The Creative Fire

Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity

By: Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Narrated by: Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

An expanded edition of the classic on creativity by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes guides you through the dark labryinths of the psyche in search of la chispa - the ember that is the elemental source of all creative work.

Dr. Estes teaches about the hidden aspects of creativity, including the negative complexes that prey upon creative energy. The Creative Fire includes many special insights for people who create for a living: artists, writers, teachers, and others who must depend on thier creative instincts every day.

©2005 Sounds True (P)2005 Sounds True

Creative Fire

I really enjoy the freedom of listening to the book as opposed to reading. This format suits me in that I can work on my digital artwork and listen/explore my inner psyche - which is what art is about. Clarissa Pinkola Estes has been a favorite author of mine since reading "Women Who Run With The Wolves" years ago. That singular book shaped my ideas of my self and women's lives considerably. This book, "The Creative Fire," further serves to inform my deep longing to make friends with my shadow self, with stories and myth. I highly recommend this book to any type of artist who wants to remove creative blocks, and understand how they got there in the first place.

One of my go-to books when I feel blocked!

Clarissa makes it easier for me to understand where those blocks are coming from and how to break through them!

Not helpful

I didn't find this helpful at all. I was looking for inspiration and motivation, but it was a lot of ancient stories as allegories to what can go wrong in the creative process. No solutions. If you're into ancient myths it might be for you.

I find myself at a Threshold

I always find myself drawn to Dr. Estes work when I enter a period of deep change or transition. She never disappoints me.

great listen

This book is for anyone interested in the creative process and understanding it in more depth. The author weaves myth and storytelling to create a magical and inspiring study of the life of creativity.

The creative cycle and creative block demystified!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Doc Estes educates in a manner that draws us in and we don't want to look away.
Estes tells us the story of Persephone (as only a Jungian analyst could):
Persephone, the joy of the creative drive, is gone. Hades has come and stolen her away. Demeter, Persephone's mother, the Creatrix herself, in her despair and desperation to find her daughter, Demeter has become infertile and barren. There is no "Spring" anymore and the people are starving.
Anyone who has ever experienced a creative block knows this story all too well yet sadly, we have no answer for how and why it happens.
Estes explains the mystery quite well AND her book is an absolute joy to read.
Doc Estes does not write your typical self-help books. Instead, she brings to the conversation a mirror. One that reveals to us our own journey while teaching us the value of dreams, introspection, poetry and art. She speaks of ancient myths, psychic predators, natural cycles and the value of laughter.
"Creative block" can be debilitating and, as Doc Estes points out "creativity" is shared by many fields. Everyone from artists and writers to cooks and scientists rely on creativity to move ahead in their work.
If you are a person who is (or has) suffered from creative block or if you are a person who is simply interested in the creative cycle and how the creative mind works, this book should head your list of "books to read."
Doc Estes reads the work herself and she's amazing! I love her voice, her enthusiasm and the joy she brings to the subject.
I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. Thanks!

What did you like best about this story?

The way she used metaphor and ancient myth to make her point.

Which character – as performed by Clarissa Pinkola Estes – was your favorite?

I liked them all. There was no one character that I favored.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story of the "Corpse Bride." It was as poignant as it was instructive.

Any additional comments?

This is an amazing read! I bought the book a few years ago and I've re-read it FIVE times! This is not your average "self-help" book at all. It's deep and profound and brings an understanding to the creative process that most books on the subject don't even touch on. Great read.

Loved it!

I found this audible quite enjoyable. As an artist who experience frequent blocks, Dr. Estes explanations truly resonated with me and I plan to start exercising "active imagination". I recommend this book to every artists struggling to keep their creative fire burning.

Making the mystical feel accessible, real and safe

Love how this book was so deeply spiritual yet very grounded everyday/ness. The creative life is essential to spiritual growth and wholeness, this piece helping connect those dots and has me feeling inspired and reverent about the power of my creative life!

Bathing my brain in Estés stories

As I do dishes, see, sweep, bathe, rest, I listen to her stories. Thank you for your wisdom Clarissa 💗🔥🙏🏼

The Creative Fire

I have been listening to this off and on for at least 15 years. I get it out when ever my creativity is waning or feeling threatened. I love Clarissa Pinkola Estes narration of her own work - she is a master story teller. She reminds me to honor my creative self and allow it to BE and grow and live at its own pace.