Writing at the Wellspring: Progress Report #2

Table of contents and chapter summaries

Dear Living Dark reader,

This is my second update on the progress I’m making on writing my next book and the associated book proposal to go with it. The usual order of business for writing a nonfiction book is to write the proposal first, then use it to gain either an agent or a publisher, and only then to write the actual book. But right now I’m doing both at the same time. And in fact, both are more than ninety percent finished.

In this update, I reveal the book’s table of contents, followed by a set of detailed descriptions for each chapter. This material is all part of the book proposal.

Revised title and overview of the book

But before that, here are two revisions since my last update:

First, although I announced in my previous update that the book would be titled Beyond Words, I have now changed that to Writing at the Wellspring: Creativity, Life Purpose, Nonduality, and the Daemon Muse. For various reasons of both style and substance, this one appeals to me so much more and feels like it expresses the book’s essence. Of course, in the end it will be the publisher who has control of the title, so it remains to be seen if this one will stand.

Second, the writing of a book proposal, just like the writing of a book, is an iterative process. Changes ask to be made many times over the course of many passes through the text. And changes have now arisen for the book overview that I previously shared with you. In this case, they occurred in tandem with my work on the book itself. Here is the revised overview, which is almost certainly final, and which describes the book’s focus, themes, and intended audience in some detail:

In Writing at the Wellspring, Matt Cardin invites readers on a transformative exploration of the creative process, offering a fresh perspective that bridges the realms of artistic expression, spiritual awakening, and the discovery of life’s purpose. This book weaves together personal anecdotes, literary examples, and philosophical insights to illuminate the path towards a deeper and more fulfilling creative life, even—or especially—amid a world of harrowing apocalyptic transformations.

Cardin challenges conventional notions of the creative process, encouraging writers, artists, and spiritual seekers to move beyond the limitations of resistance, ego, and self-doubt. He introduces the concept of the “daemon muse”—the synergistic union of inner drive with whispered inspiration—as the guiding force behind artistic endeavors. Through reflective explorations and practical exercises, he helps readers connect with this inner source of wisdom, unlock their unique creative voice, and navigate the often-unpredictable terrain of the creative journey. He also encourages creatives to embrace the philosophy of “living into the dark,” trusting intuition and surrendering to the flow of inspiration even when the path ahead is uncertain.

The book delves into the profound connection between creativity and spirituality, exploring the transformative power of nondual awareness—the recognition of oneness and the dissolution of the separate self. In examining the potential tensions and harmonies between these two realms, Cardin offers a path towards integration and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the grand tapestry of existence. He also explores the idea of making one’s life a creative monastery, a sanctuary for the muse even as the world undergoes tumultuous change.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer grappling with creative blocks, an artist seeking deeper meaning in your work, or simply someone yearning for a more purposeful and fulfilling life, Writing at the Wellspring offers wisdom and guidance for navigating the often-turbulent waters of the creative journey. It’s an invitation to embrace the unknown, trust your intuition, and surrender to the flow of inspiration. By aligning with your daemon muse and tapping into the wellspring of creativity that lies within, even in the midst of an outer world that often feels fragmented and chaotic, you can discover a path through the shadows towards authentic self-expression, spiritual growth, and a life lived in fulfillment of your deepest purpose and vision.

Table of Contents

And now, here is the table of contents. Those of you who have been with me for a while and/or who have delved deeply into the TLD archives will recognize that some of the chapter and section titles carry clear echoes of essays previously published here. There are also new things as well, since I’m extensively remixing Living Dark material and combining it with newly written material to produce a book that offers something approaching a coherent journey. As with the book overview, aspects of the TOC are subject to change, but still, what you see here is the result of extensive planning, mulling, and development, so it is very near final.

