Whenever we create, expressing ourselves through music, art, writing, dance, drama, something nearly always happens that we did not intend. The unintentional, according to renowned process-oriented psychotherapist Lane Arye, appears at moments when some hidden part of ourselves, something that lies beyond our awareness, tries to express itself. With humor and wisdom, Arye teaches us to notice the things we normally ignore and value what we might otherwise reject. Using anecdotes, ideas, and practical examples, Arye draws on his years of experience helping people around the world explore the unintentional, tapping into their deepest creativity and making their lives more authentic, meaningful, and original.

The last time you whistled a tune or hummed a song-why did you choose that one? You may not consider yourself a musical person, but your little act of unintended music may be the key to unlocking within you a wealth of unsuspected creativity-a kind of creativity that goes way beyond music, too.

Lane Arye, PhD, a musician himself, focuses on the music that people do not intend to make. Using the highly regarded psychological model called Process Work, developed by Arnold Mindell, PhD, Arye has been teaching students around the world how to awaken their creativity, using music as the starting point, but including all art forms and ways of expression.

The unintentional appears at moments when some hidden part of us, something beyond our usual awareness, suddenly tries to express itself. If we start paying attention to what is trying to happen rather than to what we think should happen, we open the door to self-discovery and creativity. Sometimes what we regard as "mistakes" in self-expression are in fact treasures.

The book is rich with real-life stories, ideas, and practical techniques for unlocking creativity, which Arye dispenses with humor, insight, and enthusiasm.