Trusting the Creative Process: A Contemplative Invitation

“Show me the heart of the matter.” —Bradley Jersak 

Have you ever sat down to write, full of good intentions only to find yourself pushing, striving, and wearing yourself out long before anything meaningful appears on the page?

If so, you’re in good company. Many of us were taught that creativity is something we have to wrestle into existence with grit, grind, and sheer willpower.

But what if there’s another way?

What if the best, most life-giving work comes not from force, but from trust, presence, and even delight?

In a conversation with Nelson Boschman on the Living from the Heart podcast last fall, author and teacher Bradley Jersak named something we all wrestle with once in a while when we try to create: the temptation to force creativity instead of trusting its natural unfolding.

Brad talked about an intentional practice he discovered while writing his PhD dissertation. Each day, he would begin with a simple prayer: “Lord, show me the heart of the matter.” And each day, when his body or spirit signalled fatigue, he would end his work by resisting the urge to push through. “Don’t weary yourself,” a gentle inner voice would say — advice he learned to trust.

Brad was surprised that this approach didn’t slow him down. He was actually able to get his dissertation done more quickly than he expected and finished weeks ahead of schedule. 

Even more remarkable: he actually enjoyed the process. By listening to his limits instead of fighting them, Brad stayed connected and centred all the way through.

This article isn’t meant to be a success formula. It’s an invitation. Across centuries, contemplative teachers have said the same thing: creativity comes not through force, but through trust, surrender, and attention.

So, the next time you come to create, come as you are.

Lay down the weight of striving.

Listen for the quiet invitation.

Trust that the Spirit has already drawn near, ready to meet you in the unfolding.

All you need to bring is your open heart.

This post is based on “Contemplative Writing: How to Trust the Creative Process with Bradley Jersak,” a conversation with Nelson Boschman and Bradley Jersak on the SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast. To listen to the full episode, visit our podcast page.