In the realm of creativity, the concept of gnosis can be something we can meditate on to discover those transformative processes that guide us through our journeys of self-discovery, understanding of ourselves, and ultimately, understanding our true creative purpose.
Today i’ll give you a little peek at what the concept of gnosis is, and i’ll invite you to grasp its deeper meaning and how it relates to the creative process. In this post, we will briefly explore the historical roots of gnosis and its relevance in fostering genuine artistic expression.
Gnosis traces its origins back to ancient eras, particularly in philosophical and spiritual traditions. The term itself comes from the Greek word "gnōsis," meaning knowledge or insight. In various historical contexts, gnosis referred to the acquisition of deep knowledge through personal experience and revelation rather than relying solely on external sources.
There is also a sort of deeper, wider element of the mind becoming ‘illumined’ when embarking on and fulfilling self-discovery—an element that finds parallels in the traditions of esoteric Christianity and Judaism and more directly in common Buddhist traditions.
In spiritual and mystical traditions, gnosis often pertains to attaining a direct and experiential understanding of the ‘divine’ or higher truths. Now, depending on your perspective, take those words as you will, but for the atheists or agnostics among us, it can simply mean the element of getting a greater sense of perspective or knowledge on a topic and then having a distinct ontological change in one’s own trajectory or life path. A new discovery might lead to a new path, that sort of idea.
However, in the more mystic traditions, gnosis represented an intimate connection with the transcendental, allowing individuals to access profound insights and awaken to their true nature. Gnostic teachings emphasised the importance of inner knowledge and personal revelation as a means of transcending worldly limitations and connecting with deeper spiritual realities.
When we apply the concept of gnosis to the realm of creativity, it takes on a distinct meaning. It becomes a process of self-discovery wherein artists delve into their inner worlds to gain a profound understanding of themselves, their experiences, and their place in the world.
This exploration enables artists to tap into their authentic selves, accessing the depths of their creative potential. I have many stories of this kind of endeavour, which I will detail in the future, and a sneak peek to suggest that the use of existential medicines like psilocybin was a profound tool in this discovery.
(I figure, hey, Netflix has a series on it now; I think the useage of these tools is not a mystery any more, and I am happy to put my foot forwards and say that yes, I have used these tools and they have benefited me greatly, but this is another post for another day.)
But back to the process of gnosis: Artists who are seeking to uncover the hidden truths and motivations within themselves must undertake at least a nominal level of self-discovery through gnostic means, even if they are not consciously enacted. By the very process of performing the actions of their discipline, creating again and again, they are subconsciously examining their thoughts and emotions, what they are processing, what kind of stumbling blocks they come across, and how to negate these blocks. This process is, by and large, what the ancients were pointing at when they were developing the concept of gnosis.
This introspective journey allows artists to discover what I like to call ‘the inner wellspring’, which can lead the creative mind to lean towards the transcendance of superficial motivations for creativity, such as fame or fortune, and channel their creative energies towards expressions of the human condition that resonate with genuine meaning.
At the core of gnosis in creativity lies the quest for authenticity. Artists who engage in this process aim to align their creative endeavours with their inner truths. They seek to uncover what drives them to create, what messages they want to convey, and what impact their art can have on themselves and others.
By embracing the principles of gnosis, artists can infuse their creations with a sense of purpose and substance. Their works become a means of self-expression that resonates with audiences on a deeper level, igniting emotions, provoking introspection, and offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
But how do we begin this process? Well, there are many paths to begin; even just starting with the Wiki on Gnosticism is your best bet. Do a little reading or a little YouTubeing on the basis of gnostic teachings and see if it resonates; this post is just a springboard for you.
But one thing you can do directly today, especially if you are a creative who has mastered your discipline to a degree, Next time you are doing a session, begin by thinking about how your art or your work shapes you as a person. How do you mould your own psyche while you are creating?
Pay soft attention to what happens to your mind over the course of a session and see where your thoughts take you. See how you feel for the rest of the day after you finish your session. What anxieties or feelings of peace or calm arise as a result? This gentle observation—like they do in the mindfulness traditions—is the key to igniting a gnostic view of your creativity and artistry.
Good luck!