On the Back of the Wildebeest

On the Back of the Wildebeest

Creativity is a path to the innermost self, where we find a sense of wholeness by embracing emotions that we have shut up and shut away. It lets us reconnect with lost parts of ourselves that carry fear, anger, sadness and loneliness. Yet many people falsely believe creativity is not for them.

This exhilarating and original book gives creativity its rightful place on the journey from trauma to mastery. With more than 30 years' experience as an artist, educator and psychotherapist Audrey Jolly shows why creativity heals, how readers can tap its power, and how to navigate the discomfort of trying something new. Practical exercises drawn from movement, drama, art and writing encourage readers to map their own unique path to self-discovery while finding joy in the adventure.

6X9 Paperback, 268 pages, TOC, Index

ISBN 978-1-7771539-2-2 

Published by the Creativity and Transformation Group — an imprint of Canadian Outdoor Press

View Audrey at the Muskoka Chautauqua Authors Panel, 2020

Available from Caversham Booksellers — North America's Largest Mental Health Bookstore — and Amazon.ca

What's Inside

Introduction

Creativity and Impulse

Creativity, Process vs Product

Creativity and Blocks - Protectors, Defenders and Judges

Creativity and Boundaries

Creativity, Shame, Blame and Guilt

Creativity and Trauma

Creativity and Anger

Creativity and Fear

Creativity and Sorrow

Creativity and Joy

Creativity and Spiritual Growth

Creativity and Altered States

Creativity and Wholeness

Conclusions

Praise for On the Back of the Wildebeest:

“I'll never be afraid of writer's block again after reading this myth-defying book.”—Rona Maynard, author of My Mother's Daughter and former Editor of Chatelaine

“Trauma is now realized as not only a body-mind wound but ultimately a soul wound. Audrey Jolly has walked through her wound and transformed it into wisdom and joy. This book is direct, funny and wise.”   —Elinor Dickson, PhD, psychologist, Jungian therapist, author of Dancing at the Still Point

“A treasure chest of inspiration.”  —Paula Thomson, PsyD, Clinical psychologist, Professor at CSUN and co-author of Creativity, Trauma, and Resilience

“Audrey Jolly takes us on a bold, creative journey sharing personal experiences and exercises that are engaging and affirming.”  —Maureen Jennings, recipient of the Grant Allen award and award-winning author of the Murdoch Mysteries and Heat Wave