SARK's MicroMOVEments Posted Jun-14-2005
Finished!
Yes, I purposely allowed this book (SARK's Make Your Creative Dreams Real) to dwell around my house unfinished for 11 months (but then again, it's designed as a 12-month "program"). I cracked it open immediately after the July workshop with a fervent start, and graciously allowed it to supplement me like a multi-vitamin during creative droughts and other up-and-down moodiness.

SARK is such an inspirational read. And like a gentle friend, her encouragement towards personal growth and forgiveness in this world is such a breath of fresh air.

As I finished the book and closed the cover, I felt a tinge of sadness. I didn't want it to be over. I knew finishing the book would lead me to this, which is why I procrastinated with it for so long. But guess what I realized? That I could turn the book over and start again!

Overall impressions of this book? It was motivating, comforting, and gentle. It was encouraging, empowering, and purring. Oh wait, that was my cat! No really, I believe that anyone who has something important they want to do in their life, be it creativity-related or not, SARK's perspective on moving towards those "dreams" in big or small measures is worth considering.

Recently, I had a conversation with a new acquaintance about self-help books. She said something to me that made me pause and think for a few minutes about how important it is to *not* set ourselves up for failure when we seek the advice of "professionals." We discussed for example, Morning Pages from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way book. Although I can really see the personal advantages of this reflective exercise (and have adapted it somewhat for my own use), many people who aren't used to writing (so much!) struggle with keeping up and eventually abandon the program (fail). And they are left feeling "well, there's another book/program/idea that didn't work for me."

I can't think of any SARK book that I've read that made me feel like there was something I would fail. This book did offer some end of chapter "challenges", but didn't require much in the way of program commitments, daily "chores", or other structured efforts other than personal MicroMOVEments according to your own circumstances and energy levels. And there wasn't any definitive "You are only successful if you..." types of measuring. Wisely, SARK allows individuals to measure their progress according to their own circumstances.

SARK intuitively knows how to inspire and motivate her audience, and it's not through harsh discipline or reality checks. Sure, we *know* we need a good kick in the arse sometimes, but ironically, if it doesn't come from within, it won't be sustaining. When we rely on external cues to guide our lives, we are often left disoriented and dependant should they disappear. SARK knows this from her own experiences. Mistakes. And successes.

What did I gain from Make Your Creative Dreams Real? Some very cool insights about the humans we inadvertently pedestalize and often feel that their lives contain so much magic than our own. And some empowering realizations about being successful in pursuing our passions. Every minute of every day we have opportunities to move towards the things we love. Dreams are often made true with many small steps than large miracles. Dreams are not just impossible fantasies we conjure up in our minds. They are sparked by our interests, our passions, our strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, we do have the power to manifest our dreams. It's all about taking that first step. Micromovements. And the next one. And another one after that. Little steps add up to bigger steps. But you have to start. Somewhere.

No, it's not a new concept. But the way it's presented and broken down to us can sometimes make a world of difference in how we respond to it.

I can finally put the whimsical dust jacket back on this book and add it to my inspirational bookshelf. I know I'll pull it down again someday and begin reading it again. That's the magic of SARK that I love. •

Make Your Creative Dreams Real Posted Apr-22-2005
Only 49 Pages to Go!
The way I tornado through books makes me curious why for nine months I've been savoring the pages in SARK's Make Your Creative Dreams Real book.

I read a chapter or two and put the book back on the shelf — knowing that if the book was on loan from the library, I would devour it in two days.

Nope. Not this book. I think much of it has to do with the fact that it's the first SARK book I've ever purchased. Not to mention that SARK signed a special note to me in it from her Chicago workshop.

I'll be totally honest here. I will forever be biased in favor of this book just for the memories I have surrounding it. The book could be mostly blank for all I care. The value is symbolic. If I go the rest of my life without reading another thing by SARK, I'll always have my Creative Dreams workshop memories... throwing crumpled paper balls at wall ... "Over the Rainbow" ... chocolate cake ... and meeting SARK.

I've 'heard' some long-time SARK readers criticize this book on the Planet Sark Web site as 'nothing new under the sun' and 'recycled bits' from her previous books. In other words, they didn't find any earth-shattering revelations in the book they haven't been visited by before. Hmm.... Nothing new under the sun. That Proverb (or was it Ecclesiastics) touches on just about every single thing out there.

But I understood the comments. And had I also read SARK's entire library of books I might agree. Many authors write from the heart about their own themes and truths, and those resonations is what draws us to them. And it's okay to "outgrow" someone else's space and move on. One poster regretted spending money on the book. Maybe next time she'll try the library first. The library, what a cool concept.

On the other hand... I wonder how high-volume authors maintain such a steady schedule of publishing books year after year without revisiting some things over and over. It kind of reminds me of a music group releasing a "Best of" compilation CD.

I'm almost finished with this book. I stopped again at page 229 because I was struck with some 'earth-shattering' points I just had to jot down.

The first is this: Creative Dreams. Raise your hand if you think a creative dream has to be some huge, glorified life accomplishment:

"Dahhhhling... I just exhibited my exquisite collection of French oil paintings at the Guggenheim Museum."

"My highly-opined article was featured in in Time Magazine."

"I completed my Masters and am a highly-esteemed Professor at Harvard."

Gack! If you raised your hand it's no wonder authors and coaches are thriving with their books and Web-based programs trying to help others grab onto something that is SO within reach to us IF we just start honestly working towards it.

Achieving a dream is not some far-off fantasy achieved only by a fortunate few. You'd be surprised at 'how a little action' on your part 'goes a long way.'

SARK's use of the term "Creative Dreams" in the book was generic. In fact, reading chapter ten made me realize that SARK's careful use of the term plus forgiveness at every turn of the way could have swapped "Creative Dreams" for "Anything you desire to try or accomplish in your life."

No, the book isn't about SARK sharing her "Amazing Secrets to Dreamy Living" or "10 Things Only THIS Book Has." Much of it is down-to-earth common sense towards self-care, support systems, goal setting, and micro-movements. And, as 'nothing is new under the sun', these things are transferable skills.

The second point (reinforcing the first one) jumped out at me on page 209:

Having an active creative dream life does not necessitate "going public" or "making it real." [but, but, the title of your book is...] You might be a private dream-liver who chooses to think and/or talk about your creative dreams and not take any action. This causes changes just by the energy of those thoughts. (bold mine)

Further down:

It is not necessary to make money or be known for your creative dream to have value. ... Maybe you will never be recognized for the work you do. ... The point of creative dreams is not to "go public" or make money, but to make those dreams real in your life. (209-210, bold mine)

Clever SARK. Even the most downtrodden dream weavers have to come away from this book with some optimism. It's designed to be win-win. •