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144 - The Inspired Art of Living - Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Part II

144 - The Inspired Art of Living - Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Part II

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 Continuing the Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist) Episode Overview In this powerful continuation of Episode 143, hosts Jaye McElroy and Leta Herman dive deeper into their transformative conversation with renowned Daoist philosopher and artist Deng Ming-Dao. This episode explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and daily practice, offering profound insights for artists, healers, and anyone seeking to live more authentically. This episode is essential listening for artists, healers, and anyone interested in living a more creative, authentic life. The conversation bridges ancient Daoist wisdom with practical modern applications for reclaiming creativity and attention in our distracted world. Key Topics Discussed The Art of Listening to Inner Voices Distinguishing between inspiration and other internal chatterThe importance of waiting and discernment in creative and healing processesHow meditation creates space to reassess and clarify authentic inspiration Trusting Your Inner Compass Why external validation (money, success) cannot replace inner knowingThe courage to follow your heart despite societal pressuresSelf-cultivation as the ultimate measure of success Reclaiming Your Attention How society has co-opted our natural capacity for attentionThe difference between being told what to focus on versus choosing your focusPractical steps to redirect attention from consumption to creation Everyone is an Artist Why 99% of people have had their natural creativity "beaten out of them"The myth of talent versus the reality of daily practiceStarting small: simple tools like pencil and paper, humming, or describing experiences The Progression of Practice Why beginners should expect and embrace being "no good" initiallyThe power of daily practice and incremental improvementUsing constraints and limitations to stimulate creativity Art as Healing How both artist and audience are transformed through creative expressionThe gift of art as a form of healing exchangeCreating "messages in bottles" for future generations The Spiritual Dimension of Art Art as a response to the world and inner experienceThe importance of not pandering to audiencesHow authentic expression naturally carries spiritual essence Memorable Quotes On Trusting Your Heart: "If you trust your heart, if your heart tells you this is where you need to go, then that's what you need to follow. Because no external rewards and no external rejection is going to be a guide for what you need to do in life." On Getting Started: "It's as simple as picking up a pencil and a piece of paper. It's as simple as humming something. It's as simple as saying, this just happened to me. How do I describe it?" On Attention: "We are completely capable of attention, but attention has been co-opted by our society. We have not been allowed to say we deserve attention for our own purposes." On Defining Art: "Art is a response to the world. And from that, other people can see that shape [and] think about how they might want to respond to the world." Practical Takeaways Start a Daily Practice: Get a sketchbook and write or draw in it every day, even if it's "crap"Examine Your Screen Time: Notice how much attention you give to others' content versus your own creative expressionEmbrace Beginner's Mind: Allow yourself to be "no good" initially and focus on the process, not the outcomeSet Constraints: Use limitations to spark creativity (small canvases, limited time, simple materials)Create Space for Reflection: Spend time looking at and contemplating your work, not just producing it Resources Mentioned AlchemyLearningCenter.com - Hosts' website with courses and resourcesNew Book: "Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points" by the hostsThe intersection of Daoist philosophy and creative practiceThe concept of the Nine Palaces and the Creativity/Children Palace About the Guest Deng Ming-Dao is an author, artist, and teacher. He is the author of: 365 Tao; Chronicles of Tao; Scholar Warrior; Everyday Tao; The Lunar Tao; The Living I Ching; Zen: The Art of Modern Eastern Cooking; and The Wisdom of the Tao, Every Journey Begins With a Single Step, and The Way of Heart and Beauty. His books have been translated into a variety of European and Asian languages. Deng Ming-Dao has trained in Chinese martial arts since 1975. His teachers have come from Beijing, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and two Taoist mountains, Huashan and Wudangshan. He has been most involved with the internal systems of Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Taijiquan, and he has given many workshops to introduce Chinese martial arts and Taoist wellness techniques. Episode Themes Creativity as Spiritual PracticeHealing Through ArtAttention as Sacred ResourceDaily Practice as TransformationAuthentic Expression vs. Commercial Art

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