What We Ache For: Creativity and the Unfolding of Your Soul

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

In her previous books, Oriah Mountain Dreamer has challenged readers to live with passion and honesty, to embrace the true, fallible, human self. What We Ache For is a moving and eloquent call to delve deeply into our creative selves, to do our creative work, and offer it to the world.

The creative process is essential to human nature. It is as essential as spirituality and sexuality, and in fact all three are deeply intertwined. What We Ache For is a practical book allowing readers to embrace the urgency and necessity of their creativity, whatever their medium -- writing, painting, sculpture, dance, music, or film. As Oriah says, "Doing creative work allows us to follow the thread of what we ache for into a deeper life, offering us a way to cultivate a life of making love to the world."

Following Oriah through this journey in such chapters as "The Seduction of the Artist," "Learning to See," and "Risk and Sacrifice," What We Ache For challenges and inspires readers to fully embrace their artistic selves as a way of forging a path of spiritual unfolding.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Writing, Art, Self Help, Unfinished

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Oriah is first and foremost a story-teller, a lover of words and symbols and the stories that lift our spirits, open our hearts and offer us ways to see patterns and create meaning in our lives. The focus of her life and work has been an on-going inquiry into the Sacred Mystery. Her writing, teaching and personal journey all explore how we can each become the individual we are at the deepest level of being and how we can co-create meaning together in the world. Blending humor, insight and compassion for our human struggles Oriah encourages herself and others to be ruthlessly honest and infinitely kind toward our own strengths and our weaknesses.

Raised in a small community in Northern Ontario, Oriah’s family encouraged her to bring her questions and explorations to the Christian tradition they espoused. At home in the wilderness she was drawn to and at home in the ceremonies and earth-based teachings of the First People’s, eventually teaching and sharing what she learned. Her daily practice includes ceremonial prayer, yoga, meditation and writing. A graduate of Ryerson University’s social work program (Toronto) and a student of Philosophy at the University of Toronto she has facilitated groups, offered classes and counselled individuals for over thirty-five years. The mother of two grown sons, Oriah lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reviews

[Laura Cunha · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://leiturasdelaura.blogspot.com/...

SPOILER FREE

A autora canadense Oriah Montain Dreamer é uma antiga paixão minha. Ela é provavelmente a única autora do estilo auto ajuda que consigo ler sem revirar os olhos e que, preciso dizer, realmente gosto do trabalho.

Como boa fã, já li tudo, absolutamente tudo o que existe disponível no Brasil dela. Não sei porque demorei tanto tempo a procurar seus livros no kindle, mas é verdade que cometi essa falha. Em compensação, já tenho tudo disponível dela em e-book, inclusive todos os livros dela que já li e que, por diversos motivos já foram doados, trocados ou dados de presente para quem precisava. Minha casa e minha alergia também agradecem a troca pelos livros virtuais, claro.

Então, What we ache for é o único livro dessa leva que eu ainda não havia lido. A autora não é prolixa, não é daqueles autores que reciclam seu próprio material para fazer mil e um livros sem nenhuma novidade dentro. Mais um motivo para gostar dela, claro.

Dessa vez, Oriah trata do tema criatividade artística, o que me surpreendeu porque não lembro de nada parecido nos outros livros dela, que são bem mais voltados para a espiritualidade e o dia a dia. Por ela ser uma seguidora do xamanismo tradicional canadense, seus livros sobre o assunto são realmente interessantes e indico para quem quiser ler sobre isso, que realmente não tem tanto material disponível.

Daí descobri que a mulher há anos conduz workshops de escrita criativa, e What we ache for é recheado de técnicas para isso, além de tratar a parte pessoal da criatividade. Oriah sendo maravilhosa como é, abre o livro explicando que as técnicas que ela vai sugerir são voltadas para a escrita, mas podem ser adaptadas a outros meios de criação artísticas, com alguns exemplos.

Talvez eu seja enviesada para falar do seu trabalho, mas Oriah sempre me agrada e esse livro não foi diferente. Aqui ela trata de técnicas para trabalhar a criatividade, mas ela não deixa de abordar os problemas e dificuldades, com lindos exemplos pessoais, como de costume. Aliás, esse é um dos pontos dos seus textos que eu mais gosto, porque a torna humana. Não há nada mais motivador que perceber que mesmo pessoas incríveis tem problemas e defeitos e tudo bem, continuam sendo incríveis. Não estou falando de coisas imperdoáveis, claro. Artistas pedófilos, racistas e misóginos não são pessoas incríveis.

Indico para qualquer um que faça arte, de forma profissional ou não, e se gostar, pode ler todo o resto dela disponível em português, infelizmente What we ache for ainda não foi traduzido.

[Deanna Kawatski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just sinking into this book. I like Oriah Mountain Dreamer's voice. She reminds me of the things I've already learned in my creative life, but her book has arrived when I need a nudge.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I salute Oriah Mountain Dreamer for getting to the root of the matter concerning self expression. Her book helped me greatly during the writing of my debut novel, CRESTMONT,published May 2010. She addresses many pitfalls and fears concerning any mode of creativity...and provides much needed encouragement.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot disagree with the reviewers who said that this is a fluffy sort of book. I will add that most of the advice in here is fairly standard, so if you have read much about establishing a writing practice (or other type of creative practice), you're not likely to learn anything new. However, the information in the book was kindly presented and framed in such a way that some (enough) of it reached me where I am right now.

