Stillness: the Dance of Creation

The experience of stillness is one which has been studied through meditation and in relation to the dance/movement experience. There seems to be a close correspondence between stillness and the creative or art making process and thus, I postulate that stillness is an inherent part of the creative process. Following a heuristic line of inquiry (one which gives credence to intuitive knowledge), I sought to discover the nature of stillness and as it relates to the creative process through my own experiences. In this piece I share my journey through the various stages and realizations which have led me to learn how to further enhance the experience of stillness, to listen to and trust tacit knowledge, and to use art making for its potential to quiet the discursive mind. This study was originally intended for the therapeutic community but is accessible enough to be picked up by anyone interested in personal growth.