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I completed the twelve week course laid out in The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. What an amazing journey, recovering a creative life. I love that this book came to me at the perfect time, at the recommendation of Elizabeth Gilbert, whom I greatly respect and appreciate. All that I learned before I hearing Liz speak, and my awakening creativity, nudged into greater awareness by my return to writing, confirmed that now was the right time to take the artist’s journey.
Morning Pages
The foundational pieces of The Artist’s Way, the daily Morning Pages and the weekly Artist Dates, are an important part of my routine and my journey. The flow of words, from my mind onto a blank page, creates an astounding flow of energy. It continues to amaze me what shows up in my Morning Pages. I often begin with the words, “I’m not sure what to write about this morning…” and then proceeded to rapidly fill three pages with fluid script and even more fluid thoughts.
Artist Dates
And I joyfully anticipate the artist date every week. Sunday afternoons are set aside for this time spent with my inner, creative child. I go to movies, walk in nature, view art exhibits, create a variety of things, from blueberry scones to vignettes in vintage containers. Plus I’ve discovered wonderfully artistic series to watch on Amazon Prime. I continue morning pages and artist dates.
The Art of Playing
Julia suggests again and again that art and imagination are best served by playing. She reminds me that my inner artist is a creative child. The liberation of my creativity comes by embracing that truth. I make sure that I am having fun as I create. I am made to express myself creatively, whether I am writing, gardening, coloring or rearranging my studio. If there is no joy in what I am doing then that is an indicator that I’m out of alignment with my playful inner artist.
Inner Work
Some of the deepest work that I did during this course involved examining what holds me back in my creative life. I released a great deal of fear during the last five years, only to discover pockets of it as I explored my desire to write. Fear creates blocks. And blocks clog the creative process, often stopping that flow of energy completely. I’m grateful for the opportunity to banish fear once again.
I spent much time as well delving into my childhood and reconnecting with the quirky kid who grew up to be an independent woman who doesn’t mind being different. I’ve learned from Little Cindy and I have new admiration and appreciation for her. I have fresh ideas for ways to further explore the gifts she offers that I’m excited to carry out.
Trusting More Deeply
Trust is another integral part of this journey. In the final chapter, Julia writes that while we may know the next right action to take, we don’t know what’s just around the bend. By trusting in small ways, I learn to trust more deeply. Trust is my companion this year, as I surrender to the flow of life…and the creative process. I see the Divine at work in my life. This book so closely paralleled my own journey as last year concluded and 2016 beckoned. It is the perfect companion. I am delighted to discover that there are two more books in this series. After a brief break, I’ll begin in Walking in this World to continue along the creative path.
The Artist’s Way confirmed multiple time that Surrender is my word for 2016. The quote below, which I love, is in the final chapter. I am surrendered and I am trusting. Excitement and anticipation fill me, to see what’s around the river bend while I thoroughly enjoy the journey now. I join Liz in highly recommending The Artist’s Way, to any who desire to discover more about his or her creative self.
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