“Even darkness becomes bright when a lantern is lit, and even muddy water becomes clear when the moon shines on it.”

These Buddhist thoughts from Nichiren resound the idea that by linking with a greater vision, one’s own wisdom and creativity are clarified and enhanced.  Sometimes I have sat and thought and not an ounce of creativity comes forth and I feel stupid, unable to move on.  At these times by reading other thinker’s and visionaries thoughts, going through books about great painters or architects and reflecting, I have been able to kick start the creative process again.  Goethe encourages us-

“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.”