Embracing Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Welcome to an imaginary gathering of minds and hearts, where creativity meets courage, and magic transforms our lives. Today, we have a truly remarkable lineup of visionaries who have inspired millions around the world to live creatively and fearlessly.

Joining us is the brilliant Elizabeth Gilbert, whose groundbreaking book Big Magic has taught us to embrace enchantment and trust in the creative process.

We are honored to have Brené Brown, the foremost expert on vulnerability and courage, who shows us the power of embracing our imperfections.

Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way, is here to share her transformative practices that help us reconnect with our creative selves.

Steven Pressfield, the mind behind The War of Art, brings his insights on overcoming Resistance and the importance of persistence in our creative journeys.

Austin Kleon, the creative force behind Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!, encourages us to share our creative process and stay inspired by the world around us.

And finally, Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute and author of Broken Open, emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, resilience, and trusting the creative journey.

This conversation is about more than just creativity; it’s about living fully, embracing our fears, and finding joy in the process. So, get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and transformed as we dive into the world of 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.' Let's begin!

Courage and Vulnerability in Creativity

Nick Sasaki: Welcome, everyone, to our discussion on creativity and overcoming fear. Today, we'll explore our first topic: Courage and Vulnerability. Elizabeth, could you start us off by discussing the role of courage in the creative process?

Elizabeth Gilbert: Absolutely, Nick. Courage is the cornerstone of creativity. When we embark on a creative journey, we're stepping into the unknown. This act alone requires a tremendous amount of bravery because it means facing our fears head-on. Whether it's the fear of failure, criticism, or even success, these fears can paralyze us if we let them. But creativity demands that we move forward despite these fears. It’s about acknowledging the fear but not letting it dictate our actions.

Brené Brown: I couldn't agree more, Elizabeth. My research into vulnerability has shown that courage and vulnerability are deeply interconnected. When we create, we're putting a piece of ourselves out into the world. This act of exposure makes us vulnerable, and vulnerability is often seen as weakness in our culture. However, I've found that vulnerability is actually the most accurate measure of courage. To create is to risk being seen, to risk failure, and to risk rejection. But it’s also the path to joy, love, and belonging.

Nick Sasaki: Brené, your work on vulnerability is incredibly insightful. How can someone embrace vulnerability in their creative process?

Brené Brown: Embracing vulnerability starts with acknowledging that it’s a natural part of being human. We often try to armor ourselves against it, but this armor can also block our creativity. Instead, we need to allow ourselves to be open and authentic. This means showing up as we are, imperfections and all. It’s about being brave enough to say, "This is me. This is my work." Even if it’s met with criticism, the act of creating and sharing is a victory in itself.

Julia Cameron: I think that's where the practice of the 'Morning Pages' comes in handy. In The Artist’s Way, I encourage people to write three pages of stream-of-consciousness every morning. This practice helps to clear the mind of fear and self-doubt, making room for creativity to flow. It’s a way to confront our inner critic head-on and build the courage to continue creating, regardless of our fears.

Steven Pressfield: That’s a powerful tool, Julia. In my book The War of Art, I discuss the concept of 'Resistance' – the internal force that tries to prevent us from doing our work. Resistance is fueled by fear, and it takes courage to overcome it. Every day, we face a battle against this force, and persistence is key. We must show up and do our work no matter what, trusting that the act of creation itself will carry us through.

Austin Kleon: And part of overcoming that resistance is giving ourselves permission to create without judgment. In Steal Like an Artist, I talk about the importance of embracing influences and understanding that nothing is completely original. This can alleviate some of the pressure we put on ourselves. Creativity is about connecting the dots between our experiences and inspirations. When we stop worrying about being perfect and focus on the joy of creating, we allow courage to flourish.

Elizabeth Lesser: Trust is also crucial here. Trust in ourselves and in the process. Often, we don’t see the full picture when we start a creative project. It’s like driving at night – we can only see as far as our headlights, but we can make the whole journey that way. Trusting that each step we take will illuminate the next part of the path helps us to stay courageous and vulnerable.

