All acts of creativity are rooted in attention — not just the ordinary attention of the mind but a sensitive, all-embracing attentiveness that includes body, feeling, and mind: the same attentiveness that is essential to spiritual work. Perhaps this is why many traditional spiritual paths include the teaching of a creative discipline. Tibetan monks are known for their intricate sand paintings and thangkas; Zen monks, for their brushwork and haiku; Christian monks, for their illuminated manuscripts and wines.
— Tracy Cochran, Jeff Zaleski, Transformations