INVOCATIONS

INTRODUCTION: On Writing and Living into the Dark

• On Writing into the Dark

• On Living into the Dark

• The Daemon at the End of the World

• There Is No Grand Scheme

• Darkness and Light

PART ONE: WRITING WITH THE DAEMON MUSE

Chapter 1: The Hidden River of Your Writing

• Navigating the Dreamscape

• The Inner Synergy

• A Separate Intelligence

• The Fusion of Will and Destiny

• Your Unique Creative Purpose

• A Portable Monastery of the Muse

• Writing and Waking Up

Chapter 2: The Daemon of Pen and Page

• The Coherence of Your Self

• What You Seek

• Your Core Question

• Beyond the Creative Impulse

• The Key to Your Life

Chapter 3: The Daemon in Exile: A Cultural History

• The Enlightenment’s Shadow

• How to Make a Monster

• Frankenstein’s Warning

• Monsters and Angels

Chapter 4: A Dialogue on Divining Your Daemon

Chapter 5: To Thine Own Muse Be True

• When the Daemon Speaks

• Magnetizing the Muse through Disciplined Labor

• Indiscipline, Not Writing, and Filling Up the Well

• Your Core Creative Strategy

Chapter 6: The Writer’s Paradox

• Personal Is Universal

• Real Creative Connection

• The Whole Energy of the Universe

Chapter 7: Invite the Lightning

• The Accident of Inspiration

• The Gates of Heaven

• The Grace of Inspiration

• The Task Enjoined by Heaven

• If You Bring Forth What Is Within You

• Eyes to the Sky

Chapter 8: Embrace the Unknown

• The Fantasy of Control

• Beyond and Within

• Fictive Dreams and Footprints in the Snow

• Yourself to an Unknown Fear

PART TWO: THE FLASHPOINT OF SILENCE

Chapter 9: Surrender to Stillness

• The Whisper of Inertia

• Digital Echoes

• The Weight of Words

• The Flashpoint of Stillness

Chapter 10: The Crossroads of Spirit and Art

• The Artist’s Inner Struggle

• The Demon of Ego

• Becalmed on the Sea of Being

• Divining the Deep

Chapter 11: Nonduality and the Daemon

• From Demotivation to Divine Purpose

• Find Out Who You Are

• Serve Your Allotted Function

• The Self, the Daemon, and the One

Chapter 12: Unwriting the Self

• Reading, More or Less

• The Limits of Language

• Silence between the Lines

PART THREE: The Axis of Creation

Chapter 13: The Illusion of Obstruction

• Understanding the Enemy

• Unveiling the Ally

• Surveying the Terrain

Chapter 14: The Flow of Creation

• The Hollowing Out of the Creative Drive

• Seeing Through Resistance

• Unmasking Ego

• The Magic of Authentic Surrender

Chapter 15: Beyond Resistance, Beyond Self

• The Wellspring of Now

• Egoic vs. Authentic Motivation

• The Trap of Ego

• Beyond Ego: Creative Quietude

CONCLUSION: Living and Writing at the Wellspring

• From Darkness to Light: A Recapitulation

• Subplots of Being

• Life in the Cosmic Slipstream

Chapter Summaries

Finally, here are detailed summaries of each chapter. I wrote these in the third person, referring to myself as “the author.” These summaries really get you deep into the book’s content and tell you exactly what you’ll find in the full text.

INVOCATIONS

This page presents evocative definitions of the terms muse, daimon, daemon, genius, daemon muse, nonduality, and apocalypse followed by a poetic invocation of the daemon muse to help guide the book.

INTRODUCTION: On Writing and Living into the Dark

In this introspective and philosophical introduction, the author shares a personal anecdote about his unconventional approach to goal-setting and career planning, highlighting his philosophy of “living into the dark.” He introduces the concept of writing into the dark, inspired by Dean Wesley Smith, and expands it to encompass a broader approach to life. He explores the meaning of “living into the dark,” emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s creative intuition and embracing the unknown. He delves into the multifaceted connotations of “dark,” drawing connections to spirituality, mythology, and the creative unconscious. He addresses the relevance of creative pursuits in a time of global crisis, arguing that writing and art are essential for healing and navigating through uncertain times. The introduction sets the stage for the book’s exploration of writing, creativity, spiritual awakening, and the daemon muse, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.

PART ONE: WRITING WITH THE DAEMON MUSE

Chapter 1: The Hidden River of Your Writing

This chapter establishes the foundation for the book’s exploration of creativity as an inherent force within each individual. It introduces the metaphor of the hidden river, symbolizing the continuous flow of creativity that shapes our lives and work. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of writing and self-discovery, highlighting how writing can be a tool for navigating our inner dreamscape and understanding our deeper purpose. The chapter introduces the concept of the daemon muse, the combined force of the daimon (inner drive) and muse (inspiration), as the driving force behind our creative endeavors. It encourages readers to relinquish conscious control and trust their unconscious mind, their daemon, to guide their creative expression. It emphasizes the importance of aligning conscious intent with unconscious will to achieve a harmonious flow in both writing and life. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the unique nature of each individual’s creative purpose, urging writers to embrace their individuality and write from their authentic selves.