Elizabeth Gilbert: That’s beautifully said, Elizabeth. Creativity is a leap of faith. It’s about taking risks and being open to whatever comes. Sometimes, our greatest fears are unfounded, and the rewards of taking those creative risks are far greater than we could have imagined. When we embrace courage and vulnerability, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences that enrich our lives and our work.

Nick Sasaki: This has been a wonderful exploration of courage and vulnerability in creativity. Thank you all for your insights. To summarize, embracing creativity involves having the courage to face our fears and being vulnerable enough to share our true selves with the world. Next, we'll delve into the importance of persistence in the creative process.

Persistence in Creativity

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone. In our last discussion, we delved into the importance of courage and vulnerability in creativity. Today, we’ll focus on our next topic: Persistence. Steven, you have written extensively about the necessity of persistence in creative work. Can you share your insights on this?

Steven Pressfield: Certainly, Nick. In The War of Art, I talk about 'Resistance' – an internal force that acts against our creative endeavors. Resistance manifests as procrastination, self-doubt, and fear, among other things. The key to overcoming Resistance is persistence. It's about showing up every day, regardless of how you feel, and doing the work. Persistence is the steady commitment to our craft. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. The more consistently we show up, the more we build a habit that counters Resistance.

Julia Cameron: I completely agree, Steven. Persistence is about making creativity a daily practice. In The Artist’s Way, I emphasize the importance of the 'Morning Pages' as a daily discipline. This practice helps clear the mind and keeps the creative channels open. It’s about showing up for ourselves and our creativity every day. By making it a routine, we train ourselves to push through blocks and stay connected to our creative source.

Nick Sasaki: Elizabeth Gilbert, how has persistence played a role in your creative journey?

Elizabeth Gilbert: Persistence has been a cornerstone of my career. Writing is often a long and solitary process, filled with moments of doubt and frustration. But I’ve learned that persistence is about loving the work itself. It’s about finding joy in the process, not just the outcome. For instance, when I was writing Eat, Pray, Love, there were many times I felt like giving up. But my love for writing kept me going. Persistence means committing to the creative process and trusting that each small step is part of a larger journey.

Austin Kleon: That’s a great point, Elizabeth. In Show Your Work!, I talk about the importance of sharing your process with others. This can help sustain persistence because it creates a sense of accountability and community. When we share our work, we’re not just creating in isolation. We’re engaging with others, getting feedback, and staying motivated. Persistence is easier when we have support and a sense of connection to others who understand the creative struggle.

Elizabeth Lesser: Persistence is also about resilience. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks and continuing forward. Creativity is not a linear path; it’s filled with ups and downs. Resilience helps us navigate the challenges and keep moving towards our goals. Trusting in the process and in our own abilities helps maintain that resilience.

Brené Brown: Resilience is deeply connected to vulnerability. When we persist, we’re often facing repeated exposure to failure and rejection. But each time we get back up, we build resilience. It’s about embracing the discomfort of vulnerability and knowing that it’s part of the creative journey. By persisting, we learn that we can survive and even thrive despite the challenges.

Julia Cameron: Another aspect of persistence is patience. Creativity doesn’t always yield immediate results. It requires time and patience to develop ideas and bring them to fruition. We need to be patient with ourselves and with the process, trusting that the work we put in today will bear fruit in the future.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Patience is indeed crucial. There are times when the creative process feels slow or stagnant, but persistence and patience go hand in hand. We need to trust that every effort we make is contributing to our growth as artists. It’s about having faith in the journey, even when the destination is not yet clear.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you all for these valuable insights. To summarize, persistence in creativity involves showing up consistently, making creativity a daily practice, finding joy in the process, sharing our work, and having patience and resilience. These elements help us navigate the challenges and sustain our creative efforts. Next, we'll explore the importance of trusting in the creative process.

