Victor Dougherty, Living In Creative Spirit
This week we welcome, Victor Dougherty to “Living in Creative Spirit.”
A co-founder of the Pathless Land Center for Mindfulness and Meditation in KC, Victor brings years of meditation and practice into his ministry. A part of the conscious music movement since 2007 Victor has inspired many individuals and communities throughout the midwest at festivals, conferences, services and concerts.
Showcased in the Nov./Dec. 2014 issue of Unity Magazine and interviewed on Unity.FM’s “Let’s Talk About It,” Victor is an energetic presenter with a zest for life. The release of his second album Both Sides of the Veil, affirms what Evolving Magazine calls, ” an exciting voice in new thought music!”
What is one of your favorite quotes?
My favorite quote would have to be “no time like the present.” It is inscribed on my pocket watch app, and I use the quote often. I like it for many reasons. It’s simple, does not engage the thinking mind much. Reminds me to be in this moment. Helps me to get things done when I need to.
What is one book that has inspired you?
Jack Kornfield’s book A Path with Heart, blew me away and was my rock through some difficult times after my divorce. To this day it still stands as a reference and guide for me.
Do you have a favorite flavor of ice-cream?
Yes! My favorite is the mocha almond concrete from Sheridans!
If you were a super hero what would your name and super power be?
I think I would be Captain Jingle, and my power would be the ability to draw out a song from anyone thereby purifying what’s in their heart at the moment!
Victor, what role does spirituality play in your creative work?
Spirituality is everything in my work, here’s why. Once I realized that creativity comes through me and not from me all the efforting to do it right disappeared. I stopped trying to force the music/poetry and simply learned to become the best channel I possibly could. In other words, get out of the way. The more I can open to spirit, the more likely I will receive a “download.”
What is your favorite creative outlet?
Poetry and music are my favorite creative outlets, but also play!
What inspires your creative work?
Hmm, many things can inspire me, I think the short answer is beauty, in all of its forms inspire me, anything from a sunset to seeing two people hug, it could even be the beauty of pain. What I mean by that is bearing witness to the human experience, a catastrophe may indeed be horrible, but coming to the aid of someone in trouble is a very beautiful thing.
What are you passionate about?
Laughter! Seriously friends we need to laugh more….much more!
Do you have a daily spiritual practice?
Meditation usually in the morning, sangha (spiritual community) twice a week, meet with my mentor (spiritual teacher) every Saturday morning.
How do you move through creative blocks?
They’re really not much of a problem for me. I try to be aware of my own creative cycles and be ready for downloads when they come. If I sit and work on creating something I am open to the muse showing up or not showing up, I don’t get upset about it, just not time right now.
How do you inspire the Creative Spirit in others through your work?
Collaboration is incredibly contagious! When you get a couple creatives together and let them have fun, they will inspire each other and create a long list of amazing ideas!!! As well as consume mass quantities of chocolate.
What tip would you give readers to help them nurture their Creative Spirit?
I love this question because I love teaching. Here is what I would say. Explore the wild impromptu spontaneous side of your art or creativity. If you are a songwriter then just start playing and singing with any chords and jibberish for words, if you write just start writing or talking into a recorder, if you paint just start throwing it around! Let the ecstatic artist out! At some point it will begin to refine but in my opinion the raw creativity is the place to start.
Where can readers learn more about you and your work?
www.victorjamesdougherty.com
Thank you Victor!
Join us next week on “Living In Creative Spirit” for an inspiring look into the creative life of Jacquie Lenati.
“Living In Creative Spirit,” is an online interview series featuring creative individuals who blend spirituality and creativity in their lives and work. Summer session interviews are published weekly on Monday at 12:00 CT. This series is presented by Unity Arts Ministry, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring personal growth, healing and transformation through spiritual enrichment and creative expression.
Funding for our online programming and live events comes through the generosity of individuals like you. Your contribution aids in our vision as we celebrate a world awakened to the Creative Spirit inherent in all. Please follow the link below to make a tax-deductible donation.
