Hypno Journal

On 10/2/11, I delivered a 90-minute presentation at Imagery International’s annual conference. My topic was Using Guided Imagery To Overcome Creative Blocks. In it, I mapped eight stages of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey onto the creative process. To illustrate the eight stages, I shared a tale from The Odyssey, I discussed how each stage relates to the creative process, and for each stage I shared questions for reflection, and explained one or two imagery techniques that I find helpful. I will post notes from my presentation in parts here. Click here for the series of entries.

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Working with an image that reflects the stage of the Hero’s Journey that most speaks to you

This activity requires a large selection of images. You can pull images from magazines, or use a deck of cards that includes a variety of images, e.g., a Soul Card deck, a tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

Consider a creative project in which you are currently engaged. Choose an image that symbolically reflects which stage of the Hero’s Journey most speaks to where you are in your creative process.

After you have selected your image, respond by freewriting. You might consider the following prompts:

• Describe the image.

• What detail stands out when you first look at the image?

• What is the first word or phrase that comes to mind when you first look at the image?

• What is the core feeling you get from the image?

• This image reflects the ______________________________ stage of the Hero’s Journey because….

• This image is encouraging me to think about….

• This image is reminding me that….

• This image expresses my fear or hope that….

• If this image could speak to me, it would say….

• Does this image suggest a helpful action step?

• Write a line of poetry, between 9 and 13 syllables long, that comes from your exploration of this image. (Adapted from Terry Gilmaster Ebinger’s dream work exercise.)

On the grounds at Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA

On 10/2/11, I delivered a 90-minute presentation at Imagery International’s annual conference. My topic was Using Guided Imagery To Overcome Creative Blocks. In it, I mapped eight stages of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey onto the creative process. To illustrate the eight stages, I shared a tale from The Odyssey, I discussed how each stage relates to the creative process, and for each stage I shared questions for reflection, and explained one or two imagery techniques that I find helpful. I will post notes from my presentation in parts here. Click here for the series of entries.

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Return and the Freedom To Live—Odysseus’ Story

It is the Phaeacian people who finally give Odysseus safe passage to Ithaca after he has lost his crew and everything he earned along the way. Together, he and his son slaughter Penelope’s suitors, and Odysseus reclaims his throne. We’re told he will live to a ripe old age and die happy.

For the artist, the Return and Freedom To Live means enjoying the gifts, integrating wisdom from the journey, freedom to embark again

When we complete a creative project, it’s natural to want to celebrate. Knowing that we will go on another creative journey, it’s worth also spending time reflecting. Here are some questions that can help you reflect on your journey.

Return and Freedom To Live: For Reflection:

• What have you learned about yourself throughout this adventure?
• Who have you become? Who did you have to be to successfully complete this journey?
• What advice do you have for your future self who might struggle with a new project?

Return and Freedom To Live—Imagery Techniques:

• Imagine meeting with your future self who will create again. Pass on to him or her the wisdom, strength, and confidence you have gained from this adventure.

• Imagine expressing gratitude to your subconscious/inner creative spirit for helping you see your project through. This can be in the form of a conversation, a ritual, or celebration. Start second sessions with this.

So these are the stages of the Hero’s Journey as they apply to the creative process. It’s important to note may not happen in this order, but you will no doubt recognize them when they appear in your creative life.

We are all heroes!

Click here for Part 10—Exercise for exploring where you are in the stages of the Hero’s Journey

Additional Resources for Overcoming Creative Blocks & Cultivating Creativity

Audio:

The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. “This spoken-word masterpiece guides you through the dark labyrinths of the psyche in search of la chispa—the ember that is the elemental source of all creative work. Dr. Estés teaches about the hidden aspects of creativity, including the negative complexes that prey upon creative energy. The Creative Fire includes many special insights for people who create for a living: artists, writers, teachers, and others who must depend on their creative instincts every day.”

Julia Cameron: On the Creative Life. This is a free podcast interview offered by Sounds True. Julia Cameron is the author of the classic book, The Artist’s Way (listed below).

Books:

The Psychology of Creative Writing, edited by Scott Barry Kaufman and James C. Kaufman. See Ch. 14: “Writer’s Block and Blocked Writers: Using Natural Imagery to Enhance Creativity,” by Jerome L. Singer and Michael V. Barrios

 The Creativity Book: A Year’s Worth of Inspiration and Guidance by Eric Maisel, Ph.D.

Affirmations for Artists by Eric Maisel

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor by Gail McMeekin, L.I.C.S.W.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Internet:

Creativity Portal: Explore and Express Your Creativity. This site includes articles on creativity, artist interviews, project ideas, and writing prompts.

 Creativity for Life. Article categories include personal creativity, workplace creativity, and a creativity toolbox.

Renown creativity coach, Eric Maisel. Maisel’s site lists his many books for artists, writers, and creative people. It also includes links to his keynote addresses, lectures, and podcast, The Joy of Living Creatively: Tapping Your Innovation and Imagination.

Marble sarcophagus lid with reclining couple, Roman, Severan period, ca. A.D. 220 Metropolitan Museum, NYC "While the man's head is carefully portrayed, his wife's head has been left unfinished, suggesting that he predeceased her, and no one added her portrait after she died.”

On 10/2/11, I delivered a 90-minute presentation at Imagery International’s annual conference. My topic was Using Guided Imagery To Overcome Creative Blocks. In it, I mapped eight stages of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey onto the creative process. To illustrate the eight stages, I shared a tale from The Odyssey, I discussed how each stage relates to the creative process, and for each stage I shared questions for reflection, and explained one or two imagery techniques that I find helpful. I will post notes from my presentation in parts here. Click here for the series of entries.

*     *     *

Refusal of the Return—Odysseus’ Story

Fairly early in his adventures, while lost at sea, Odysseus and his crew end up as guests of the wind god, Aiolos. As they are getting ready to leave his island, Aiolos bestows a great gift to Odysseus. He bottles all the winds in a sack except the west wind designed to carry them home. Odysseus stays awake for nine straight days, working the sail himself. When they finally see Ithaca on the horizon, he falls into a deep slumber. His men, not knowing what’s in the sack, assume it’s a great treasure and that Odysseus is planning to horde it for himself. They untie the sack, and all the winds escape, creating great storm, which blow them off course.

For the artist, the Refusal of the Return means the refusal to complete a project, or the refusal to get a completed project into the world

Mortality can be a great motivator for seeing a project through. I was deeply moved when I saw the unfinished sarcophagus lid at the Metropolitan Museum of art in NYC. (See photo above.) The caption below the sarcophagus reads, “While the man’s head is carefully portrayed, his wife’s head has been left unfinished, suggesting that he predeceased her, and no one added her portrait after she died.” That image comes to mind when realize that I’ve been neglecting an important creative project.

Here are some questions for you when you experience the refusal of the return, or that resistance to complete a project or get it out into the world.

Refusal of the Return—For Reflection:

• What fears do you have about successfully completing this project?
• How will your life be different when you complete this project?
• How will this success force you to grow?
• How might others react to the successful completion of this project?
• What fears do you have about failing? What would the consequences be?
• How might this project lead to a more successful next project?

Refusal of the Return—Imagery Techniques:

• Imagine a conversation with your 95-year old self who gave up on his or her creative purpose, or a significant creative project.
• Imagine a conversation with your 95-year old self who fulfilled his or her creative purpose, or a significant creative project.

Click here for Part 9—Return and Freedom to Live