Standing at Water's Edge: Moving Past Fear, Blocks, and Pitfalls to Discover the Power of Creative Immersion

by Anne Paris

Book Overview

For most people who seek to create -- whether they are artists, writers, or businesspeople -- the daily task of immersing themselves in their creative work is both a joy and a profound challenge. Instead of stepping easily into the creative state, they succumb to chronic procrastination and torturous distraction. In Standing at Water's Edge , psychologist Anne Paris calls on her extensive experience in working with creative clients to explore the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1577315898
• ISBN13: 9781577315896
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: New World Library
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Limner's View

By the time I bought Anne Paris' book, "Standing at Water's Edge," I'd been on a how-to binge for almost eighteen months; gorging on anything that promised to teach people like me how to write better, and avoid the pitfalls every "real" writer experiences. One frightening, common thread/threat throughout was writer's block. The more I read the more I doubted myself. Writer's block? But I'd never . . . Did it mean I wasn't a "real" writer? I had stories stumbling and tumbling to get out of my head and onto paper. My well would never run dry! Right? I hadn't drawn or painted in years. I hadn't touched a camera in over three months. Writing was all I had left. Without the pen-and-paper creative outlet, what would I do? Maya Angelou understood. "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Quotes aren't cures though, and, I had way too many stories waiting. I ran my hands over the cool, smooth cover like a sighted person trying to read Braille; almost hypnotized by the lone figure standing straight and sure, next to a bench. Was that me? A watercolor sky soothed and drew me down to the blue water waiting between Earth and sky. There's always a Negro spiritual to fit most occasions in my life: "Between the Earth and sky, thought I heard my Savior cry . . ." suited this one. A promise of freedom to soar beyond the sky, but only if I left the comfort and stability of solid ground behind, gave me the courage to dive into that expanse of healing water within the pages of Anne's book. Not knowing how to swim, I took the first step into a creativity-saving dive. The first sentence that held hope with a hook got me: "How do we take the plunge into creativity?" The second pulled me along: "If you are an artist, a writer, or a person who works in any other creative capacity, this book is for you." I snapped to by page four, started highlighting on page five: " . . . this book will show how the nature of the artist's childhood experiences and the nature of her relationships with others shape her creative process." I think I whimpered. Anne Paris laid out her cards; offered proof that she could help my sickness. Then she began. She said the therapeutic process of healing and growth involved a creative element. I'd already learned that in therapy! She went on, "The creative state is one that is similar to a meditative trance, in that the artist becomes unaware of his or her surroundings and is free of external judgment and self-evaluation." By then I was in up to my calves. So, I went for it! Sink or swim. I had experienced "being In The Zone" before. I'd been there without knowing how I'd arrived. I had done some of my best work there. I knew this truth. At the bottom of page seven, I noted in pencil: "7-24-08 I believe we tap into a collective consciousness that we can take away from, but only as much as we are capable of handling . . ." In the margin along the outer edge of the page I wrote: The more we dip into the "well,

At Last! A Window Into The Soul of the Tortured Artist!

I decided to buy this truly inspirational book after reading an excellent review on a local arts networking website. Boy, am I glad I did! The author gives great insight as to why some of us are afraid to totally commit (or "immerse") ourselves to our art, whether it is due to lack of support, poor self-image, lack of "twins" (someone who shares our experiences and trials) or even a lack of affirmation of our talents from loved ones. Speaking of which, the chapter titled "Finding Strength In Mirrors" proved to be a very painful, yet necessary read for me personally. Check it out! While there are a fair amount of self-help books out there, few concentrate specifically on dissolving the roadblocks to creative expression in the practical manner as this book. What I really appreciate from this author is that she does more than just anaylze--she fully relates her own first-hand experiences with the subject at hand, which proves to be very comforting to the reader. I would highly recommend this book to any artist, regardless of what stage they happen to be at in their career. Likewise, this would also be an encouraging read to basically anyone who is struggling with such issues as creative release, fear of audiences (judgement) and even relationships. It makes us aware of the difference in the role that we play in our private lives vs. the one that we choose to put on "display" to our public (our audience). In my humble opinion, this book has served as a great learning tool and it makes me want to delve deeper into finding out more about myself as a performer and WHY I am the way that I am. Perhaps it will for you too. Buy! Read! Learn! Immerse!

Standing At Water's Edge.by Anne Paris PHD

Paperback 190 pages. I really enjoyed this book.I found it interesting,informative,friendly and very readable. I am not a writer but I like to dabble and play with words. I purchased the book because I wanted to better understand fear and blocks in thought patterns as I have a disability and they are something I can ill afford. Dr Paris explains the process very well. The book is an immersive experience just as the author suggest. I found all the procrastination and other stuff made a lot more sense. (Great to know it was not wasted time after all.) The introduction and guide summaries were a great idea and very helpful for later use. I hope to use them in other activities when learning new skills. I liked the organisation of the book, I also liked being encouraged and inspired as I read. This is a great first book. I hope there will be many more. It is pleasing to see professionals sharing their knowledge in this way. It helps to improve the lives of others. I note also you have a web site.

Standing at Water's Edge

Artists, writers, and other creative individuals know that our passion tends to bring with it great ups and downs. One day, we are on top of the world. The story, the painting, or the healing flows like we are simply channeling the work. There is no effort, no thinking, and no worrying about the end result. Then, seemingly for no reason, we get stuck. Just getting to the computer to type is more than we can handle. We find ourselves fixating on a single aspect for hours (or days or even months). At some point, we begin to judge ourselves as lazy and question our talent. Forcing the issue only seems to make the problem worse. Standing at the Water's Edge is a must have for any creative individual. In her counseling work the author has come to understand that there is a real psychological reason that we choose such creative endeavors. Essentially, we are trying to immerse, engage, or otherwise make connections with other human beings. This is something that we both unconsciously yearn for but are also terribly afraid of achieving. So we start writing completely open and willing to make that connection. Then, we start to analyze: will the reader like this, what will my publisher say, will this book sell as well as my last book, etc. Basically, the fear takes over and disrupts the flow. In knowing this cycle, we can learn ways to keep the creativity flowing, particularly by seeking out relationships that serve our immersion needs in various healthy ways.

Reach Your Ultimate Creative Potential

Standing at Water's Edge by psychologist Anne Paris is an exceptional read for everyone. The author brilliantly examines our fears that prevent our access to our ultimate creative potential. She highlights that our deep connection with self and others is a powerful tool that can encourage inspiration and creativity. Whether you are an artist, musician, author or simply someone who is interested in facilitating your creativity in every day situations, this book is a valuable guide. Throughout this book, the author offer practical "Guides" that are questions and exercises that shift us beyond what we perceive to be our fears and blocks so that so that realize our potential. "Standing at the Water's Edge" is well documented with footnotes, a Bibliography, and most helpful Index, so that you may conveniently refer to subjects presented in the book. Good read and highly recommended. Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment