Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” approach supports my spiritual practice.
Many people want to be more creative and feel more alive. Cameron helps by sharing insights from her years of facilitating creative recovery workshops and over 30 years as an active artist.
“The Artist’s Way” came to me three years ago as I began reconnecting to my spiritual life. I completed the 12-week process twice and continue showing up for my creative practices daily.
“Art is a spiritual transaction. Artists are visionaries. We routinely practice a form of faith, seeing clearly and moving toward a creative goal that shimmers in the distance – often visible to us, but invisible to those around us,” writes Cameron in the 10th-anniversary edition introduction.
My life has noticeably transformed through my creative processes. I often receive compliments on my “beautiful energy and style.” This journey feels like reconnecting to magic, Being, and feminine energy. I can’t imagine my life without it.
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The Spiral Creative Journey
“Many of us sense we are more creative but unable to effectively tap that creativity. Each of us is complex and highly individual, yet there are common recognizable denominators to the creative recovery process,” writes Cameron.
The 12-week plan focuses on things like recovering a sense of abundance, power, protection, and faith, for example. She recommends about 10 hours a week or one hour per day to complete weekly readings and tasks, morning pages (free-form journaling), and artist’s dates.
“In working with this book, remember that The Artist’s Way is a spiral path. You will circle through some of the issues over and over, each time at a different level. There is no such thing as being done with an artistic life,” writes Cameron.
Some changes in my life: I’ve reconnected with more color, in my wardrobe, makeup, home decor, and even my Google calendar design. I’ve gradually felt safer expressing myself through things like writing, making music, and dancing. I feel more connected to synchronicity.
“Frustrations and rewards exist at all levels on the path. Our aim here is to find the trail, establish our footing, and begin the climb. The creative vistas that open will quickly excite you,” shares Cameron.
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“The Artist’s Way” Wisdom
Cameron’s book has become my most recommended book for others. I hear all the time how people feel blocked, not good enough, or insecure, especially around art and self-expression. The practices in this book help us move through old creative wounds, both individual and collective.
“Working with this book, you will experience an intensive, guided encounter with your own creativity – your private villains, champions, wishes, fears, dreams, hopes, and triumphs. The experience will make you excited, depressed, angry, afraid, joyous, hopeful, and ultimately, more free,” writes Cameron.
I often flip back through the book for nuggets of wisdom, inspiration, and fun activities:
- “Practice being kind to yourself in small creative ways.”
- “Be open to receiving gifts from odd channels.”
- “Growth is an erratic forward movement: two steps forward, one step back. Remember that and be very gentle with yourself.”
- “Wear your favorite item of clothing for no special occasion.”
- “Make this phrase a mantra: ‘Treating myself like a precious object makes me stronger.’”
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I write more about specific takeaways in my previous article: “10 Ways ‘The Artist’s Way’ Renewed My Creativity –and Life”
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, take this as a sign to pick up “The Artist’s Way” book and start in your own creative way. Or, take a walk outside and see what you get into.
Photo Credit: Unsplash, Caleb Jack
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I publish inspiring, empowering content on self-actualization topics once a week. I include insights from personal experience, research, expert advice, and other’s stories. I use my professional journalism and research background to keep posts concise, empathic, and trustworthy.
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