I know this is a pretty useless review, because I don't know where anyone else is right now, and you don't know where I am. All I can say is that this book is the kind of thing you might like even if you don't usually like that kind of thing, but really, who knows?

[R.K. Goff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure I learned all that much about creativity, or how to be creative, but this was just a beautiful and pleasant book to read. It's like walking in to an auditorium thinking you'll be hearing a lecture and then relaxing to a beautiful music concert. I enjoyed it.

[Yaaresse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Am I the only person who will admit to finding this a bunch of insufferable, fluffy-fluffy, saccharine wanabe-woowoo? It's like being force-fed a mountain of cotton candy, the bright pink kind with the neon colors-not-found-in-nature rainbow sparkles that makes your teeth ache.

[Tracie Momie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book contains a lot of gems and a-ha moments but on some levels, I couldn’t relate with the soul searching aspect of tapping into creativity because for me it has always been like second nature. Creating and breathing for me are synonymous and I am usually able to find my creative rhythm rather quickly and when I can’t.....I just step away until I’m inspired again. I’ve never gone on a deep quest for inspiration, I just let the muse find me when she’s ready.

One of my favorite passages regarding giving up: “Don’t even allow the thought of throwing it away. Isn’t life already too short, over too soon for all that waits to unfold within us? Fight for it. Reach for it, if not for yourself then those who come after us for all of our children. Don’t.” Yes to all of this!! 🙌🏾

The author also shares ideas for sparking creativity like developing creative practice, sitting in silence, working together, etc. And I should mention this book isn’t just for writers....painters, composers, designers etc. can glean some inspiration from it.

For me, the most impactful pieces of the book were where the author talked about observing life more closely to strengthen her writing. I want to get better at sensory writing and got some pretty good insight on how to make that happen.

Overall worth the time but just be aware that the author connects our creativity to our spirituality and sexuality so there are many mixed messages throughout along with “assignments” at the end of each chapter.

[Adèle Robbertze (Green) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This for writers! The end left me empty and aching❤️ because my soul was fed. In my head remains Oriah’s voice which during dark dry spells will inspire and guide my creativity. I am grateful for the subtle beauty that lingers like a flavour of consciousness as if listening to Mozart. My respect for this author has deepened as she awoke an ancient dormant archetype within. If you love words this is a must read.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this helpful for life as well as engaging in creative practice. Although the author wisely doesn’t read reviews, I’m thankful to her for the honesty. The concept of stillness and incorporating rest were reinforced throughout. Something challenging for balancing the impulse to work on projects in less than meaningful ways. Each chapter has handy jumping off points for writers as well.

[Tree Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

a guide to deepening your spirituality that touched my soul.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite fluffy

[Diva Kreszl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be perfect for the person looking for tips and poignant stories in order to get the creative juices flowing again. It's well-written and thoughtful in my opinion.

[kate ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it wasn't bad i just always fell asleep while reading it, and it wasn't what i expected

[Laurien Jans]

nederlandse versie

[Wendy Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely brought up a few things for me to chew on, but by far the most helpful thing about this book for me is that it's existence (a whole book on the act of creation!) is very validating

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has geared her writing towards the artist more specifically the writer but the principles would hold true to any of the art forms. The tone is extremely gentle. There's no cheer-leading here just advise, tools and ideas. Pg. 142: "Assume that in the after life you will be allowed to keep one memory from this life and to live forever within it. Which memory would you choose?" Pg. 159: "Remember, there is one word you are here to say with your whole being.When it finds you, give your life to it. Don’t be tight-lipped and stingy. Spend yourself completely on the saying." ----- Not a read you'll want to rush through give yourself time here and linger at the end of each chapter.

[Kara Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book which blends the emotional saliency and drive to be a writer with the logical, imperative steps to actually get there and do the work. I have always struggled with setting personal writing goals and actually setting out to achieve them. If I had read this book a decade ago, it would have been 'pretty' but it wouldn't have changed much about my life. Much like anything, you get out what you put into it, and this book has absolutely altered my perceptions (positively and usefully) about being a writer and the artist's life.

[Jennifer Holik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I read - start and stop - as my soul needs a lift or push to move in a new creative direction. The book can be read at one time or in spurts. It always has something new to give the reader.

Added 21 April 2019... .I read this book again today. It lifted me up and reminded me what I'm here to do. I feel more grounded in my creative work after reading again.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty good. I actually bought it because it received a good review in Booklist, I think. It's a little new agey, but it is very good and very helpful. I used her thoughts in one of my fine art drawings.

[Ratforce]

Oriah Mountain Dreamer is another author that anyone interested in spirituality and creativity, and how they affect each other, should know. A good place to start is What We Ache For , her most recent title.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think you need to be in a certain headspace to really digest What We Ache For, but i think the angle and the execution of the piece is breathtaking.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about creativity! Practical advice for creative people.

[Carly Svamvour · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, a great read with a lot of great philosophy and writing advice.

I didn't finish it though - there was nothing there I hadn't read before. I like her other books better.

[MountainAshleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

To date, the absolute best book I've read on the creative process.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous resource for reflection and exercising your creative muscle!

[Sherry ShaRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Oriah's books reach in deep to the soul. She is a gifted, insightful and poetic writer. I've read many of her books.

[Nathalie Himmelrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just a pretty cover... :-)

[Bronwen Whyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making time, getting started, a balanced life. Inspirational - sexuality, spirituality, creativity.

[Anokina Shahbaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything by Oriah