Trust in the Creative Process

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone. We’ve discussed courage, vulnerability, and persistence in creativity. Now, let’s turn our attention to the third key point: Trust in the Creative Process. Elizabeth Lesser, could you start us off by discussing the importance of trust in the creative journey?

Elizabeth Lesser: Of course, Nick. Trust in the creative process is about believing that our efforts will lead to meaningful outcomes, even if we can't see them immediately. It involves letting go of the need for control and allowing the creative process to unfold naturally. This trust is rooted in the understanding that creativity is a journey with its own timing and rhythm. When we trust the process, we remain open to inspiration and guidance, which can come from unexpected places.

Elizabeth Gilbert: I completely agree, Elizabeth. Trust is essential in creativity because it allows us to stay open and flexible. When I wrote Eat, Pray, Love, I had to trust that the story would come together, even when it felt fragmented or uncertain. Trusting the process means believing that every step, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is part of the larger creative journey. It's about having faith in the work and in ourselves as creators.

Nick Sasaki: Julia, you emphasize trust in your creative practices. Can you elaborate on how this applies to the ‘Morning Pages’?

Julia Cameron: Absolutely, Nick. The ‘Morning Pages’ practice is a perfect example of trusting the process. Writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness every morning might seem trivial, but it builds a habit of self-expression and clears mental clutter. By committing to this practice, we trust that these daily writings will help unlock our creativity over time. It's about trusting that the regular act of writing will lead to deeper insights and creative breakthroughs, even if the immediate results aren’t always evident.

Steven Pressfield: Trust also plays a crucial role in overcoming Resistance. In The War of Art, I talk about the importance of showing up and doing the work, regardless of the outcome. This requires a deep trust in the process. We have to trust that by consistently putting in the effort, we will eventually break through the barriers of Resistance. Trusting the process means believing that our persistence will pay off, even when we can’t see immediate results.

Austin Kleon: That’s a great point, Steven. Trusting the process also involves embracing uncertainty. In Show Your Work!, I encourage people to share their creative journey openly. This requires trust because it means putting unfinished work out there and being vulnerable to feedback. But this openness can lead to unexpected collaborations and inspirations. Trusting the process means believing that our creative journey, with all its twists and turns, will ultimately lead to growth and connection.

Brené Brown: Trust is deeply intertwined with vulnerability. When we trust the creative process, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to make mistakes. This vulnerability is essential for creativity because it opens us up to new possibilities. Trusting the process means letting go of perfectionism and the fear of failure. It’s about embracing the journey with all its uncertainties and being willing to learn and grow along the way.

Elizabeth Lesser: Trust also means recognizing that creativity is not a linear path. It’s filled with detours, dead-ends, and unexpected discoveries. By trusting the process, we learn to navigate these twists and turns with a sense of curiosity and openness. It allows us to see setbacks as opportunities for growth and new directions, rather than failures.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Trusting the process means being patient with ourselves and our work. Creativity often requires time to develop and mature. By trusting the process, we give ourselves the space to explore, experiment, and evolve. This trust enables us to stay committed to our creative journey, even when the path is unclear.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you all for these profound insights. To summarize, trusting in the creative process involves believing in the value of our efforts, staying open and flexible, embracing uncertainty, and being patient with ourselves and our work. Trust allows us to navigate the creative journey with a sense of curiosity and openness. Next, we’ll discuss the importance of giving ourselves permission to create.

Permission to Create

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back, everyone. In our previous discussions, we explored courage, vulnerability, persistence, and trust in the creative process. Now, let’s turn our attention to our fourth key point: Permission to Create. Elizabeth Gilbert, you often talk about the importance of giving oneself permission to pursue creative endeavors. Can you share your thoughts on this?

Elizabeth Gilbert: Absolutely, Nick. One of the biggest barriers to creativity is the belief that we need someone else’s approval or validation to create. Many people feel they need a formal education, a certain level of skill, or external validation to call themselves artists. But the truth is, creativity is a birthright. We don't need anyone’s permission to express ourselves. In Big Magic, I talk about granting ourselves the freedom to explore and create without fear of judgment. This self-permission is crucial because it liberates us from the constraints that often stifle our creativity.

Austin Kleon: That’s a vital point, Elizabeth. In Steal Like an Artist, I emphasize the idea that we don’t need to be original geniuses to create meaningful work. Creativity is about connecting the dots between our influences and experiences. By giving ourselves permission to create, we acknowledge that our unique perspective has value. It’s about understanding that our voice matters and that we have something to contribute, no matter how imperfect or derivative it may seem.

Nick Sasaki: Julia, your work with artists and writers also highlights the importance of self-permission. How do you encourage this in your teachings?

Julia Cameron: In The Artist’s Way, I encourage people to reconnect with their inner artist, which often means overcoming internalized negative beliefs. Many people carry the wounds of past criticism or self-doubt, which can prevent them from creating. I advocate for practices like the 'Morning Pages' and 'Artist Dates' to help people reclaim their creativity. These practices are about giving oneself permission to play, explore, and express without judgment. By making creativity a regular habit, we gradually dismantle the barriers that hold us back.

Steven Pressfield: And it’s not just about giving ourselves permission to create, but also permission to fail. In The War of Art, I discuss the importance of embracing failure as part of the creative process. Many of us fear failure so much that we avoid taking risks. But failure is an essential part of learning and growing as an artist. By giving ourselves permission to fail, we open up new possibilities for innovation and discovery. It’s about viewing each failure as a step towards mastery.

Elizabeth Lesser: That’s such an important point, Steven. Giving ourselves permission to create also means embracing imperfection. Creativity is not about producing flawless work; it’s about expressing our truth and exploring our potential. When we give ourselves permission to create, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to experiment, and to grow. This self-compassion is crucial for sustaining a healthy creative practice.

Brené Brown: Self-permission is deeply connected to vulnerability. When we allow ourselves to create without needing to be perfect, we embrace our humanity. This involves letting go of the need for approval and focusing on the joy of creation itself. By giving ourselves permission, we acknowledge that our worth is not tied to our achievements but to our authentic self-expression.

Austin Kleon: Sharing our work can also be an act of giving ourselves permission. In Show Your Work!, I encourage creatives to share their process and progress, not just the polished final product. This transparency can build a supportive community and provide feedback that fosters growth. By sharing our journey, we reinforce the idea that creativity is a communal and iterative process.

Elizabeth Gilbert: And it's important to remember that creativity is a gift to ourselves as much as it is to the world. When we create, we connect with our innermost selves and find joy and fulfillment. Giving ourselves permission to create is a radical act of self-love and self-empowerment. It’s about honoring our desires and dreams and allowing ourselves to live a life rich with creative expression.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you all for these inspiring insights. To summarize, giving ourselves permission to create involves recognizing our inherent right to express ourselves, embracing imperfection and failure, and sharing our creative journey with others. This self-permission is essential for a fulfilling and authentic creative life. Finally, we'll explore the magical and inspirational aspects of creativity.

Enchantment and Inspiration in Creativity

Nick Sasaki: Welcome back to our final discussion on creativity and overcoming fear. We’ve covered courage, vulnerability, persistence, trust, and permission to create. Now, let’s explore our fifth key point: Enchantment and Inspiration in Creativity. Elizabeth Gilbert, you describe creativity as a magical force. Could you elaborate on this concept?

Elizabeth Gilbert: Of course, Nick. In Big Magic, I describe creativity as a magical, almost mystical force that exists beyond us. I believe that ideas are like entities that float around, waiting for someone to bring them to life. This sense of enchantment means viewing creativity as something beyond the mundane. It's about being open to inspiration and seeing the world with a sense of wonder. When we tap into this magical perspective, we allow ourselves to be guided by something greater than our rational minds.

