I am starting The Artist's Way on Tuesday! Does anyone have any advice? Success stories? I would like to hear if you loved it or hated it or just couldn't get past a week free from reading.

thanks!

What's The Artist's Way?

Been through it twice, with good results. I did it once by myself, and once with a buddy. Cameron's book was helpful for me, though I already had a general idea of what kind of creativity called to me the most, so going through the exercises helped confirm things for me.

The toughest part for me was getting up at 5 a.m. for morning pages. I'm less than coherent even in the best of circumstances at that hour so I think I got less out of my MPs than I was supposed to. The lesson with not reading for a week went by fairly painlessly; my work was in a lull so I didn't have to go through weird gymnastics to avoid reading e-mail.

I've recommended the book to a number of folks who have had varying degrees of success. Like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. If you work the exercises, you'll have a far better experience than someone who skips over them, looking for the chapters with "the good stuff."

It's a book on how to gently open up the inherently creative nature that is inside each of us. Author is Julia Cameron. She's written a bunch of other books but AW is still the best.

Hi Kasey

Best of luck with your journey on the Artist's Way. I haven't actually done the complete book, too little time and willpower. However, I do have a success story for you. I was running a stress management group years back and two of the women in the group were doing the Artist's Way together. They were fashion design majors and trying to work through the inspiration blocks that occur when having to crank out on demand for school. They both loved it and the group often centered more on their work w/ the book with other stress management techniques added as needed. They aced the class and were much more stress free in other areas as well.

Gini

Thanks to all who replied I am committed to the project because I want the results.

Last week, my local PBS station ran part of the workshop on The Artist's way at work. This takes the concepts from the book and applies them to work situations. It was not run by Julia Cameron, but the man who worked with her to create TAW. His name escapes me right now. He sealed the deal for me when he said the course can help with health issues, which I need.

I am already very creative, but need to harness it. So that will be my focus.

And, as I said in another thread, I get to use my fountain pens and inks. It is an added bonus

I've done the Artist's Way all the way through a couple of times and I go back to it time and again. It is very good for introspection and taking a good look at your own beliefs about creativity and it's place in life. It really helped me open myself up to creativity, to let go of thoughts that bog me down and to think more clearly in everyday life. I have continued doing the Morning Pages, though sometimes they are afternoon or midnight pages for me, and it helps keep me on track. The Artist Date is also great for keeping the spirit renewed and the creativity flowing.

It's a process so open yourself up to it. Dig deep and let go, trust in yourself and nurture your artistic self.

Good luck and enjoy it!

I've never gone through the whole Artists Way program, though I think I'd like to with a group.

I have, however, gotten tremendous benefit just from doing Morning Pages, and everyone I know that has done just that part has reported huge progress and great changes. Other aspects of the program have been really helpful as well, and I'm certainly not saying that Morning Pages are all you need, but don't neglect the Morning Pages, as they are a fantastic foundation for everything else

Thanks, I am going to give it my best shot!

I wish I could have found a group that was doing the book. I think it would be even more useful to see others progress too. I tried to get a friend to join me, but she is moving and this would be a terrible time to take this on too.

I am really looking forward to the morning pages. Of course, I am not working right now, so I don't have to set the alarm for 5 am. I really believe that writing whatever comes into your head the first thing in the morning could access some deep stuff. Of course, my avatar needs to be walked, so I have to do the pages after that. Julia Cameron writes that there is no wrong way to do the morning pages, so I am going to assume she meant "if you must walk your dog first, then go ahead"

I have some good ideas for artist's dates, so I am looking forward to that too.

Songwind, do you have any questions about TAW?

I've stuck with the morning pages [which are sometimes afternoon or evening pages] for years now AND am a firm believer in the artists dates now that I see how dull my creativity gets if I DON'T let myself play.

Kasey,

Go ahead and do it. you'll enjoy it and also have a wonderful experience writing the Morning Pages. I completed the 12- week spell only recently. I'm continuing to write the Morning Pages.

But don't give up in the middle. Keep going until the end. You'll be glad you did it.

Good Luck.

Thanks for all the replies.

I am liking, no loving the morning pages.

I had a good artist date. I went to the main branch of my library and looked through art encyclopedias. It seems several great artists had families who told them Art School was a BAD idea. And reading about Frida Kahlo was inspirational as I have health problems and pain. I think I may study her life and works as another artist's date.

However, I am having a lot of trouble with affirmations. I am going to continue doing work with them next week.


thanks again all!

