The following blog post was written by my friend and teacher Little Woo. It was originally posted on her site Little Woo. Enjoy. ~ Troy
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Question: I want to start a new project and I am now waiting for the idea/inspiration to come to me as to what kind of project I’d like to start. Any suggestions as how to create the space for this to come?
Reply: I would suggest that you “follow your fetish” when seeking the next idea, project, creative outlet or even topic of study. This is my approach to accessing an infinitely deep well of creativity informed by our own quirks and eccentricities!
This phrase is my adaptation and appreciative curtsey to Joseph Campbell‘s famous words: “follow your bliss”.
His original phrase beautifully captures the concept of being true to your heart, but for those who don’t know what their “bliss” is yet, it can be a mysterious adage.
Why Fetish?
I don’t use the word “fetish” as its usual dictionary definition (where it refers to an object that is perceived to have supernatural powers).
Nor do I associate it with its colloquial use (where it refers to an object or situation of sexual interest).
For me, a fetish is anything we have a compelling curiosity about or something we have a penchant for. It can be anything (epic or mundane): mermaids, 18th century art, special fx makeup, stage hypnosis, languages, solar energy, stiltwalking, gypsy music…
Regardless of how it may be used in society, one common thing most people feel is that a “fetish” is merely an insignificant or trivial interest – regarded as a distraction rather than a clue towards our life purpose.
Yet following our fetishes can be very helpful in revealing our innate constitutions. It often does lead us to our bliss! It may not be a direct path because of all its twists and turns, but it is usually a magical one filled with meaningful surprises…
How It Worked In My Life:
When I was going deep into my spiritual path, I also followed my fetish for Burlesque and ended up creating Burlesque Yoga as one my early spiritual teaching programs.
It combined several of my “fetishes” (costuming, burlesque, comedy, music, performance art, spirituality, dancing, teaching) into one thing and gave me an opportunity to share my practice of seeing the “Sacred in the Profane” through a unique form that tickled my fancy.
By doing something I loved, I found my community during those years when I was performing and teaching burlesque in Vancouver. I also inspired many other burlesque dancers to consider teaching because at the time, no one else was really doing that in town. Even the media were intrigued and interviewed me in feature stories because “Burlesque Yoga” was a new concept and a quirky pursuit. And unexpectedly, many of my Burlesque Yoga students continued studying with me into the next phase when I launched my Epic Evolution program.
Through that spontaneous path of creative expression, I found many pieces of the puzzle regarding my life’s work. It all came together as I was following my fetishes. My life path unfolded as I followed my heart and my joy.
Even in my artistic processes, I use my fetishes to inform what theme, what project, what music, what costume and what story I will create next. When teaching, I also follow my fetishes to decide what course I will offer next or what content I will develop next. Following my fetish allows my personality to shine through in my work and really frees my creativity! Hidden passions are drawn out by our curiosity and nurtured by our enthusiasm!
Important Tips While You “Follow Your Fetish”
1) Don’t have heavy expectations of the experience. Be playful and curious.
2) Don’t ask “How will this bring me income?” as it will commodify your experience.
The value of the fetish is not immediately visible but you must trust that it is priceless. The fetish reveals your unique nature and when you follow it, income opportunities can reveal themselves over time. But if your mindset is stuck on how to make money (or the lack of it), then all the joy from your fetish will be drained.
3) Don’t wonder “How can this possibly help my career?” as it is a similar trap. It will make the experience conditional and limited in your mind.
Following a fetish can show us what we wish to do with our free time and why we want to wake up each day. Maybe we don’t know what kind of career we want to build but our fetishes contain the seeds of our deep interests!
4) Don’t measure the size of the fetish! Even the tiniest fetish can guide us to fascinating places and reveal crucial truths.
Even if it is only a momentary interest, heeding it trains you to hear your heart even when it speaks softly.
5) Don’t be concerned with your skill level. Instead, be excited to learn and grow.
When people question whether they have the talent for something, they nip the interest in the bud. Sure, some people are born with obvious talents but we all have many kinds of hidden genius waiting for development. We simply need to foster enthusiasm and patience. We can focus on having fun and enjoy the learning process rather than be anxious about success or failure.
Stay tuned to my series called “Follow Your Fetish”! In these online videos and interviews, you will see how others have followed their fetish…
When we see what others are doing, it inspires us to explore our own interests too!
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Little Woo is an unconventional spiritual teacher who supports our Epic Evolution as noble beings. You can find more of her at www.LittleWoo.org