The Artist's Way

I started reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron about four weeks ago. I had heard about this book for a long time and after being denied the chance to borrow the book from a friend, I knew I had to get my own. And I did.

It was so worth it.

I have had my reading list mapped out since October of last year and I adjust along the way. This book was more than I bargained for. It’s definitely a course and if you consider yourself an artist and you haven’t tried it- you’re messing up big time. It’s a course that helps you recover your inner artist and helps you become more comfortable with trusting the process, your art, and ultimately yourself. But you have to be open to the exercises. I’m allowing myself to work through it nicely. It just so happens that Oprah & Deepak’s Meditation series is also in session right now, which I looooooove. I have attempted them all but this time I am going to follow and keep up no matter what.

Back to The Artist’s Way. Here are some tips to help you commit and complete this course, which I say is absolutely mandatory. I’m planning a graduation for myself and everything. Having the discipline to finish stuff is a struggle in and of itself. 

1.      You have to make time to do it. I have already been getting up at 6am for my miracle mornings and I actually have learned to look forward to this time to myself. I make a serious effort to go to bed on time so I can maximize my mornings of advancement. With The Artist’s Way, I had to add an additional 30 minutes to my morning to do the morning pages. They are tedious, but do them. It’s like taking out the garbage. Sometimes it sucks, but it has to be done.

2.      Get a journal for it. I went all out for mine and got a shiny metallic one. I wanted to do everything possible to make sure I maintained my excitement during the course. Roll out the red carpet for your artist from the jump!

3.      Artist Dates are a must. And you don’t have to spend money, but don’t be afraid to. So far I’ve done poetry night and even seen the Amy Winehouse documentary for my artist dates. It’s a beautiful excuse to celebrate your artistry. Try to plan ahead so you can really enjoy them. It can be tough to resist the urge to go with someone else but do it.