A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life: Self Expression and Spiritual Practice for Those Who Have Time for Neither

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The Art of Freedom

Remembering Who We Are

"We all want to be free. That is human nature. We want to be free from pain and suffering and limitations. If we look deeply into our hearts, we know what we want; we are in love with the condition of liberation. Our pain is the feeling of alienation or separation from our Beloved, which is this freedom. . . . But finding true nature is not for the timid. It requires courage and a sense of adventure, a fearless heart, and optimistic strength."

--Hameed Ali

The Art of Freedom

It is our nature to be free and it is our nature to express that freedom, spontaneously and without hesitation, through song, and dance, and painting, and poetry, and prayer. In the same way that the universe gives birth to uncountable shapes, forms, colors, and beings in a grand panoply of flowing, changing manifestation, we, too, are of the nature to give birth to myriad forms of expression. In the same way that birds sing, and lions roar, and prairie dogs dance, and cicadas chant, and water sculpts rock, and sunsets paint the sky, we, too, are of the nature to sing, and roar, and dance, and chant, and sculpt, and paint. And we are also of the nature to pray--to give thanks and reverence to this Creation that we are an inextricable part of as witnesses and participants.

All of us are free, and this freedom is our very essence; we need not do anything at all to achieve it. But distracted by the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and who we believe ourselves to be within these stories, we forget that our essential nature is unencumbered and liberated. Instead, we enforce stringent rules on ourselves and each other, confining our freedom of self-expression to meager slots of time in rigidly defined arenas. Dancing on the sidewalk is forbidden except in the movies. Singing while riding your bicycle is forbidden unless absolutely no one is within earshot. Spontaneously talking in a French accent because your lover has just left you and you're a little depressed and feel like being someone else for a minute--forbidden. And we, ourselves, are the prison guards who keep ourselves incarcerated. So it is we, ourselves, who must open the doors and step out into the light and gaze unflinchingly at the boundless sky which is reflecting our own nature.

Freedom does not mean that we cease to feel pain, but that we have the courage to move through the depths of suffering and the pinnacles of joy alike. And as we allow ourselves to express whatever arises, fully and without judgment, we discover that what ails us transforms into what heals us, and the distinction between pain and delight fades--this is the alchemy of creative self-expression.

It is our nature to be free, but we forget, since it is also our nature to forget. Spiritual practice is a method of remembering who we are. And spiritual practice need not be restricted to sitting still and watching the breath. As Rumi says, "There are many ways to kneel and kiss the ground."

Reclaiming What We Have Lost

"If you don't change the direction in which you are going, you will end up where you are headed."

--Confucius (reputedly)

We speak of progress. We speak of evolution. We imagine we are moving forward, fast. But where are we going? If we look at the evidence, we recognize that as we have progressed technologically, we have systematically divested ou

Filled with simple ten-minute practices that can be performed anywhere and at anytime, a hilarious and sentimental guide shows readers how to unleash creativity and experience more pleasure, adventure, and wonder in their lives, providing guidance for rejuvenating every aspect of life.

A captivating performance artist and teacher, Nina Wise has dedicated her life to tapping the wisdom that emerges from spontaneity. Under Wise's guidance, thousands have discovered the healing power of spontaneous movement, storytelling, vocalizing, and other forms of unedited self-expression. Now she shares the time-tested discoveries of her surprising and spirited workshops in A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life.

In clearly-explained, ten-minute exercises that can be performed almost anywhere, Nina Wise points the way towards a fuller, more creative life. She invites us to rediscover the body, to fall in love with language, and most of all to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Wise's voice is invigorating and warm as she provides a remarkable antidote to anyone struggling with burnout, past traumas, everyday stresses, or specific fears. A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life helps us unlock deep sources of peace and leads us to discover the robust creativity that lies at the heart of our being.

The art of freedom--remembering who we are — Something in the way we move--rediscovering the body — To sing like a river--opening the voice — To render visible--giving birth to images — Words on words--a raid on the inarticulate — Tea for two--creating in pairs — When gathered--group play — Enlivening love--the sacred play of passion — Prayer--the language of the heart — Bringing art to life--improvisational being.