The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron is a 12-week programme designed to help individuals unlock their creative potential—whether in the arts, at work, or in everyday life. It offers a wonderful way to invite more joy, curiosity, and creative exploration into daily routines.
For me, however, The Artist’s Way has come to mean so much more than a course or a book. It unlocked a lot of memories and hurt that I had been suppressing. It helped me gather my broken self and rise up to confront some hard truths and then take some difficult decisions. I was able to start writing a lot more freely about myself after I did this programme.
I eagerly share my enthusiasm with anyone who I feel will commit themselves to the process and therefore, benefit from it.
To this end, I’ve decided, over the next 13 weeks to share my insights on every week of The Artist’s Way as I delve into it again this year.
If you would like to journey with me, grab a copy of the book (Amazon affiliate link) and get yourself a couple of notebooks and lots of nice pens (here’s your excuse to buy more stationery!) and let’s begin.
The Artist’s Way
Cameron believes that the “refusal to be creative is self-will and counter to our true nature.” We all have an innate creativity, but we often choose to block ourselves from tapping into it. Her course is designed to help us unlock the artist that resides within each of us.
How To Approach The Course – The Basics
The Basics – Laying the Foundation
This week focuses on establishing the core practices of The Artist’s Way – Morning Pages and Artist Dates.’
Morning Pages: This foundational practice helps clear your mind, identify limiting beliefs, and unlock your creative flow.
Artist Dates: These playful outings are essential for breaking free from everyday routines and rediscovering your sense of wonder and joy.
What you need to do this week
- Read the introduction and pages 1- 24
- Write out your Creative Contract (Page 23) – I would suggest you write it out neatly and display it some place you can see.
- Daily: Morning Pages: – Begin your daily practice of writing 3 pages longhand first thing in the morning. Don’t censor yourself, let your thoughts flow freely.
- For the week: Plan and schedule your first Artist Date. This could be something simple like visiting a park, browsing a bookstore, or exploring a new neighborhood. Here are 100 ideas for Artists’ Dates.
You might experience some resistance to writing the Morning Pages. Stick with them. Acknowledge that this is a journey of self-discovery. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories.
I’ll be back next Wednesday with Week 1 of the course. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
♥
𝒞ℴ𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓃ℯ
I’ve read The Artist’s Way in 2019. That’s how I got started with writing Morning pages. I’ve never made the time to do an Artist’s Date yet.
I don’t have a copy of the book with me at present. I like this idea of doing each week along with your detailed post, Corinne. Thank you for sharing.
Vinitha recently posted…Fiction Monday – 239
I’m summarizing what I think is important, Vini, so I’m sure you could do without having the book on hand.
I would love this! I have the book, but I never got past the first few pages. It will be nice having someone to guide me through it.
I’m doing this mostly for myself 😉 but would be glad to have company. The more the merrier!