ldquo;All it takes to become an artist is to start doing art.rdquo;ndash;from On Becoming an ArtistOn Becoming an Artist is loaded with good news. Backed by her landmark scientific work on mindfulness and artistic nature; bestselling author and Harvard psychologist Ellen J. Langer shows us that creativity is not a rare gift that only some special few are born with; but rather an integral part of everyonersquo;s makeup. All of us can express our creative impulsesndash; authentically and uniquelyndash;and; in the process; enrich our lives.Why then do so many of us merely dream of someday painting; someday writing; someday making music? Why do we think the same old thoughts; harbor the same old prejudices; stay stuck in the same old mud? Who taught us to think ldquo;inside the boxrdquo;? No one is more qualified to answer these questions than Dr. Langer; who has explored their every facet for years. She describes dozens of fascinating experimentsndash;her own and those of her colleaguesndash;that are designed to study mindfulness and its relation to human creativity; and she shares the profound implications of the resultsndash;for our well-being; health; and happiness.Langer reveals myriad insights; among them: We think we should already know what only firsthand experience can teach us. . . . In learning the ways that all roses are alike; we risk becoming blind to their differences. . . . If we are mindfully creative; the circumstances of the moment will tell us what to do. . . . Those of us who are less evaluatively inclined experience less guilt; less regret; less blame; and tend to like ourselves more. . . . Uncertainty gives us the freedom to discover meaning. . . . Finally; what we think wersquo;re sure of may not even exist.With the skill of a gifted logician; Langer demonstrates exactly how we undervalue ourselves and undermine our creativity. By example; she persuades us to have faith in our creative works; not because someone else approves of them but because theyrsquo;re a true expression of ourselves. Her high-spirited; challenging book sparkles with wit and intelligence and inspires in us an infectious enthusiasm for our creations; our world; and ourselves. It can be of lifelong value to everyone who reads it.From the Hardcover edition.
#335730 in eBooks 2007-12-18 2007-12-18File Name: B000XUACUU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I love the ideas that this based on.By A. SmithI was drawn to this book when I saw it and I read the reviews. Perhaps it is me; but I was a little disappointed; there werent any particularly revelatory ideas here. I think for those who havent read much on the subject; it is worth buying; it incorporates so many examples of how one can be more thoughtful of others and let them know you care.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Love itBy Im ScarletReally interesting with things you want to do and can do. Some of the books on the market like this are filled with things that are not really for me or would such a big effort but this is practical; doable; enjoyable. Adds spice to your life. I like books like this. Used to read Alexandra Stoddards books and this is similar but different.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful Book!By little birdI just loved this book - It is very uplifting; inspiring and an easy read with wonderful ideas to make everyone you know feel special and loved. I often give this book as a gift to friends and relatives. It is one of the few gifts I give that the recipient always calls me to let me know how much they have loved the book too!