I’ve begun reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book is a workshop to discover and recover your creative self.
All of us lose that dauntless creative spark as we get older, and I wanted to develop a creative lifestyle so that I would get into a better writing routine. I didn’t even feel creatively blocked, but now that I delve into this book, I realized I do have some rusty, old blockages and stale issues with self-doubt that need to be resolved.
I bought this old copy from Amazon. I like the worn-in magic of used books. I feel they hold some of the residual energy of the previous owner. The book is very spiritual and it’s also superstitious. I love its wide margins peppered with inspirational quotes. I’ve been using the extra space for notes, which is what I’m sure the author intended.
There are many exercises to do each week, but so far, I’ve only been doing what’s called ‘morning pages.’ They are three pages of stream of consciousness writing first thing in the morning. I thought this journal writing stuff would take up too much of my time, but I find that after I’ve done my three pages, it’s as if time moves more slowly. My head is less cluttered with aimless ruminations, and I have space to think productive thoughts.
I also started going on the ‘artist date.’ Scandalous, I know! This is a date you have with your inner artist to fill the creative well and trigger inspiration. You must be alone on this date – and it’s not setting aside a few hours to write/paint/create by yourself. It’s inventing some other activity that isn’t directly related to your work.
For instance, one week I watched and reviewed Bitter Moon. The next week, I gutted and refurbished the woman cave – my artistic haven. It can be anything from going to a garage sale to making an exotic recipe you’ve never tried before. I think it’s all about training your brain waves off the usual tasks to allow the unconscious processes time to gel.
I plan to give this copy away when I’m done with my journey. I hope to pass the creative spark and the notes along to another artist. This book has changed the lives of people all across the world. Artists form groups and go through the journey together. I will at least share my experience with you and pay it forward.
So, join me in my journey if you’d like to cultivate your creativity, and hashtag your posts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #myartistdate so we can share in the creative cauldron!
Register to be the one to receive my worn-in copy of
The Artist’s Way.
May the artistic force be with you!
I bought The Artist’s Way back in May after a few months of attending a weekly creativity workshop with other creative people (three writers, one songwriter, one graphic artist, one pianist) from my church. You could say I’m having a little trouble being consistent with the book. I have averaged reading and doing the exercises at the pace of one chapter a month. I did very little with the book itself in July and August, but I want to resume reading and working through it. But even without being consistent in the book, I write in either my Morning Pages or in a prayer journal about four times a week. And I will say that since I began that book, I’ve written content for a nonprofit organization website and I’ve started a blog, just to get my creative juices flowing again. I’m looking forward to reading your posts because I know reading about the progress that others make while reading TAW will encourage me to stay with the book more than I’ve done on my own. Thanks for posting!
It’s so nice to hear from someone who’s also taken the challenge. I heard that many artists do the book in a group setting, but I’m all by my lonesome here. That’s why I decided to blog about it. I’m having difficulty keeping up with the book assignments too, but like you, I’ve stuck to the morning pages for the most part. Life has just gotten too busy and I’ve been working many more hours. Also, I’m supposed to have my new book ready in a few weeks, so Saturdays, which I allotted for my artist date, have been replaced by book revisions. When I do squeeze in an artist date or some exercises from the book, then I don’t have time to blog about them! My plan has been thwarted, but I will recommit as soon as things ease up. I know if we stick with it amazing things will happen. What little I’ve done so far has given me some breakthroughs. At least we’re trying to make nurturing our creative side a priority. Please keep me posted on your progress, Liz!
Very cool! I like the idea of the “artist date” – I feel like I do this a lot, but I didn’t know why! It’s cool to have a name for it now.
Yeah, I thought of you when I did this because I remember you doing sketches and watercolors. Any news on Oliver?
Alas, not for a long time. I’ve been mainly focused school!
Wow, this is so neat! I’m happy that the book is working for you and what a lovely idea to pass along the good vibes.
Thanks, Anita. It is freeing up the creativity! I highly recommend trying it. You don’t even have to be an artist. I noticed I’m more innovative and sharper at problem solving at work too. I think it would benefit everyone. It seemed natural to pass it along when I’m done.
I love this. Thinking I may order it as I need to get going right away! Lol!
Nice to hear from you, Kim. Go for it! And keep us posted on your progress.
Thank you for the inspiration, Christa!