Chapter 1: The Joy of Childhood Creativity

As a young child, before the complexities of adult self-awareness and worries set in, my world revolved around art classes. I spent hours sketching and doodling, often replicating my comic book idols—those heroes from Roy of The Rovers and The Beano who didn’t wear capes. Eventually, I found myself immersed in the rich textures and vibrant hues of oil paints. I cherished every aspect: the unique scents, the liberating experience, and the creative flow that allowed me to escape into a special mental space. With encouragement from my father—an accomplished artist and mural creator who often visited galleries—I felt most alive when wielding a paintbrush.

However, over time, my creative endeavors waned. After finishing school, my artistic passion lay dormant, occasionally stirred by the use of pencils, crayons, watercolors, or acrylics. Despite this, I have yet to return to oil painting. Writing too had faded from my life until recently, when I rediscovered the thrill of putting pen to paper. With newfound discipline and curiosity, I now strive to write almost every day. Simultaneously, the desire to paint is resurfacing, and I'm eager to plunge back into that world.

In David Lynch's book, Catching the Big Fish, he illustrates the process of "diving within" to "catch" ideas, akin to fishing. One captivating theme is how meditation and creativity allow him to seamlessly transition between various artistic forms—be it art, music, writing, or filmmaking—like a canoeist navigating a tranquil river through visualization, stillness, and calm. The ease and flow I find in writing draw me closer to that state, reminding me that regular meditation, breathing exercises, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong can significantly enhance my journey.