Chapter 2: The Daemon of Pen and Page

This chapter delves deeper into the concept of the daimon by exploring its role in both reading and writing. It emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s inner coherence and indulging creative impulses, both in writing and in life. It encourages readers to reflect on their core motivations and desires in both roles, stressing the importance of understanding the underlying themes and questions that drive their engagement with literature and creative expression. It suggests that this self-awareness can lead to a more profound understanding of one’s purpose and identity. The chapter also introduces the idea of transcending the creative impulse, acknowledging that the drive to create is only part of a larger cycle of life purpose and fulfillment. It highlights the concept of the locked door metaphor, suggesting that our life’s calling is the key to unlocking our true potential and reconnecting with a sense of wholeness.

Chapter 3: The Daemon in Exile: A Cultural History

This chapter explores the historical transformation of the daemon muse in Western culture, tracing its journey from a revered source of inspiration to a marginalized and demonized figure. The rise of rationalism and scientific materialism during the Enlightenment led to the rejection of non-rational aspects of the human psyche, including the daemon muse. This rejection had profound consequences, contributing to the violence and chaos of the twentieth century, as the repressed collective daemonic energy manifested in destructive ways. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the perils of neglecting the creative unconscious. The chapter contrasts this with the example of Ray Bradbury, who embraced his inner “monsters and angels,” demonstrating the transformative power of reintegrating the daemon muse into our lives. It concludes with a challenge to readers to reclaim their own daemon muse and unlock their full creative potential, suggesting that this reintegration can lead to personal and collective healing.

Chapter 4: A Dialogue on Divining Your Daemon

This chapter delves into the nature of the daemon, exploring both spiritual and scientific perspectives on creativity’s source. Adopting a question-and-answer format, it emphasizes the importance of adopting a “maybe logic” approach, acknowledging that the literal truth of the daemon’s existence is ultimately unknowable. However, it highlights the undeniable feeling of a separate intelligence within ourselves, urging readers to engage with this inner presence, regardless of their beliefs. The chapter provides practical guidance on how to connect with one’s daemon, including reflecting on personal interests, dreams, loves, hates, and recurring life patterns, as well as engaging in practices like freewriting and meditation. It also explores the collaborative nature of the relationship between the writer and their daemon, drawing inspiration from Andrea Bajani’s metaphor of fishing in an inner void. The chapter addresses potential fears and anxieties associated with embracing the daemon, offering reassurance and suggesting resources for further exploration. Additionally, it discusses the importance of deliberate practice and skill development in complementing the creative inspiration provided by the daemon. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of aligning with one’s daemon, leading to a deeper understanding of purpose and fulfillment beyond the confines of the ego.

Chapter 5: To Thine Own Muse Be True

This chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with one’s unique creative rhythm. It highlights that creative expression can vary greatly among individuals, from a disciplined daily practice to spontaneous bursts of inspiration. To illustrate this, it examines the diverse approaches of renowned writers like Flannery O’Connor, Dani Shapiro, Stephen King, Gayle Brandeis, Kate Angus, and Katherine Anne Porter, showcasing the validity of various creative rhythms. It underscores the significance of being attuned to one’s inner daemon muse, recognizing its unique needs and preferences, and adapting one’s writing practice accordingly. The chapter ultimately advocates for a flexible and personalized approach to creativity, encouraging readers to experiment and discover the strategies that best resonate with their individual creative process.

Chapter 6: The Writer’s Paradox

This chapter explores the paradoxical relationship between the personal and the universal in creative expression and spirituality. It argues that the most private and personal aspects of ourselves are also the most universally relatable. This paradox, it suggests, is the key to both creativity and spiritual awakening. The chapter illustrates this concept through quotes from artists, psychologists, and spiritual teachers, emphasizing how authentic self-expression resonates with the deeper longings and concerns of others. It highlights the transformative power of recognizing this interconnectedness and challenges the notion that creative work should pander to external expectations. The chapter encourages readers to embrace their unique perspective and express their deepest truths, recognizing that this is the path to both creative and spiritual fulfillment.

Chapter 7: Invite the Lightning

This chapter explores the nature of inspiration, comparing it to the unpredictable and spontaneous experience of spiritual enlightenment. It draws parallels between Zen Buddhism’s concept of enlightenment as an “accident” and the arrival of the creative muse, emphasizing that both are gifts of grace that cannot be forced or controlled. The chapter encourages writers to create space for inspiration through deliberate practice and dedication, while also acknowledging the importance of surrender and openness to the unknown. It then delves into a personal anecdote about the author’s unexpected creation of a poem, highlighting the mysterious and often surprising nature of the creative process. The chapter connects the poem’s title, “The Task Enjoined by Heaven,” to a passage from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, exploring the themes of creative drive, responsibility, and the potential dangers of pursuing one’s ambitions without acknowledging and integrating the deeper forces at play. The author reflects on his own relationship with Frankenstein and its influence on his understanding of the creative process, highlighting the novel’s metaphorical significance for writers and artists. Ultimately, the chapter urges readers to embrace the unpredictable nature of inspiration, to remain open to the unexpected, and to trust the guidance of their inner creative voice, even when it leads them into the darkness of the unknown.

Chapter 8: Embrace the Unknown

This chapter challenges the notion of control in the creative process, highlighting the unpredictability and mystery that often accompany it. It contrasts the common fantasy of a linear and predictable creative journey with the reality of a more convoluted and surprising process. The chapter argues that embracing the unknown, the darkness, is where true creative fulfillment lies, as it allows for a deeper connection to a source of inspiration beyond the individual ego. It draws upon the insights of writers like Dean Wesley Smith, Ray Bradbury, and John Gardner, who advocate for trusting the creative mind and letting the work unfold organically. The chapter also explores the parallels between the creative process and spiritual awakening, emphasizing the need to surrender to the unknown and embrace the mystery inherent in both. It encourages readers to let go of the illusion of control and allow their work to reveal its own inherent nature and direction, both in their writing and in their broader lives.

PART TWO: THE FLASHPOINT OF SILENCE

Chapter 9: Surrender to Stillness

This chapter explores the allure of inertia and the desire to abandon creative pursuits and external obligations in favor of silence and stillness. The author reflects on his own experiences with this recurring temptation, questioning whether it’s a manifestation of resistance or a valid inner call. He shares journal entries that illustrate his internal struggle with the desire to give up and retreat into stillness. He contrasts this with the opposing view, advocating for action even without inspiration, citing Oswald Chambers. He also delves into the challenges of navigating the digital world, where the pursuit of validation and attention can overshadow the intrinsic value of creativity. He draws wisdom from the short-lived 1990s television series Key West, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the work itself and being willing to “sweep the floor” while detaching from ego-driven motivations. The chapter further explores the tension between the drive to create and the longing for stillness, drawing upon insights from spiritual teachers like Art Ticknor and Eckhart Tolle. It questions the role of creative pursuits as potential distractions from the ultimate goal of self-discovery and suggests that the true creative state lies in recognizing and resting in pure being-awareness, allowing creation to unfold naturally from that space.

Chapter 10: The Crossroads of Spirit and Art

This chapter delves into the potential tension between creativity and spirituality, challenging the popular notion that they are always mutually supportive. It draws upon Rilke’s concern about psychoanalysis potentially driving out both his demons and angels, suggesting that the ego, often seen as the source of creative drive, may also be the obstacle to spiritual awakening. The chapter explores the implications of nonduality, which posits the illusory nature of the separate self, and how this realization might impact creative expression. It questions whether the pursuit of spiritual awakening could inadvertently undermine creativity, and vice versa. It also highlights the possibility of a deeper kind of creativity emerging after transcending the ego, potentially leading to a more profound and authentic form of expression. The chapter concludes with a cautionary note, acknowledging the potential challenges and complexities of navigating the intersection between creativity and spirituality.

Chapter 11: Nonduality and the Daemon

This chapter explores the interconnectedness between nonduality (the realization of oneness) and the daemon (one’s unique creative purpose). It addresses the potential conflict between spiritual awakening and worldly action, offering a perspective that reconciles the two. The chapter highlights a key insight from John Wheeler: “Find out who you are and naturally serve your allotted function in life as it comes up to do.” It unpacks this statement, emphasizing the importance of self-inquiry and recognizing one’s true nature as awareness itself, while also acknowledging the role of the daemon in guiding one’s actions and purpose in the relative world. The chapter concludes by clarifying the relationship between the self, the daemon, and the ultimate reality of oneness, suggesting that the separation between these concepts is an illusion that dissolves upon awakening. It hints at the possibility of a deeper creativity emerging from this realization, paving the way for further exploration in Part Four of the book.

Chapter 12: Unwriting the Self

This chapter explores the limitations of language and the potential for words to become a distraction or even a hindrance to spiritual awakening. It highlights the distinction between words as pointers to truth and the truth itself, emphasizing that true understanding comes from direct experience rather than intellectual knowledge. The chapter reflects on the author’s personal journey with reading and how his relationship to books has evolved as his spiritual understanding deepened. It challenges readers to examine their own attachment to reading and the pursuit of knowledge, questioning whether external sources can truly provide the answers they seek. The chapter also touches upon the power of language to transmit vision and create profound shifts in perception, but ultimately advocates for going beyond words and embracing the silence that lies between the lines. It concludes with an invitation to step out of the “cage” of the verbal mind and recognize the wider reality beyond language, echoing Howard Beale’s iconic call to “turn off your television sets” in the film Network.

