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A Self-Coaching Journey through Eric Maisel's

The Van Gogh Blues

The Creative Person's Path through Depression

By Chris Dunmire, CoachingYourCreativity.com

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Book Introduction

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel asserts that the cliche “creativity and depression go hand-in-hand” is true and that “creators are not necessarily afflicted with some biological disease or psychological disorder … but are caught up in a struggle to make life seem meaningful to them.” Do you agree with these statements? What is your personal experience with creativity and depression?

• What is your view on the “prevailing theory” of the cause of depression? Does your view support biological or psychological treatment in a severe case of depression?

Chapter 1: Two Meaning Casualties

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel notes that as you read this chapter “you will come to understand what a meaning expert is, what she does, and why you must become one.” Was that understanding fulfilled by the end of this chapter?

• Maisel states that a meaning expert would tell a client that “the task of meaning making rests squarely on their shoulders” and they have to “come to grips with what they intend their life to mean in order for their depression to lift.” If you are currently in the ‘depressed client’s’ shoes, take a few minutes to slip on the ‘meaning expert’s’ shoes to fully understand what this means. Can you do that? How has your perception changed?

Chapter 2: Reflecting on Meaning

Questions for Reflection:

• Regarding a “vocabulary” centered on meaning issues, Maisel uses terms such as: meaning crisis, meaning restoration, leaky vessel, meaning containers, and meaning problems. Do you understand what these terms imply? (If not, use the glossary in the back of the book to help you.) What strategies can you employ to address issues involving them?

• Maisel invites you to engage in a self-reflection about the meaning of your life. Can you do this, being mindful towards “discarding the easy answers?”

Chapter 3: Meaningful Life, Meaningful Work, Meaningful Days

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel provides four intentions that must be held in order for you to live an authentic, meaningful life. Based on Maisel’s explanation of each intention, how can you “articulate” answers for the first three intentions?

• What types of questions or guidance do you need in order to articulate a life plan that feels meaningful, work that feels worthy, and time (the seconds, hours, weeks, and years in your life) made to feel meaningful? Then, how would you put the first three intentions into practice in a coordinated way?

Chapter 4: Sounding Silence

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel shares a “simple model used in cognitive psychology for dealing with the serious problem of negative self-talk.” How can you use this three-step program model?

• For reflection: Maisel sums up the chapter with the powerful conclusion that “you are what you think,” and describes the deep work and self-training needed to make meaning-making possible. What do you think you are?

Chapter 5: Opting to Matter

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel explains that “opting to matter” means seven things, and goes on to list them. How do you feel about each of these ideals in application to yourself?

• Maisel argues against accepting “postmodern meaninglessness” by answering with compelling reasons why we have to “come back to mattering.” Can you offer additional reasons that support this argument?

Chapter 6: Reckoning with the Facts of Existence

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel addresses the question “What are the facts of existence with which a creator must reckon?” Based on his description, can you name some “facts of existence” that you grapple with?

• Maisel draws a parallel between the myth of Sisyphus and how it is possible to “reckon with the facts of existence” as a creator in a cruel universe. How does this parallel impact your own “reckoning with the facts of existence?”

Chapter 7: Braving Anxiety

Questions for Reflection:

• Maisel describes the fundamental “anxiety cycle” at play in creative people’s lives. How will being aware of this cycle help you?

• Maisel discusses a common linguistic trick we play called the “yes, but” trick. Do you use this trick often? How will becoming more aware of it in yourself and others help you to be more honest and truth-telling?

Next: Questions for Reflection for Chapters 8-15 »

© 2008 Chris Dunmire, CoachingYourCreativity.com. All rights reserved. (01/10/08). Please do not duplicate this article elsewhere without my permission.

About the Author
Chris Dunmire is a thriving humorist, creativity enthusiast, kid's artshop facilitator, and creative director and publisher of the popular "Writer's Digest Best" Creativity-Portal.com. Chris trained as a creativity coach with Eric Maisel, Ph.D., and is the innovative mind behind the famous 'Cashius monetarius' Dollar Bill Origami Money Plant project. Learn more about Chris's creative printable playbooks at CreativeSlush.com.