Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert 

For a very long time, I had a wrong notion about creativity. I thought it was solely associated with writers, artists, and creators. Science and Math, I associated with facts, logic, data, and curiosity, with limited scope for creativity. So as a student of science and math, I did not think creativity was something I possessed. Or for that matter, I did not think creativity was something I had to develop. I’m glad there is a shift in this outlook over the years.

One glance around and we clearly see how the beautiful matrimony of curiosity and creativity has contributed to the world of technology, media, etc. To quote Steve Jobs, “ Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. ”  And I would like to add, to see something as vividly as described by Jobs, one must have a curious mind. Ideas that seem to come up magically are a result of the curiosity of the mind.

In the words of Ms. Gilbert,  “The definition of creativity that I work with is constantly choosing the path of curiosity over the path of fear.” 

This book is a gem for all creative minds. I highly recommend it. The book is a pleasure to listen to if you are more of a book listener than a book reader. It is simple and smart. The author Elizabeth Gilbert talks about her process and relationship with creativity. 

Published in 2015, years after the raving success of her novel Eat Pray Love, it definitely did not sell as many copies as the former. Thankfully, her own success did not bog her down and she kept writing. Unlike some very famous writers, she did not worry if she could ever get past her own success. In the book, she talks a lot about how success can sometimes come in the way of a creative process. 

Ms. Gilbert keeps reminding us that irrespective of success or failure, the work is what matters. The amount of work a person has to put in remains the same. That doesn’t mean one should condone success. It is a fact that for the person creating or ideating, the inner space of work – where the creation happens, should remain untouched by the results of the creation. That is the only way to move forward without losing the sanctity of that sacred space. The reason being- you have absolutely no control over the outcome. She says, she never imagined in her wildest dreams the tsunami of success of Eat Pray Love.  

Identifying fear, acknowledging it, and learning to coexist with it is how one can tackle fear. The underlying point being that fear should not ride over creativity or curiosity. Curiosity, and not fear is what should drive our life.

The book is divided into 6 parts – Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity. Each part dwells deeply into the topic with real-life incidents and examples.  

In spite of being non-fiction, it engages with you in a very fictional manner. 

I heard rave reviews about the book Big Magic in a podcast I was listening to. The host of the podcast said this book changed her life. When I started listening to this book on Audible, I must admit, I just couldn’t put my phone down. I kept listening to it until I finished it. 

I loved the fact that people from all walks of life, people who are successful, and those who are still struggling, those who know what their passion is, and those who jolt at the mention of the word passion, can all relate to this book. That is the magic of the book- Big Magic. So get access to a copy of this book and you will not be disappointed. 

Be Curious, Courageous, and Creative. 

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