Fear, Faith, and Creativity

Workshop # 19
Janet Harrison

This workshop offers a gentle exploration of the interrelationships between between fear, faith, and creativity using quotes, queries, discussion, writing, and art. No prior experience with writing or art is required. Emphasis will be placed on the role creativity plays in our spiritual journeys.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 15; Discussion 30; Experiential 35

Open to all

This workshop will be similar, but not identical, to the workshop I offered at the 2003 Gathering. I hope to begin a conversation about fear, faith, and creativity that participants will continue as they go out into the world. I expect to uncover more questions than answers. I hope also to offer a place of safety where individuals can have the experience of creating in an atmosphere that honors the uniqueness of each spiritual journey.

One block to creativity is the belief that one is not creative. When someone tells me that they are not creative, it is almost as if they had told me that they are not human. On closer examination and with even a little encouragement, that statement invariably turns out to be untrue. Usually it means that their creativity has been blocked by fear. Probably everyone who creates has felt that fear. I know I have. But when a group of people is encouraged to be mutually supportive and to approach the process in a playful manner, such fears quickly fall by the wayside.

One way to dismantle fear and strengthen faith is through open discussion. My role as facilitator will be to introduce concepts to the group, not to lecture on them. Topics that may be discussed include: co-creation; the role of play, attention, intention, and discernment in creativity; fear and other obstacles to art; healing and creativity; paradox; mistakes; and the interplay between faith and experience. I do not expect to cover all of these areas, and I hope that the group will generate other avenues to explore.

In addition to discussion there will be ample time for experiential exercises because it is the practice of creativity that is most healing and inspiring. Exercises in poetry, writing, and art (collage, clay, etc.) will be presented. I intend to encourage a playful approach to these activities. We will be focusing on inspiration and free experimentation and not on critical appraisal of the products of our activities. Consequently, no prior experience with writing or art is necessary.  

I envision a typical day as opening with meeting for worship, then gathering together to read and discuss queries and quotes briefly, followed by an experiential activity such as creating a mandala, and then gathering back together to share reflections about the experience. This schedule may be modified. The workshop is intentionally designed to be flexible in order to respond to the needs and interests of the group.

While we will discuss ways to cope with fear, the workshop is not intended to be psychotherapeutic and will not address the needs of someone suffering from phobias or panic disorder. I am recommending two books: ART & FEAR by David Bayles and Ted Orland and WRITING POETRY FROM THE INSIDE OUT by Sandford Lyne. Neither is required. Please bring writing materials and a quote, poem, story, photograph, artwork, song, toy or other object to use to introduce yourself to the group.