Catching the Big Fish

Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity

By: David Lynch

Narrated by: David Lynch

Length: 1 hr and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In Catching the Big Fish, internationally acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch provides a rare window into his methods as an artist, his personal working style, and the immense creative benefits he has experienced from the practice of meditation.

Lynch describes the experience of "diving within" and "catching" ideas like fish and then preparing them for television or movie screens and other mediums in which he works, such as painting, music, and design. Lynch writes for the first time about his more than three-decade commitment to Transcendental Meditation and the difference it has made in his creative process.

In brief chapters, Lynch explains the development of his ideas: where they come from, how he grasps them, and which ones appeal to him the most. He specifically discusses how he puts his thoughts into action and how he engages with others around him. Finally, he considers the self and the surrounding world and how the process of "diving within" that has so deeply affected his own work can directly benefit others.

Catching the Big Fish will come as a revelation to the legions of fans who have longed to better understand Lynch's personal vision. And it will be equally intriguing to those who wonder how they can nurture their own creativity.

©2006 Bobkind Inc. (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The quirky helmer known for Boy Scout demeanor and twisted tales shares his creative vision in a surprisingly gentle tome informed by the underlying teachings of Transcendental Meditation. But don’t worry: David Lynch, one-time creator of “The Angriest Dog in the World” comic, keeps the proselytizing to a minimum. He addresses topics ranging from working with wood (for it) to director’s commentaries (against) in deceptively simple, yet ultimately affirming, chapters. There’s much for fans and aspiring filmmakers to enjoy.” (Variety)

“With this book, Lynch offers us a rare glimpse into his own head. In the process, he reveals just enough biographical information, philosophy of film, and general behind-the-scenes dirt (including the connection between Lynch's Lost Highway and O. J. Simpson)to keep the attention of those more interested in Lynch's films than in his consciousness.” (Booklist)

"Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you've got to go deeper, says David Lynch the idiosyncratic filmmaker whose creations include Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire, and the cult TV classic, Twin Peaks. He claims that he has savored the pleasures of diving deep thanks to a 33-year practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM). He describes the fun of gathering what he calls 'firewood' (all kinds of ideas and things for a film), the joy he takes in seeing an aging building or a rusted bridge, and the respect he has for Fellini and Kubrick. Lynch loves making movies and diving deep, and this testament bears witness to both loves.” (Spirituality & Practice)

David Lynch’s Honesty in his voice

It’s so rare to have someone courageously speak from the heart and leave it unedited when the head gets involved. The big fish love the heart and a good head knows how to make delicious sushi :)

Genuine love and insight.

The narration was great and I loved everything about this audio book. I will be giving this another listen or two or more.

The Fishing Buddy

Best dude ever Mr David Lynch his teachings have brought me closer into the transcendental meditation practice.

enlightening and pure

I can listen to David Lynch talk for hours about being at peace with oneself and how it affects creativity and just getting things done. Lynch is a master filmmaker, and Catching the Big Fish, while it isn't a masterful piece of writing itself, the meaning and message it speaks of is clearly translated and is read with an authenticity by David Lynch himself who truly believes and convinces others that meditation has changed his life for the better, and we can all be better in our own lives, and that alone is the reason to listen to this.

I love David Lynch and listening to his voice

Would you listen to Catching the Big Fish again? Why?

I definitely will listen to the book again, because I want to listen to his experiences and wisdom again and again, plus his voice is very relaxing and I love to listen to it anyway.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it right after I purchased it and couldn't stop listening to it.

Interesting

This is another book that is not linear in its writing but offers a lot of great insight from Lynch. As a new practicing meditator it gives me hope of what meditation can provide

A great read for any artist!

David Lynch at his most honest and cerebral. Enlightening for any artist, and a damn good listen. I love it.

Insight into David Lynch.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Catching the Big Fish?

I enjoyed the story, especially since the author narrated it. He is definitely passionate about meditation. While the book was overall interesting, it lacked the any specific meditations and examples that I hoped to learn from the author.

Deep, funny and true

I loved listening to this book. It's really funny and has a great rhythm to it. If you do tm you will learn. If you don't you might learn something as well.

a simple and transcendant experience. so much joy!

I really enjoyed this book. David Lynch has such a direct and inspiring voice. reading this really helps me Center myself and feel motivated to keep making creative work.