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The Bright Way: Five Steps to Freeing the Creative Within
The Bright Way is an interactive handbook for mastering Diana Rowan’s proven system for freeing your innate creativity.
The Bright Way System has helped thousands of creatives regain their inspiration and motivation, and move past fears so that they can courageously share their visions with the world. It is based on these three
1. Everyone is creative . Creativity happens whenever you directly engage with your chosen activity. (It isn’t just for artists!)
2. You must be creative to be fulfilled in life . If you’re unengaged with life, you will feel dissatisfied, like something is missing. Engage directly with life by reigniting your creativity so that you come back home to your true self.
3. You can tap into your creativity anytime, anyplace, at any age . It’s never too late, and no matter the circumstances, you can be creative.
Written for all creatives from young adults to seniors, The Bright Way ’s empowering and reliable system works for a lifetime to help
Inspired by Diana’s own journey from severe creative performance anxiety to a fulfilling career as a full-time artist, this handbook is packed with actionable tips and dozens of examples so that you can make this simple yet powerful system truly your own.
Start your Bright Way journey today to access your unique creative voice and shine your light in our new world!
The Bright Way System has helped thousands of creatives regain their inspiration and motivation, and move past fears so that they can courageously share their visions with the world. It is based on these three
1. Everyone is creative . Creativity happens whenever you directly engage with your chosen activity. (It isn’t just for artists!)
2. You must be creative to be fulfilled in life . If you’re unengaged with life, you will feel dissatisfied, like something is missing. Engage directly with life by reigniting your creativity so that you come back home to your true self.
3. You can tap into your creativity anytime, anyplace, at any age . It’s never too late, and no matter the circumstances, you can be creative.
Written for all creatives from young adults to seniors, The Bright Way ’s empowering and reliable system works for a lifetime to help
Inspired by Diana’s own journey from severe creative performance anxiety to a fulfilling career as a full-time artist, this handbook is packed with actionable tips and dozens of examples so that you can make this simple yet powerful system truly your own.
Start your Bright Way journey today to access your unique creative voice and shine your light in our new world!
264 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2020
8 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Diana Rowan
1 book4 followersDiana Rowan is a Creative Alchemist and founder of the Bright Way Guild, a virtual learning environment dedicated to transforming and inspiring a global community of creatives. The classical inquiry of “what makes a good life?” has driven Diana from her youngest years, and sharing her hard-won discoveries with others is her mission.
Having recovered from a soul-crushing case of stage fright and other challenges, Diana believes that by shining light on the darkness we fear, we can all become courageous purveyors of bright knowledge and live the good life.
Diana was born in Dublin, Ireland to college student parents, setting the stage for a lifetime of lively learning and seeking. Soon thereafter, her father became a diplomat for the Irish government, taking his family all over the world in a cosmopolitan pilgrimage. Respect for the arts has always been second nature in Diana’s family, along with a deep streak of mysticism embodied by her astrologer mother.
This unusual combination of intellectual seeking, cultural bridging, mystical opening and artistic engagement are the hallmarks of Diana’s life, whether that be in composing music, teaching, writing, or choosing a wine. Diana holds an MM in classical piano performance and a PhD in Music Theory.
Having recovered from a soul-crushing case of stage fright and other challenges, Diana believes that by shining light on the darkness we fear, we can all become courageous purveyors of bright knowledge and live the good life.
Diana was born in Dublin, Ireland to college student parents, setting the stage for a lifetime of lively learning and seeking. Soon thereafter, her father became a diplomat for the Irish government, taking his family all over the world in a cosmopolitan pilgrimage. Respect for the arts has always been second nature in Diana’s family, along with a deep streak of mysticism embodied by her astrologer mother.
This unusual combination of intellectual seeking, cultural bridging, mystical opening and artistic engagement are the hallmarks of Diana’s life, whether that be in composing music, teaching, writing, or choosing a wine. Diana holds an MM in classical piano performance and a PhD in Music Theory.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 12, 2020
Harpist and educator Diana Rowan shares advice at once metaphysical and practical to help creative types build a self-sustaining loop, an ouroboros of creativity based on central tenets. Well worth it for any writer, musician, artist, or other creative who has ever felt lost to self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or any kind of blockage.
May 9, 2020
Why am I writing a review for a book about being creative in the midst of a global pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen since the plague years of the 1400’s? Because, just as happened with the Black Death, our ways of living are being remade in ways we cannot yet predict or comprehend. We don’t know how our lives will and must change. We don’t know what we will have to do to survive and thrive in a world that contains the novel COVID-19 virus. New thinking and understanding, new strategies and behaviors will be needed. And as Diana Rowan, the creator of the Bright Way and the author of this book, explains, "You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be."
This book will teach you a new way to think- about yourself, your life, and your creativity- and teach you a new way to be, a way that frees and invites your creativity to be the trusted guide of your life's journey, and the source of meaning and joy.
"Wait," you might be thinking, I'm not creative." "Yeah, my parents made me take piano lessons, but I wasn’t any good." "The birdhouse I made for that Scout project fell apart as soon a I hung it up." "I took that macrame plant hanger class at the craft store, but I just couldn’t get into it after class was over." "I don't paint, or play an instrument." "I'm definitely not creative."
In The Bright Way, you will discover that creativity is your birthright, for creativity is your connection to and the affirmation of your life. Creativity is NOT what you make. Creativity is what you ARE. You will discover this through reading about the author's struggles with anxiety so devastating that she gave up music, the love of her life, entirely. You will also read the stories of the many people who contributed their stories to this book, people who once thought that they were also not entitled to call themselves creative.
Reading The Bright Way is like sitting with a trusted friend, a friend who understands the missed opportunities, the false starts, the challenges of family and career, and the many attempts you've made to fill your life with joy, meaning, and satisfaction. A friend who honestly tells you, "I know. I've been there." And then who tells you, "Here's what worked for me. Here's what worked for the people who embarked on the Bright Way with me. And, the Bright Way will work for you, too."
The first chapters will introduce you to the author and her story. You will learn how the Bright Way came to be. You will be introduced to the Bright Way concepts and philosophy, and then take the Bright Way Readiness Quiz. Subsequent chapters introduce each of the five steps of the Bright Way, and guide you through understanding and implementing each one, all at your own pace, within your own schedule. For on the Bright Way, there's no rushing, and you can't get behind!
Your journey through these chapters will be peppered with the stories and real-life examples of others who are walking the Bright Way. You'll deepen your understanding of each step with "Bright Way Activities" and be encouraged to "relax and replenish" with "Bright Way Breaks." You'll learn how to incorporate these steps into all aspects of your life, and how "spiral learning" will keep the path ahead alive with new discoveries.
By the end of the book, you will know how to make the Bright Way your life's guiding star, there to help you walk sure-footed through all the unknown and untrodden paths we now face. Grab this book, start reading Chapter One, and take your first steps toward your innate creativity becoming your very own "joyous way of life."
This book will teach you a new way to think- about yourself, your life, and your creativity- and teach you a new way to be, a way that frees and invites your creativity to be the trusted guide of your life's journey, and the source of meaning and joy.
"Wait," you might be thinking, I'm not creative." "Yeah, my parents made me take piano lessons, but I wasn’t any good." "The birdhouse I made for that Scout project fell apart as soon a I hung it up." "I took that macrame plant hanger class at the craft store, but I just couldn’t get into it after class was over." "I don't paint, or play an instrument." "I'm definitely not creative."
In The Bright Way, you will discover that creativity is your birthright, for creativity is your connection to and the affirmation of your life. Creativity is NOT what you make. Creativity is what you ARE. You will discover this through reading about the author's struggles with anxiety so devastating that she gave up music, the love of her life, entirely. You will also read the stories of the many people who contributed their stories to this book, people who once thought that they were also not entitled to call themselves creative.