Now don't you mean "I create affirmations with ease and confidence." Just trying to help.

I'm really excited for you that you're doing this.

Yes, that is exactly what i mean I can easily shift existing patterns of thought!

Thanks, i too am excited by the prospect of harnessing my under-used and mis-used creativity.

(BTW, great pen cases!)

There's just no down side to being creative. I think any little way that we create in our lives counts: so whether you draw a picture, write a letter, wear a fun outfit, bake cookies or cook a delicious meal it all stimulates the overall creativity of our lives... and encourages the next guy.

you are so right

I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread for this or just update this one . . .

Anyway, tomorrow I will begin week 4 of the Artist's Way. Here are my thoughts so far--

I mostly love the morning pages. There have been a few days when writing them have been like pulling teeth, but really, I consider them to be a wonderful addition to my life. The most important change I have noticed is that I feel lighter. I don't know a better way to say it than that. I also have a more acute sense of wonder. I was looking at the lightning bugs the other night. Really looking. What a wonderful creature--a bug that lights up

The artist dates have been hit or miss with me. I had two good ones and one so-so date. I will have to try harder, I think.

So, if you aren't familiar with TAW, week 4 is a tough week. This is the week of NO READING No email, no FPN and no magazines or books. I lack the words to describe how I feel about this. But, once again, I want the results, so I will give it my best shot.

I will check back in next week with an update!

Kaseygirl,
It's so fun that you're doing this. Thanks for keeping us updated here on your progress and thoughts.

By the time you read this you'll have finished the "reading fast" (unless you cheated).

I still do this from time to time. I write for a living and sometimes I get so filled up with what I've read that I have no room for my own thoughts!

I started TAW about eight years ago when I was first diagnosed with ME (or CFS). I was so tired that morning pages became afternoon lines but I stuck with it and I believe it was one of the things that helped me to overcome the ME.

I'm still doing the pages, the date and the walk (from "Walking in this World")

Cameron's later books built on some of the things in TAW but there was a lot of repetition.

Good luck with the rest of the journey. Learning to really "see" is one of the most important benefits.

Thanks! I am glad to be able to interact with a group that has completed the course.

No cheating, the day isn't over yet This will be the last time I am online though, really this time . . .



I have Sjogren's Syndrome which is like Lupus, but no one has ever heard of it. My worst symptom is the fatigue. I am hoping to gain energy by doing the course. Thanks for your story

I never did the entire course of Artist's Way... it still inspired me but I only did a few parts of it. I've read it several times... and I do a lot of art....

I found that the Morning Pages habit didn't continue, but the habit of grabbing a cheap notebook and brain dumping did, especially when things got sticky in life. It helps me vent without snarling at loved ones, and helps me figure things out. Good luck with Week 4, Kaseygirl. Can't wait to hear your next update!

Here's the update:

The good stuff is that the pain in my back, under my shoulder blade, is at least 95 % better. This has plagued me for a long time, and was most likely stress related. I think it is the Morning Pages which are helping to lower my stress level. Also, my mom says she sees real differences in me, for the better.

The bad stuff is that I don't think I see any changes. I am thrilled the back pain is gone, but I have not noticed any change in the fatigue. Please understand, this is not your run of the mill, gee I could use a nap kind of tired. This is mind-numbing, walking-into-walls and losing-my-capacity-for-language-tired. The language stuff is very frustrating for a former English major. The fatigue would frustrate anyone. I was really hoping the course would help with this. I am trying to remain patient, but it is not my strong suit.

I am also having trouble keeping the Artist Dates I make. The fatigue is part of the problem as well as some other issues on which I am working. I know it is important to play, so I am just going to have to make it more of a priority. Maybe that is one of the lessons I am to learn from TAW.

The reading fast was tough for me and I only cheated a little. I didn't read any novels, email or internet at all. I read a small portion of a newspaper and I helped my dad install software for his new digital camera. I didn't consider the software installation cheating though as he has located and given me a Parker "51" pen and pencil set, two "21"s and an Esterbrook from his treasures. I have already used the "51" for my morning pages and I am thrilled to be using his pen for something so important to me. But, I digress. I didn't really notice any less "noise" in my head, but I am not opposed to trying a reading fast again someday. In fact, I may even include the television too!

miketo--thanks for the interest in an update I can see using the Morning Pages when things get tough, but I think they are a habit for me.

jbb--whether you have finished the course or not is not important to me. You know the process and I appreciate your support and enthusiasm Thanks!!!

