I am an artist, you say.

Why should I concern myself with the difference between intuition and thought? It is too philosophical and not important to my work, you might also think. But it is important, and only your ego would attempt to steer you away from a philosophy that would keep it in check.

To the point: freeing the mind of thought through whatever means creates the space for intuition to enter, which is the source of strength that defeats both rejection and gloating.

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The Internet is aglow with the notion and hype of no thinking—as if this was a recent revelation.

Dashers for enlightenment are now after this new game in town—buying heavily promoted books to elevate them somehow. Smart folk, however, have learned that you can’t chase down truth—nor will truth come and find you. Reading about a truth from a reliable source is good; but, if you want to learn how to swim, you must get wet.

Realization comes at its own pace—and insight is not plagued by any previous thoughts. No thinking (intuition is then at work) is also a pillar of Zen and the source of great art.

When the mind is still, no thinking, there is no confusion.

The other day, a painter asked me what my new book for artists was all about. He told me that he had read many how to books for artists and wanted to know how An Artist Empowered was different.

I did preface things by saying that this is not a twelve step program type book—others have already covered that territory. You can’t teach anyone to be original.

Of course, the marketing mavens insist that you have at your fingertips a concise sentence (elevator pitch), paragraph, and one-page description to sum things up as required.

An Artist Empowered is about discovering purpose in life, understanding the gift, and what it takes to complete the mission.

Or, put another way, this book is a firsthand field-tested compass for finding the courage, stamina, and insight to be a creator

You can’t outsource your soul work.

One of the themes in my new book An Artist Empowered reflects on the master’s words: It is better to live in fulfillment than in hope.

Let me add a companion perception, which I have mentioned in an earlier post: Instead of saying this or that is disappointing, refocus the experience with—this or that is revealing, and see the lesson that awaits you.

In one bold move, you will have replaced angst with awareness.

Yes, these perceptions are easy to understand, yet difficult to believe. As you will soon have an opportunity, prove the merit of each to yourself. 

From birth, we are indoctrinated in what to think, and perhaps even more devastating, how to feel. We are convinced that we belong to a nationality and a country.

If you can’t feel for yourself without the approval of others, then how can you create original work?

The terrain here is strewn with obstacles of all sorts. If you feel you are immune to mass social conditioning, then the hypnosis is working as planned by those who manipulate perceived power.

Remember, you don’t realize that the system is critically flawed until it fails you. But you don’t want to wait for that scenario. Begin now by asking yourself this question: When was the last time that I had an original thought, or an authentic emotional intelligent feeling?