Reading The Bright Way is like sitting with a trusted friend, a friend who understands the missed opportunities, the false starts, the challenges of family and career, and the many attempts you've made to fill your life with joy, meaning, and satisfaction. A friend who honestly tells you, "I know. I've been there." And then who tells you, "Here's what worked for me. Here's what worked for the people who embarked on the Bright Way with me. And, the Bright Way will work for you, too."
The first chapters will introduce you to the author and her story. You will learn how the Bright Way came to be. You will be introduced to the Bright Way concepts and philosophy, and then take the Bright Way Readiness Quiz. Subsequent chapters introduce each of the five steps of the Bright Way, and guide you through understanding and implementing each one, all at your own pace, within your own schedule. For on the Bright Way, there's no rushing, and you can't get behind!
Your journey through these chapters will be peppered with the stories and real-life examples of others who are walking the Bright Way. You'll deepen your understanding of each step with "Bright Way Activities" and be encouraged to "relax and replenish" with "Bright Way Breaks." You'll learn how to incorporate these steps into all aspects of your life, and how "spiral learning" will keep the path ahead alive with new discoveries.
By the end of the book, you will know how to make the Bright Way your life's guiding star, there to help you walk sure-footed through all the unknown and untrodden paths we now face. Grab this book, start reading Chapter One, and take your first steps toward your innate creativity becoming your very own "joyous way of life."
February 18, 2020
Endorsements:
“The rekindling of our creative spark is the very medicine our world needs now, and this book is an exquisite testament to creativity’s value, accessibility, and necessity. . . . A clear, step-by-step framework to access your creative spark, your light of inspiration, and to come to your own bright and wild art.”
— Danielle Dulsky, author of The Holy Wild and Seasons of Moon and Flame: The Wild Dreamer’s Epic Journey of Becoming
“Drawing from many traditions, The Bright Way offers a friendly, well-paced system for reconnecting with one’s own artistic voice, no matter how long it’s been. Rediscovering the profound joy of the creative process can be life-changing — utterly transformative — and lots of fun, especially with Diana Rowan as your guide.”
— Sam Bennett, author of Get It Done and Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists
“Diana Rowan’s beautiful book will be an invaluable guide and inspiration for anyone who has felt exiled from their creative self. There are depth and wisdom here; the author’s five steps offer a powerful yet accessible and practical process that will help even the most creatively blocked of us share our gifts joyfully and confidently with the world. The Bright Way shines; in its pages, creativity becomes a magical, transformative, and healing practice that enriches both self and community.”
— Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Lessons in Magic: A Guide to Making Your Dreams Come True and Empower Your Life with Sophrology: Your guide to dynamic relaxation for a fulfilling and happy life
“Drawing on the riches of the world’s wisdom traditions and her own personal experience, Diana Rowan invites the reader on a journey to the creative spark that is the birthright of every human being. Filled with inventive exercises and compassionate encouragement, The Bright Way offers people from all walks of life a practical road map to the creative life.”
— Gail Needleman, co-creator of the online American Folk Song Collection
“This is that rarest of things, the self-help book that will actually help! And for the most abstract and elusive of pursuits, creativity. Every creative person knows the paralysis of performance anxiety or being blocked — including the author, who so revealingly shares that experience, and maps a beautiful way out of it.”
— Bob Guccione Jr., editor and publisher of WONDERLUST
“This illuminated manuscript presents a beautiful path to overcoming blocks and anxiety so that you can do what matters most: live your purpose, give your gifts, and connect with others.”
— Kaia Alexander (a.k.a. K. Hollan Van Zandt), award-winning author of Written in the Ashes
“If you’ve been feeling stagnant in any aspect of your life, The Bright Way will guide you to a path of illumination and newfound creativity. Diana Rowan paints in words a clear understanding of how to access a well of peace and worthiness.”
— Joanna Garzilli, award-winning author of Big Miracles: The 11 Spiritual Rules for Ultimate Success
“Artist and author Diana Rowan has given us a gift. She grounds lofty philosophies and themes in practical language and lessons, with detailed guidance on discovering, exercising, sharing, and rejoicing in each person’s creative self. . . . A virtuoso performance.”
— Patrice Adcroft, former editor in chief of Seventeen magazine and author of Every Day Doughnuts
“If you have ever felt stuck or unsure about sharing your creativity with the world, please read Diana Rowan’s personal story of recovery and how she harnessed her fears by learning to share from her heart. If you have any inkling of doubt about sharing your creative gifts with the world, The Bright Way will guide you in fulfilling your creative purpose.”
— Cary J. Broussard, author of From Cinderella to CEO: How to Master the 10 Lessons of Fairy Tales to Transform Your Work Life and CEO of Broussard Global Communications
“A powerful tool for all on the creative path, The Bright Way guides us to reconnect with our innate creative selves. Diana Rowan is a wise and loving mentor on this journey. She distills the ancient intuitive art of creativity into a thorough, practical, and clear pathway for us all.”
— Alice Giles, world-renowned harpist
“The extraordinary Irish-born musician Diana Rowan provides a much-needed window into the creative process and spirit within each of us.”
— Sam Barry, author of How To Play the Harmonica: and Other Life Lessons
“The rekindling of our creative spark is the very medicine our world needs now, and this book is an exquisite testament to creativity’s value, accessibility, and necessity. . . . A clear, step-by-step framework to access your creative spark, your light of inspiration, and to come to your own bright and wild art.”
— Danielle Dulsky, author of The Holy Wild and Seasons of Moon and Flame: The Wild Dreamer’s Epic Journey of Becoming
“Drawing from many traditions, The Bright Way offers a friendly, well-paced system for reconnecting with one’s own artistic voice, no matter how long it’s been. Rediscovering the profound joy of the creative process can be life-changing — utterly transformative — and lots of fun, especially with Diana Rowan as your guide.”
— Sam Bennett, author of Get It Done and Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists
“Diana Rowan’s beautiful book will be an invaluable guide and inspiration for anyone who has felt exiled from their creative self. There are depth and wisdom here; the author’s five steps offer a powerful yet accessible and practical process that will help even the most creatively blocked of us share our gifts joyfully and confidently with the world. The Bright Way shines; in its pages, creativity becomes a magical, transformative, and healing practice that enriches both self and community.”
— Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Lessons in Magic: A Guide to Making Your Dreams Come True and Empower Your Life with Sophrology: Your guide to dynamic relaxation for a fulfilling and happy life
“Drawing on the riches of the world’s wisdom traditions and her own personal experience, Diana Rowan invites the reader on a journey to the creative spark that is the birthright of every human being. Filled with inventive exercises and compassionate encouragement, The Bright Way offers people from all walks of life a practical road map to the creative life.”
— Gail Needleman, co-creator of the online American Folk Song Collection
“This is that rarest of things, the self-help book that will actually help! And for the most abstract and elusive of pursuits, creativity. Every creative person knows the paralysis of performance anxiety or being blocked — including the author, who so revealingly shares that experience, and maps a beautiful way out of it.”
— Bob Guccione Jr., editor and publisher of WONDERLUST
“This illuminated manuscript presents a beautiful path to overcoming blocks and anxiety so that you can do what matters most: live your purpose, give your gifts, and connect with others.”
— Kaia Alexander (a.k.a. K. Hollan Van Zandt), award-winning author of Written in the Ashes
“If you’ve been feeling stagnant in any aspect of your life, The Bright Way will guide you to a path of illumination and newfound creativity. Diana Rowan paints in words a clear understanding of how to access a well of peace and worthiness.”
— Joanna Garzilli, award-winning author of Big Miracles: The 11 Spiritual Rules for Ultimate Success
“Artist and author Diana Rowan has given us a gift. She grounds lofty philosophies and themes in practical language and lessons, with detailed guidance on discovering, exercising, sharing, and rejoicing in each person’s creative self. . . . A virtuoso performance.”
— Patrice Adcroft, former editor in chief of Seventeen magazine and author of Every Day Doughnuts
“If you have ever felt stuck or unsure about sharing your creativity with the world, please read Diana Rowan’s personal story of recovery and how she harnessed her fears by learning to share from her heart. If you have any inkling of doubt about sharing your creative gifts with the world, The Bright Way will guide you in fulfilling your creative purpose.”
— Cary J. Broussard, author of From Cinderella to CEO: How to Master the 10 Lessons of Fairy Tales to Transform Your Work Life and CEO of Broussard Global Communications
“A powerful tool for all on the creative path, The Bright Way guides us to reconnect with our innate creative selves. Diana Rowan is a wise and loving mentor on this journey. She distills the ancient intuitive art of creativity into a thorough, practical, and clear pathway for us all.”
— Alice Giles, world-renowned harpist
“The extraordinary Irish-born musician Diana Rowan provides a much-needed window into the creative process and spirit within each of us.”
— Sam Barry, author of How To Play the Harmonica: and Other Life Lessons
March 27, 2020
What a beautiful book for the creative inside of you!! Diana Rowan's book will guide you if you are a professional artist or musician or otherwise creative worker OR if you are someone who is passionate about their craft and wants to integrate it DEEPLY into your life.
As a spiritual entrepreneur, I incorporate artistry meaningfully into every aspect of my practice, including music. This book is the best resource I've encountered to UNLEASHING the creative part of me in a way that uses small but powerful steps AND doesn't hold me to an impossible standard. You'll receive gems from world traditions and also get practical steps for moving forward. The book is both linear and circular at the same time, honoring the unique rhythms that all creatives have.
Get ready to unleash your magic and enjoy the beauty that this book has to offer you. Come and join The Bright Way now for your personal creative growth!
As a spiritual entrepreneur, I incorporate artistry meaningfully into every aspect of my practice, including music. This book is the best resource I've encountered to UNLEASHING the creative part of me in a way that uses small but powerful steps AND doesn't hold me to an impossible standard. You'll receive gems from world traditions and also get practical steps for moving forward. The book is both linear and circular at the same time, honoring the unique rhythms that all creatives have.
Get ready to unleash your magic and enjoy the beauty that this book has to offer you. Come and join The Bright Way now for your personal creative growth!
April 6, 2020
It was such a pleasure to read the culmination of many years of teaching and testing. Diana’s sparkling writing not only shares the message of how we can all be creative, but demonstrated it right in front of me. As a former student, I experienced many of these ideas with Diana. And it’s lovely to see them blooming on every page.
This book is for people who have felt uncreative - that is, all of us. We all need to be reminded that there is a reliable creative path that we can hop back on when we are feeling “ugh” about our creativity. It becomes a practice, and then a habit, and then just part of how you interact with the world. Seeds of ideas eventually become fulfillment, which seed new ideas for you and those creatives around you.
This book is for people who have felt uncreative - that is, all of us. We all need to be reminded that there is a reliable creative path that we can hop back on when we are feeling “ugh” about our creativity. It becomes a practice, and then a habit, and then just part of how you interact with the world. Seeds of ideas eventually become fulfillment, which seed new ideas for you and those creatives around you.
March 12, 2020
This is a workbook that works
I have been a student of The Bright Way initially through Diana Rowan’s teachings on Facebook and have studied this method for my harp playing. It is a system that truly works. I am now using the same system principles via this book for writing and the results are astounding... For the first time I am close to finishing writing a book and have even got publishing lined up! But you don’t have to have a project in mind - this book is about a way of life that anyone can access - not religion not difficult just about being true to yourself. This is a workbook that works.
I have been a student of The Bright Way initially through Diana Rowan’s teachings on Facebook and have studied this method for my harp playing. It is a system that truly works. I am now using the same system principles via this book for writing and the results are astounding... For the first time I am close to finishing writing a book and have even got publishing lined up! But you don’t have to have a project in mind - this book is about a way of life that anyone can access - not religion not difficult just about being true to yourself. This is a workbook that works.
