Oriah

This book is a fantastic journey through the creative process. Living a creative life is the kind of thing so many people idealize, but here we are presented with the reality, the fears, the risks, the vulnerabilities, all the harsh things artists of all sorts will put themselves through repeatedly in order to live a creative life, not because it's what they want to do but because they are compelled. It's difficult for me to review a book that touches me in so personal a way, but this book show more has made such a profound impact on me that I feel I have to say something about it. I think the title says it all. If you can look at the title, "What We Ache For", and feel that sharp tug in your heart, if you know what it is to ache for creative expression, then you will find comfort, camaraderie and plenty of invaluable tips for living a creative life within these pages. This book is pure, blazing-bright inspiration to me, and I'm forever grateful to it's author for sharing her thoughts and experiences. show less

I read this in ebook format and listened to it as audiobook. This is an expansion on the viral poem "the invitation" and tells the stories of its writer, what inspired the book, and what is important in life.

The thoughts of the writer resonated with me greatly, particularly the ones about longing, and what one aches for. I have also found solace in knowing that life does not serve roses all the time, and one has to fall back to a ritual, prayer, meditation or exercise. These habits that we show more establish when things are going well could save our lives when we lose hope in everything. Very relevant for our current times. show less

My artist's way/play group is using this for our monthly discussion. I find the exercises helpful, but don't always agree with the use of language in the book. it is though provoking and is proving helpful to practice.

I salute Oriah Mountain Dreamer for getting to the root of the matter concerning self expression. Her book helped me greatly during the writing of my debut novel, CRESTMONT, published May 2010. She addresses many pitfalls and fears concerning any mode of creativity...and provides much needed encouragement.