PART THREE: The Axis of Creation

Chapter 13: The Illusion of Obstruction

This chapter initiates the book’s final section by summarizing and extending the previous themes, focusing on the idea of the daemon muse, nonduality and spiritual awakening, finding one’s true life purpose or “great work,” and the relationship between writing and silence. It highlights the central conflict between the desire for creative expression and the pursuit of spiritual awakening, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of this tension. The chapter then introduces the concept of Resistance, drawing on Steven Pressfield’s work, and establishes it as the primary obstacle to creative and spiritual fulfillment. It emphasizes the insidious nature of Resistance, its ability to masquerade as our own thoughts and feelings, and its power to prevent us from pursuing our true calling. The chapter then contrasts Resistance with the concept of the daemon muse, positioning the latter as an ally in the creative process. It then pivots to discuss the “monastic option” as originating in the work of the cultural historian Morris Berman—the idea of individuals preserving and transmitting important knowledge and ways of being in the face of societal collapse, and positioning this as a creative, spiritual, and existential practice. Overall, the chapter sets the stage for the deeper investigation into overcoming Resistance and aligning with the creative current of the cosmos that occupies the next chapter.

Chapter 14: The Flow of Creation

This chapter further explores the nature of creative resistance by delving into its psychological roots and offering a unique perspective on overcoming it. The author shares personal experiences of creative blocks and the accompanying feelings of futility and demotivation, highlighting the insidious nature of Resistance. By closely examining the act of surrender to Resistance, the author uncovers a self-deception at its core, revealing that the experience of silence and quietude as suffering often stems from an ego-driven desire to create. The chapter then unmasks the ego as the source of both the artificial desire to create and the resistance that opposes it. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of Resistance and the ego, both arising from the illusion of separation and the need for self-validation. The author argues that true surrender to inactivity, devoid of any expectation or desire for a specific outcome, can short-circuit the Resistance loop and lead to a state of authentic freedom and creativity. The chapter concludes by inviting readers to let go of ego-driven motivations and trust in the deeper creative intelligence that guides all things.

Chapter 15: Beyond Resistance, Beyond Self

This chapter broadens the focus beyond writing and artistic creation to encompass life itself, exploring the experience of authentic action motivated by genuine inspiration. It challenges the supposed necessity of making long-term goals, drawing parallels between the effortless growth of an acorn into an oak tree and the potential for human beings to fulfill their purpose by staying present and aligned with their inner compass. The chapter delves into the paradox of the ego, exposing the illusion of meaninglessness that the ego often experiences, particularly in creative individuals. It argues that true meaning lies in recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and identifying with the underlying consciousness or Being. It further explores the contrast between ego-driven actions and those aligned with the whole, offering this distinction as a tool for self-awareness. It introduces the concept of wu wei, or “creative quietude,” highlighting the power of effortless action and alignment with the cosmic flow. The chapter then connects these ideas to the book’s core themes, guiding readers towards fulfilling their destiny through a harmonious blend of creativity and spiritual awakening.

CONCLUSION: Living and Writing at the Wellspring

The conclusion begins by returning to the themes addressed in the introduction and throughout the chapters. It reflect on the spontaneous, winding trail the book has followed, revisiting the concepts of writing into the dark, living into the dark, the daemon muse, the potential conflict between creativity and spiritual awakening, the fearsome but ultimately faux specter of Resistance, and the monastic option as a way of making your life a creative monastery to the muse during an unfolding era of apocalyptic transformation. It then invites readers to view their lives as a narrative unfolding within the larger story of Being. It emphasizes the illusory nature of the separate self and encourages a shift in perspective towards recognizing the inherent creativity and meaningfulness of existence. The book concludes by urging readers to embrace their unique creative drive as an expression of the cosmic flow, finding fulfillment and purpose in the spontaneous unfolding of their lives. Drawing inspiration from Alan Watts, William Samuel, and Nisargadatta Maharaj, it encourages a surrender to the present moment and an active participation in “things taking their course.” This approach enables a harmonious integration of spiritual awakening and creative expression, ultimately leading to a life of greater happiness and fulfillment.

Next time:

In my next update, which I’ll post sometime in the next couple of weeks, I’ll share information about the target audience for Writing at the Wellspring.

Warm regards,