April 6, 2020
Illuminating, an absolute treasure!
Diana Rowan is a brilliant mentor and guide on the path of the Bright Way. She generously shares her experience of alchemical transformation from stage fright into utter trust and surrender of her authentic Self and creative expression. Her wisdom gleaned comes through as the offering of this treasured guidebook, which is an invitation to engage in a system that deeply supports the emergence of your true Self and creative Essence. A joyful, healthy, and luminous opportunity to free your authentic creativity!
Diana Rowan is a brilliant mentor and guide on the path of the Bright Way. She generously shares her experience of alchemical transformation from stage fright into utter trust and surrender of her authentic Self and creative expression. Her wisdom gleaned comes through as the offering of this treasured guidebook, which is an invitation to engage in a system that deeply supports the emergence of your true Self and creative Essence. A joyful, healthy, and luminous opportunity to free your authentic creativity!
April 7, 2020
As a musician, I have found Diana Rowan's book on freeing the creative within to be revolutionary. In forty years of playing the harp I had never really considered my musical purpose and in doing so now it has changed utterly the kind of music I play and my attitude towards performance. I wish I had read the book all those years ago!
Diana espouses a philosophy around creativity and then gives very practical information about how to engage and fulfill your purpose. There is a depth to this book that artists in any field will find inspiring and useful. I have found that her guiding principles can be applied to many aspects of my life.
It's a great book and an easy read.
Diana espouses a philosophy around creativity and then gives very practical information about how to engage and fulfill your purpose. There is a depth to this book that artists in any field will find inspiring and useful. I have found that her guiding principles can be applied to many aspects of my life.
It's a great book and an easy read.
August 5, 2020
This is one of the best books I've read about creativity and finding your voice. The content was amazing. It has exercises and activities so be prepared to take a little more time to really get the benefit. Also, it's giving you the kind of process that you do over and over again, each time getting more and more out of it. I loved the holistic approach and the connection with the elements of Fire, Water, Air, Earth and the connection to Spirit. If you are an artist, musician, or just want to expand your life and fulfill your dreams this book is a definite yes!
March 11, 2021
Diana's book is not only a beautiful account of her own creative journey as a musician, but also a wonderful guide for living a meaningful, purpose-driven, and inspired life. As she recounts her moving personal story and all the struggles she overcame, she invites readers to explore their own life journey. The book is full of amazing insights on how to move past our perceived limitations and realize how creativity is our birthright, regardless of talent or ability. Reading this book leaves one excited and motivated to dive fully into what we truly love.
May 28, 2020
I read this book and as someone that works in a creative field, I must say it was a tremendous help. I also had the pleasure of visiting with author Diana Rowan on my podcast "Find the Good News," and we had a wonderful conversation that is a great complement to the book. Diana Rowan
July 10, 2023
I read this book over a very long span of time, picking it up here and there and working through it, then letting myself digest it. I did not end up using it as a workbook as intended, partially because I read the kindle version, so I couldn't color things in or make notes like the author suggested, and partially because that goes against my nature. There was a fair amount of journaling suggested, as well, which I did not do, because while I write frequently, I never go back to read what I have written after the fact. Even though I did not follow the method directly, I took in the ideas here, and found them an excellent fit for my own way of thought and working on art. Like the author, my chosen medium is music, and creativity books more often seem to focus on visual arts, so it was refreshing to hear from an author who also focused on music. The central conceit of the book focused on pagan, New Age, and alchemical ideas, particularly the four classical elements plus spirit, and how you can use that framework to improve your creativity. I already use an elemental schema, and spirals in a variety of other areas, so that was a natural fit for me. The broad concepts were quite interesting for me, but some of the particulars less so. Still, as a framework for improving your creative endeavors, this was a great fit for me, and if your temperament leans more towards more closely following the instructions, you might get a lot more out of it, as well.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews