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Mind Work
Within the framework of an active Buddhist meditation practice, Peter Clother searches for the creative core through a process of uncompromising self-examination, conducted in the belief that the closer we come to the core of the individual self, the more we open ourselves up to creative inspiration.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2012
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About the author
Peter Clothier
40 books42 followersPeter Clothier is an internationally-known writer who specializes in writing about art and artists. He believes in avoiding the jargon that obscures much current writing about art, and in writing simply, clearly, in language that the lay person can readily understand. He seeks to achieve a harmony of mind, heart, and body in his work, and looks for this quality in the artists he writes about. A reformed academic, now fifteen years in recovery, he has returned in recent years to teaching, in mostly non-traditional ways: in workshops, continuing groups, and individual coaching and mentoring for artists and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 31, 2012
Peter Clothier's "Mind Work" explores the history and spiritual dimensions of his inspiring life. Clothier is known for insightful writing on the arts and artists which adds luminosity to the events depicted in "Mind Work". The volume delves deeply into a life well lived and inspires us to consider our own lives in a spirit of humility and acceptance.
The book is structured into a series of essays that reflect an admiration for Montaigne's writings. In this spirit, each chapter of "Mind Work" dwells upon a singular idea and illuminates this idea with episodes drawn from Clothier's experiences.
"Mind Work" deftly weaves Peter's family history into essays rich with metaphysical questioning. Looming behind much of Clothier's life is the recurring struggle to both live up to his father's dreams for him and to overcome them. In one pivotal chapter, Clothier and his wife Ellie encounter, for the first time, Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses in the Church of St. Peter in Chains in Rome. Clues to Peter's past, present and future are found in that moment. As I read that passage, I pictured all the Peter Clothiers depicted in the book - from the just named infant, to the wounded boy, to the young man on the train to Spain, to the adolescent bloodied in a German car crash, to the young father unsure of life and family, to the art writer, to the academic, to the inspirational man that Peter is today.
The Buddhist practice of meditation plays a vital role in Peter's life. Discussions of Buddhism provide an interconnecting thread throughout "Mind Work". In essence, life for Peter can be seen as a series of actions and then the result of these actions. Peter's mantra, "This is not me. This is not mine. This is not who I am.", guides us through "Mind Work" and reminds us of the inspired discipline found in his spiritual struggles and triumphs.
Peter Clothier's "Mind Work" honestly grapples with one man's life and expands the viewpoint to help us consider the human condition. The writing in "Mind Work" is cinematic and brings us face to face with the rich life and the fertile mind of Peter Clothier.
Highly recommended.
The book is structured into a series of essays that reflect an admiration for Montaigne's writings. In this spirit, each chapter of "Mind Work" dwells upon a singular idea and illuminates this idea with episodes drawn from Clothier's experiences.
"Mind Work" deftly weaves Peter's family history into essays rich with metaphysical questioning. Looming behind much of Clothier's life is the recurring struggle to both live up to his father's dreams for him and to overcome them. In one pivotal chapter, Clothier and his wife Ellie encounter, for the first time, Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses in the Church of St. Peter in Chains in Rome. Clues to Peter's past, present and future are found in that moment. As I read that passage, I pictured all the Peter Clothiers depicted in the book - from the just named infant, to the wounded boy, to the young man on the train to Spain, to the adolescent bloodied in a German car crash, to the young father unsure of life and family, to the art writer, to the academic, to the inspirational man that Peter is today.
The Buddhist practice of meditation plays a vital role in Peter's life. Discussions of Buddhism provide an interconnecting thread throughout "Mind Work". In essence, life for Peter can be seen as a series of actions and then the result of these actions. Peter's mantra, "This is not me. This is not mine. This is not who I am.", guides us through "Mind Work" and reminds us of the inspired discipline found in his spiritual struggles and triumphs.
Peter Clothier's "Mind Work" honestly grapples with one man's life and expands the viewpoint to help us consider the human condition. The writing in "Mind Work" is cinematic and brings us face to face with the rich life and the fertile mind of Peter Clothier.
Highly recommended.
September 9, 2012
Fine, small essays from the author's blog entries. Many good points to ponder...so, it is especially good that each essay is focused, but brief. Allows time for reflection, which is what the author is doing about his spiritual life and practice. Occasionally gets off the path, but I was never "not" interested in his compelling approach to living a life based in values.
May 16, 2012
Please go to Creativity Portal (http://tinyurl.com/75qz3op ) to read an excerpt. Also getting some wonderful reviews on Amazon-- http://tinyurl.com/6myp9dx and via Gregg Chadwick-- http://tinyurl.com/7wlruj4. Feel free to review it yourself on Goodreads!
Cheers!
Cheers!
July 6, 2012
These are words from this thoughtful personal author in his book which explores his existence through his eyes, mind, heart and soul of life to death and in-between, touching on many subjects of knowledge and insight.
"There are moments when it becomes necessary to leave certain parts of one's previously established self behind, in order to make space for something new. It's a kind of dying, in order to create new life. So it is with me, at this moment; and this week I have been engaged in that sometimes painful necessity."
This above is a paragraph from this author's story, it is a long of an experience and thoughts of a man who is in the years of his existence, he is an author with many articles and stories and speaks of the world past, present and future and the changes that occur and will occur. He shared his perspectives on life, death, and all in-between. He is devoted to Buddhism and yet still searching for answers.
It is an insight to learn from life mistakes and forgive yours and other trespasses and live it to your fullest. He shares very private moments and views and life experiences from his birth to his concepts of life to death. It is a personal biographic story of a well-developed, well experienced traveler in the world and he is sharing his inner insight to life and its mysteries. There is a lot of wisdom in the pages and expresses that all readers should write their own life story to pass on to others and teach and leave behind their own legendary.
"There are moments when it becomes necessary to leave certain parts of one's previously established self behind, in order to make space for something new. It's a kind of dying, in order to create new life. So it is with me, at this moment; and this week I have been engaged in that sometimes painful necessity."
This above is a paragraph from this author's story, it is a long of an experience and thoughts of a man who is in the years of his existence, he is an author with many articles and stories and speaks of the world past, present and future and the changes that occur and will occur. He shared his perspectives on life, death, and all in-between. He is devoted to Buddhism and yet still searching for answers.
It is an insight to learn from life mistakes and forgive yours and other trespasses and live it to your fullest. He shares very private moments and views and life experiences from his birth to his concepts of life to death. It is a personal biographic story of a well-developed, well experienced traveler in the world and he is sharing his inner insight to life and its mysteries. There is a lot of wisdom in the pages and expresses that all readers should write their own life story to pass on to others and teach and leave behind their own legendary.
February 12, 2013
This is an interesting book, which I wrote a review of on my website. http://www.artdock.net/mind-work-pete.... I recommend it for anyone interested in meditation, and using meditation in their everyday lives.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews