VIA CREATIVA =
1. a spiritual path in which the creative process becomes a way to connect and nurture relationships with a divine entity, multiple entities, or the universe.
2. a creative path that recognizes spiritual relationships as a source for inspiration and a driving force in the creative process.
The Via Creativa requires living the fundamental questions of life with so much commitment and focus that they influence one’s artistic production. A creator on this path hence merges their aesthetic and spiritual intentions.
Creating becomes a form of meditation or prayer; the creative process becomes a path to a deepened spiritual consciousness and sense of self in relationship to the cosmos.
“It’s a type of prayer and meditation, but not in isolation from life and not in place of active life involvement. Rather, it is meditation in the midst of the reality of our life experiences. It draws upon the actualities of life for new awarenesses, and it feeds these back into the movement of each life as a whole.”
~ Ira Progoff talking about the Intensive Journal process (his spiritual/creative training), p.12
THE VIA CREATIVA IS DIVIDED IN TWO PATHS:
1. Via Positiva = the extroverted path = Right-Hand Path. Creators find inspiration and spiritual meaning from the close observation of nature and/or society.
2. Via Negativa = the introverted path = Left-Hand Path (less common). Creators find inspiration and spiritual meaning in unknown parts of the self (it stresses aspects of the divine that are completely unlike objects of human experience).
Each journey will lead to different spiritual and creative results; influencing style, imagery, and narrative of the work. With that said, the Via Positiva and the Via Negativa are two extreme poles of a spectrum, and creators can explore both or find themselves anywhere in between at different times in their lives.
John Updike, photograph by Irving Penn / © Condé Nast
“The Old Testament God repeatedly says he wants praise, and I translate that to mean that the world wants describing, the world wants to be observed and ‘hymned.’”
~ John Updike, p.15 (example of a creator on the extroverted path)
Through the Via Creativa, creating becomes an energetic process rather than just a cognitive one — a path for energy to flow in and through the creator — a path (in part?) determined by the focus of the creator’s attention (set on their outside or inner world).
On this journey, creativity bridges different realms; from the spiritual, through the creator’s inner world, and out to the external world. It helps organize chaotic subconscious material (thoughts, images, emotions) and release their energy.
“For Le Guin and any other Taoist, creation is possible only by getting out of the way, by not interfering with the creative power as it moves through one’s life and work. This is the meaning of wu wei, actionless action.”
~ Christopher G. Edwards about Ursula K. Le Guin, p.17 (example of a creator on the introverted path)
Ursula K. Le Guin in 2016. Photo and © William Anthony.
QUALITIES FOR A CREATOR ON THE VIA CREATIVA:
– They are committed to the creative process, not just the outcome; creativity is viewed as an ongoing spiritual practice, not just a means to produce finished works (creation is an end in itself rather than a way to acquire fame and money).
– The conscious use of creativity as a spiritual tool; creativity isn’t just self-expression, it’s a vehicle for transformation and deeper awareness.
– The conscious use of spirituality as a creative tool.
– Deep engagement with life’s fundamental questions; they are motivated by profound existential or spiritual inquiries, allowing these questions to shape their artistic work.
– Openness to and aptitude for altered states of consciousness.
“I refer to this process as spiritual chiropractic. We undertake certain spiritual exercises to achieve alignment with the creative energy of the universe… what you’re doing is creating pathways in your consciousness through which the creative forces can operate.”
~ Julia Cameron describing the Artist’s Way, p.10
Reference: 📚 Cook-Greuter, Susanne R., and Miller, Melvin E.. Creativity, Spirituality, and Transcendence: Paths to Integrity and Wisdom in the Mature Self. Ablex Publishing Corporation, 2000.
Chapter 1, Creative Writing as a Spiritual Practice: Two Paths
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
The nature of this reality is intricate and paradoxical. While I believe the perspectives and opinions I present on this site, I acknowledge that truth cannot be defined in only one way.
I encourage you to both challenge and embrace the insights shared in this content. In other words, let your mind open and expand, all while nurturing a balanced skepticism. And ultimately, seek your own truth.