Creative Dimensions in Suffering is an intriguing combination of psychiatry and spirituality that illustrates the power of creativity to treat suffering. An examination of the lives of many famous artists who suffered--including Van Gogh, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven--gives insight into how they dealt with their adversity through creativity. Dr. Ghadirian explores how various conditions such as alcoholism, depression, bipolar disorder, and dementia can influence a person's creative impulse and how creativity and spirituality can help a person deal with trauma. He offers insight into many people, such as Helen Keller, Christopher Reeve, and others who were able to overcome their suffering and emerge victorious over daunting odds. Finally, drawing on principles found in the teachings of the Bahai Faith, Ghadirian attempts to explain suffering, its place in human society, and how it can lead us to a closer, happier relationship with God, as well as a better relationship with ourselves and with others. Indeed, many of those who have suffered the most have found new meaning in the adversity and have emerged victorious.

Ghadirian, A-M (Abduʼl-Missagh)

A. M. Ghadirian

Wilmette, Ill.: Baha'i Pub.

United States, United States of America

Wilmette, Ill, Illinois, 2009

Original, PS, 2009

Obscured text on back cover due to sticker attached.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Creative Dimensions of Suffering is an intriguing combination of psychiatry and spirituality that illustrates the power of creativity to treat suffering. An examination of the lives of many famous artists who suffered - including Van Gogh, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven - gives insight into how they dealt with their adversity through creativity. Dr. Ghadirian explores how various conditions such as alcoholism, depression, bipolar disorder, and dementia can influence a person's creative impulse and how creativity and spirituality can help a person deal with trauma. He describes the courage of many other well-known figures, such as Helen Keller and Christopher Reeve, who were able to overcome their suffering and emerge victorious over daunting odds. Finally, drawing on principles found in the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, Ghadirian attempts to explain suffering, its place in human society, and how it can lead us to a closer, happier relationship with God, as well as a better relationship with ourselves and with others. Indeed, many of those who have suffered the most have found new meaning through adversity and have emerged victorious.

Creative Dimensions of Suffering draws upon the author's personal knowledge and experience as a psychiatrist, as well as extensive research in literature, to explore the enigmatic and intriguing connection between creativity and suffering. He examines the lives of many artists, writers, poets, and scientists, as well as ordinary individuals, who have risen above their own suffering and left behind a legacy of unique and amazing experiences. Among these are well-known figures such as van Gogh, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Helen Keller, and Christopher Reeve. Examining their lives for insight into how they dealt with their adversity through creativity, Dr. Ghadirian also explores how various conditions such as alcoholism, depression, bipolar disorder, and dementia can influence a person's creative impulse and how the interplay of creativity and spirituality can help a person deal with trauma and hardship.

v, 176 p. : 23 cm
Includes bibliographical references (p. 161-171) and index
Understanding suffering -- Dimensions in creativity -- Resilience as a creative response to suffering -- Dimensions of resilience and environmental factors -- Creativity, the mind, and mood -- Creativity as a ompensatory advantage -- Neurological disability and creativity -- Vulnerability versus capability -- Suffering, change, and transformation -- Life crises, trauma, and growth -- Spiritual dimensions of suffering and creativity

Introduction -- Understanding suffering -- Dimensions in creativity -- Resilience as a creative response to suffering -- Dimensions of resilience and environmental factors -- Creativity, the mind, and mood -- Creativity as a ompensatory advantage -- Neurological disability and creativity -- Vulnerability versus capability -- Suffering, change, and transformation -- Life crises, trauma, and growth -- Spiritual dimensions of suffering and creativity

A noted professor and practicing psychiatrist explores the link between suffering, creativity and spirituality. Original.

2024-08-23