I think many creative people are familiar with Steven Pressfield and his book, The War of Art. In his book he describes the unseen force that stifles the creative spirit and names it “Resistance”. Resistance comes between the artist and the art. Resistance becomes the unseen obstacle in every situation. Resistance is a bitter enemy, but one who can be conquered. Any person doing any sort of creative endeavour should become well acquainted with this book.
Recently, I met with Resistance. He is actually sitting at the table next to me right now. He’s tossing unrelated thoughts into my head. He’s stirring emotions of self doubt. Just a few minutes ago he was on an unholy tirate belittling my work and stealing my confidence. *pause… I’m adjusting…* Yes. I just politely told Resistance to get lost and kicked him outside. He’ll be back… but in the meantime I’d like to tell you how we met again most recently.
For several weeks I was enjoying everything but my Art. There were a few times I dabbled with art, but for the most part, I kept to myself. I was creating my Art, but just for myself and occasionally allowing a few select to see. Then Confidence came to visit me.
Confidence came. He is not a bad as some people would like to make him out. In fact, most people find Confidence attractive. It’s Over Confidence (his twin brother) that people don’t like and the two get confused sometimes. So Confidence came by and we talked. He shared some thoughts and I started to feel maybe I should share my Art with others. I liked this.
Confidence stuck around for a little while. We shared some Art and Confidence commented to me that it was great stuff and that a lot of people would respond. While Confidence and I were brewing some coffee, Resistance snuck through the back door.
Resistance did what he does best: stupid shit. He hid my computer. He misplaced my keys. He changed my schedule. He created questions, inspired fear, and resurfaced old doubts. He went on a rampage distracting me from everything I was supposed to do. I pushed back. He pushed harder. He began distracting those around me. He brought interference. He launched a war against my creative soul and something terrible happened: I lost sight of Beauty.
Beauty is necessary to the human soul. Beauty brings Inspiration and Wonder to visit your heart. Beauty creates a welcome place for Peace and Tranquility. I was blind to Beauty and I could see nothing beautiful.
Soon Resistance began to bring friends to visit. Darkness took place in my soul. Cynicism began to carve out a corner in my mind. Fear came to reign horror in my heart. Resistance was doing his job and my Art suffered.
I am no superhero, I’m just an artist. This artist chose to fight for his Art rather than let Resistance steal it away. Each day I pushed back against Resistance hoping to knock him down. Each day we fought. I got tired. I almost gave in to Resistance, but I kept fighting.
Along came Sunday. This Sunday, I was able to find Beauty again and to see the beautiful moment she inspired. It was breathtaking. Resistance couldn’t keep up. Beauty won. Art was inspired again and created again. A difficult victory has been won. I know it’s not forever… Resistance will be attacking again, but this time I have at least one “W” in my book. I can beat him again.
This brings me to now. I just kicked out Resistance. I’m here to share my Art with those who choose to see it. I’m hoping to inspire others like I have been inspired. And I hope to offer a word of both caution and encouragement:
You will be challenged. You will be stomped. You will have your world turned around on you. Resistance will stop at nothing to bring you down. You will be told your Art is not worth it. And your challenger will be a liar. They will always be wrong. You can do it. You can create your Art. You can express yourself. We need to hear from you.
As for me… I know the war isn’t over, but I’m happy to see Beauty again and to create my Art.
Thanks for joining me.
-Kevin
