms and values.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">explore our unseen hopes, desires, strengths and weakness that make us who we are.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">understand where we have been and where we are going.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">make every decision our commitment to living a life that is honest and true.</li></ul>

The Power of Authenticity

Fear keeps us right where we are.  Right in the center of our comfort zone and our familiar place.The greatest risk in life is not taking any risks at all.Stepping into the discomfort of growth, learning, and progress brings us a step closer to living a free life.We learn, over time, to grow more fearless and powerful.

Embrace Your Fears

Our words are our thoughts verbalized and our deeds our beliefs in action.No action, regardless of size, is insignificant.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Kindness is life's biggest mirror.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mistrustful to others - mistrustful to ourselves.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Cruel to others - cruel to ourselves.</li></ul>Every encounter with another is our opportunity to shine a light on our values to influence positivity.Be kinder. Be more generous.

Live with Kindness

”Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.”

The way we handle of small tasks dictates the way we handle ALL tasks.As we excel at our small tasks, our large tasks fall into place.Consistency is key.Daily incremental effort builds upon itself to produce monumental things.Small daily improvements lead to exceptional results over time.

Make Small Daily Progress

All work is your chance to express your personal talents - your time to shine a light on your greatness.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">devotion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">passion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">energy</li><li class="ql-align-justify">excellence</li></ul>May your work be a source of inspiration to others and make a difference in the lives around us.Strive for true mastery in your work.  A life beautifully lived is to do the work that matters to you.

To Lead Your Best Life, Do Your Best Work

Always be aware of those around you. Those you allow into your inner circle of influence.Spend time with those who appreciate you.  Lift you up. Elevate you.Be with those who bring out the very best in you.Surround yourself with people who truly love and care for you.Your most positive friends and peers will inspire you to be the greatest version of yourself and lead a magnificent life.

Choose Your Influences Well

Most people end up discovering what is truly important to them when they are much older in life.  How sad a realization.Years spend pursing things that do not matter only to find out the things that truly matter have been around us the entire time.Look for the wealth of blessings all around you each day.As you do, your happiness and gratitude will expand.

Life's Simplest Pleasures Are Life's Greatest Joys

The heart is wiser than the head.Trust your heart.Honor your heart.Follow your heart.The quality of your life will come down to the amount of love you poured into it and everything around you.

The Purpose Of Life Is To Love

"Don't live the same year 75 times and call it a life."

Every single one of us is here for a reason, a special purpose, a mission.Build a happy beautiful life for yourself and those around you.Make your life matter.  Be of use, be of service to others.Become successful on your terms, not the terms of society.Develop yourself, always be learning, always be expanding.Seek understanding.Be curious.Dance like EVERYONE is watching, and have fun!

Stand For Something Bigger Than Yourself

This book found me during one of the darkest periods of my life.

After a bizarre encounter with his lost cousin, Julian Mantle—a former high-powered lawyer who suddenly vanished into the Himalayas—Jonathan Landry is compelled to travel across the planet to retrieve letters and mementos that carry the extraordinary secrets that Julian discovered throughout his life. On a remarkable journey that includes visits to the sensual tango halls of Buenos Aires, the haunting catacombs of Paris, the gleaming towers of Shanghai and the mystical deserts of Sedona, The Secret Letters of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari reveals astounding insights on reclaiming your personal power, being true to yourself and fearlessly living your dreams.

The Creative Act

The Book That Changed My Life Forever

The Secret Letters Of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Brian Munroe