1. Many of us may already know that fasting, along with things like prayer and meditation, works because it trains our body-heart-mind system, bringing about a unity within our being that often is described as a certain inner peace or sense of tranquility.

2. The reason fasting works for creative practice is because to be creative is to be human. There is more to our humanity than what we often choose to believe. Fasting helps us not to be overly dependent on the so-called normal things that tend to drive us and give us energy, like food.

3. However, the key to fasting is creative practice. Fasting is not an end in and of itself. It can become like this when we choose to fast for the sake of fasting or to get some material benefit. But apart from the hoped for “health” benefit this can be self-defeating and short-sighted: denying material good (such as food) in order for material gain.

4. Fasting combined with creative practice can be an effective way to mediate the mystery of divinity or spirituality in the sphere of the mundane. For example, when Jesus’ disciples saw that Jesus had not eaten and urged him to eat he said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:31-34). Now, this passage is not about fasting per se but it does point to the importance of life’s ultimate purpose as being the compass for one’s priorities and decisions, even in things like when to give up the so-called need for earthly sustenance, eating food in this case, for pursuing the will of the heavenly Father.

5. Creative practice therefore is all about pursuing life’s ultimate purposes, and fasting helps to remind ourselves of our dependency upon something other than what this world offers or portrays as necessary to really live life to the fullest — more than enough good food, expensive clothes, and million dollar homes. It also reorients us to the reality that there indeed is a greater purpose for my creative identity and practice — whatever it may be, cooking, teaching math, playing music, dancing, or farming — something more than what I can imagine it to be.

6. So, fasting in and of itself can be beneficial to spur creativity. But the key to fasting as a way of life is creative practice — aligning yourself with your ultimate creative purpose.

NOW HERE’S THE INVITATION…

For 21 days (beginning November 1) I have decided to take an intentional step toward aligning myself with the larger creative purpose for my life.

I’ve been meditating on the whole idea of “The Lord will fulfil his purpose for my life” (it’s a part of a verse from the Bible, Psalm 138: 8) — so, not my plans my way, nor my plans God’s way, but God’s purpose, God’s way. And I wanted to extend the invitation to my family and friends: How well (intensively) are we tuned in to living out Creator’s purpose for our lives in our families, neighbourhoods, and workplaces — and especially for our creative practice – so for me working with others via music and education?

WHY FAST NOW?? It’s crazy, the world says fill yourselves, but here we are saying empty yourselves!! However, if we are to play a role in making this world a better place, then what is that “better” place? The fact is that the world can only be a better place when we, the people, are a better people. It begins with me/you. And so, that’s why the invitation to fast and to seek to be our individual Creative Best.

WHAT SORT OF FAST?… I was thinking of whatever it takes for me to remain in the “fast zone” i.e., so no extra indulgences and overeating or second and third helpings. My daughters decided no sweets included! Okay 🙂

1. The idea, however, is not merely to avoid food in a legalistic sense, but to intentionally seek truth earnestly. This means doing whatever it takes to take your creative practice “up a notch” — practicing your guitar, making your bed daily, giving yourself wholly to the task before you, loving your “enemies” etc.

2. I am also including meditating on Scripture and praying for clarity in how I can more fully align with God’s purposes where God has placed me — family, work, social circle etc.

3. We could use this space to post thoughts, questions, experiences of mediating the spiritual in our creative practice, and just share if you like.

Again, this is not about trying to be creative per se but putting ourselves in a routine of practice that aligns with the source of our creativity, for me that’s the Creator.

If you’re in, let me know so we can journey together. Thanks! You can start whenever, and even just try it out if you like.