An Excerpt from Spontaneous Creativity
Bön Buddhism takes the view that our nature is primordially pure. So within every living being is this pure source of creativity, which gives rise to the positive qualities and infinite possibilities that are the causes of creativity.
Qualities like love, compassion, joy, and equanimity are the spontaneous expression of the source and the essence of creative flow.
Creativity is our birthright, and our nature is expressive. But how do we connect with this creative energy so that we can offer our unique gifts to the world? One of the most effective methods I have found for discovering creativity is through activating the creative potential of five energy centers in the body—what are known as chakras. Briefly, the chakras are portals to a path that begins with the unbounded sacred space that is our creative force and continues to unfold from creative potential to creative manifestation.
Unleashing our creative energy starts with the crown chakra at the top of the head. Here we uncover openness and connect with the confidence to discover our creative potential. If we don’t experience these qualities directly, we can access them through what I call the three doors: the stillness of the body, the silence of inner speech, and the spaciousness of mind.
Buoyed by a sense of openness and self-confidence we connect with the second creative potential through the energy of the throat chakra, awareness. Here we discover our innate worthiness and a sense of belonging, whether to family or community or the human community at large. Significantly, the sense of belonging comes from connecting to our true self and feeling complete just as we are. Fears like I can’t or I don’t deserve it, which block creative expression, dissolve in the warmth of our attention.
The third creative potential we discover is inspiration, the energy of the heart chakra. Here, we discover positive qualities like joy and love. Creativity thrives in a positive atmosphere, both nourished by and nourishing happiness and joy, which are integral to the creative process.
The fourth creative potential, which we discover through the energy of the navel chakra, is the quality of ripening. The focus here is on whatever within us or in our lives is almost ready for expression and just needs a little push, a little attention from us. This is a critical place on the creative path: When a project or an idea is in this state of readiness, it can go one of two ways. If we give it the light and warmth of our attention, it can go to completion, to fulfillment. But if we withdraw our attention, it can end up in the pile of uncompleted projects and abandoned dreams. If nothing blocks our energy at this point, it takes almost no effort for the project or endeavor to complete.
At the fifth chakra, the chakra of manifestation, we go the distance and bring our creative endeavors to fruition. Our creativity is no longer mere potential but is actualized in some form. Its expression can delight and serve others.