According to Osho, creativity is painful because it is an uphill ascent of consciousness that demands dropping your excess baggage—above all, the ego. Real creation happens only when the 'I' dissolves and you become a hollow flute for existence. Pain arises from clinging and resistance; as surrender deepens, effort remains but suffering fades, and creativity turns joyous.
Being creative hurts because you must let go of “me” and allow life to flow through you; the more you cling, the more it hurts.