Nick Sasaki: Julia, how does this idea of enchantment and inspiration resonate with your work?

Julia Cameron: Enchantment is at the heart of the creative process. In The Artist’s Way, I encourage people to cultivate a sense of play and curiosity. The 'Artist Dates' are designed to help creatives engage with the world in a way that sparks their imagination. These dates are solo adventures that reconnect us with our sense of wonder and excitement. By intentionally seeking out experiences that delight and inspire us, we invite magic into our lives and our work.

Austin Kleon: That’s a great point, Julia. In Steal Like an Artist, I talk about the importance of staying inspired by the world around us. Inspiration can come from anywhere – art, nature, conversations, or even our daily routines. The key is to stay curious and open to new experiences. When we view the world through the lens of enchantment, we find endless sources of creativity. It’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary and allowing those moments to fuel our work.

Steven Pressfield: Enchantment also involves a sense of flow. In The War of Art, I discuss how, when we’re deeply engaged in our work, we enter a state of flow where everything seems to come effortlessly. This state is almost magical, and it’s where some of our best ideas and work emerge. Reaching this state requires us to be fully present and open to the creative process. It’s about letting go of control and allowing inspiration to guide us.

Elizabeth Lesser: Inspiration is a gift that comes when we are aligned with our true selves. Enchantment means being attuned to the whispers of our soul and the world around us. It’s about being open to synchronicities and serendipities that can spark creative ideas. When we trust that inspiration can come from anywhere, we stay receptive to the magic of the moment. This openness allows us to create from a place of authenticity and connection.

Brené Brown: Enchantment is closely linked to vulnerability. To be inspired, we must be open and willing to experience the world fully, with all its beauty and pain. This openness requires vulnerability because it means letting down our guard and being present in the moment. When we embrace vulnerability, we allow ourselves to be moved and inspired by the world around us. This can lead to profound creative breakthroughs.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Enchantment also means giving ourselves permission to follow our curiosity. When we allow ourselves to explore what fascinates us without judgment or expectation, we often stumble upon inspiration. It’s about trusting that our interests and passions will lead us to new creative territories. By following the threads of our curiosity, we invite magic into our creative lives.

Austin Kleon: And sharing our inspirations can create a ripple effect. When we share what inspires us, we not only reinforce our own sense of enchantment but also inspire others. In Show Your Work!, I encourage creatives to share their sources of inspiration and their creative process. This transparency creates a community of shared creativity where everyone can benefit from each other’s experiences and ideas.

Nick Sasaki: Thank you all for these beautiful insights. To summarize, enchantment and inspiration in creativity involve viewing the world with a sense of wonder, staying open to new experiences, entering a state of flow, and following our curiosity. This magical perspective allows us to create from a place of authenticity and connection. It’s been an enlightening journey exploring these five key points with all of you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

Short Bios:

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic and Eat, Pray, Love, inspires millions with her insights on creativity and fearless living. Her work emphasizes embracing enchantment, courage, and trust in the creative process.

Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, is renowned for her studies on vulnerability and courage. Her bestselling books and TED Talks encourage people to embrace imperfection and live authentically.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, is a celebrated advocate for creative recovery and artistic expression. Her methods, including the 'Morning Pages', have helped countless individuals overcome creative blocks and rediscover their artistic potential.

Steven Pressfield, known for The War of Art, writes extensively on overcoming Resistance and the importance of persistence in creative endeavors. His work empowers artists to push through obstacles and stay committed to their craft.

Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!, inspires creatives to embrace their influences and share their journey. His practical advice encourages transparency and connection within the creative community.

Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute and author of Broken Open, focuses on personal growth and transformation. Her teachings emphasize self-compassion, resilience, and the importance of trusting the creative journey.