Hi Kaseygirl,
Thanks for the update. It's a fascinating paradox that the most fun part, The Artist's Date, is the hardest part.

Not directly related to my experience with the Artist's Way, at one point in my life I decided to start taking myself on "regular" dates. The idea was to get free of the idea that I have to take someone else along in order to have a good time. The first time I tried it I went out, had a quick meal, looked at the marquee at the multiplex theater, decided there wasn't anything I wanted to see, and went home. It wasn't until I got home that it really struck me that I wouldn't treat someone else like that on a date and that I wouldn't put up with someone treating me like that on a date. But I found it perfectly acceptable to treat myself like I wasn't worth any effort.

It was a small moment of clarity for me that allowed me to start putting a higher priority on my own happiness, and that's what it took for me to make a change. I started making better plans for things I'd like to do and, having a real plan, actually followed through and had a good time.

An added benefit is that I haven't been on a bad date since that first one with myself. I've been on plenty of dates with women I didn't want to see again, but I've had a good time anyway. My whole attitude about dating has changed. Instead of trying to figure out something to impress or entertain someone else, I get to live this amazing life full of fun, enriching, satisfying activities---and sometimes I get to bring someone else along to be part of it. I think everyone wins.

Consider that you might be at the beginning of a similar kind of opening up with the Artist Dates. Obviously not exactly the same process, but if you plan it out and follow through and really honor yourself by treating yourself so well, it can make a profound change.

I'm not unmindful of your physical symptoms here: you must take care of yourself physically and I'm not suggesting that you go out to a museum when you don't feel well enough to go. Taking care of yourself physically is another way of honoring yourself, and it won't do to grudgingly drag yourself to the museum when you don't fee up to it because some stupid book said you should. Whether you go on an Artist Date or cancel your Artist Date, let it be about being good to yourself.

Wow. I had no idea I could sound this new-agey. I'm generally more cynical and jaded than this. But it is my experience, so so be it.

Splicer, What a good, insightful explanation!

Even (or is it especially) in the old-married-couple world it's imperative to infuse outings, events, and even dinner with festive creativity. [We made watching Primary results into a nachos-eating little party one Tuesday night.] Otherwise the entire thing (life) can get terribly drab.

I was inclined to Artist Dates that involved buying some pretty fabric, new art supplies, bizarre cheap vintage clothes or other materials and making something on the fly.

kaseygirl:

I think one of the great things about AW is that you may not see changes but others do. When I did it for a second time with a buddy, I saw his ideas and attitudes changing, though he didn't necessarily think they were. To me the biggest change is the way of looking at things in new ways, of being open to other possibilities. Increased awareness is huge; think of how many people you know who go through life with blinders on.

It may be my imagination, but in going back and looking at your posts, they seem -- deeper, maybe? Richer, fuller? Not in the number of words but in the meaning, the connection in them. That counts as change, and a positive one!

The ongoing fatigue and back issues are no fun. I can empathize with you, as I have degenerative disk disease that does a good job of siphoning off energy and replacing it with pain. That doesn't keep me from trying to grow a rich internal garden; I just do it another way that doesn't involve trampolines and trapezes.

Please do take care of yourself first and foremost. As Julia Cameron says, it's not only okay to be gentle and kind to yourself, it's required.

Splicer is spot on with his observations, which I can confirm as I've done the same thing to myself. It's so difficult to get over the hump of postponing or canceling dates with yourself for whatever reason. I'm ever-so-slowly learning that, when I get a little bubble of impulse pop up, I should probably go do it.

Example: couple of years ago while driving I got the impulse to stop by the Goodwill store to see if they had any decent canisters for loose-leaf tea. I told myself I couldn't do it because "I don't have the time." Last week, I was driving along. The impulse came along, and I told myself I didn't have the time. I acknowledged the critic, put on my right turn signal, and went in anyway. I didn't find tins or canisters. I did, however, get back in my car only ten minutes behind schedule, more relaxed and in a better frame of mind for taking that small break.

It's the little unplanned things in life like that that bring the most joy. Well, that's not entirely true, as I had an incredible time with my wife on our trip to New Zealand. But you get the idea. If small inspirations are what work for you at this point, then roll with those. Massive agendas with floating signs that read "Artist on Artist's Date -- Do Not Disturb" aren't needed. It's just you and your artist. Dare to be small.

Splicer,

This post really provided me with what Oprah calls an "A-ha" moment. I have a very hard time time treating myself well, even though I tend to go overboard being nice to others. According to TAW book, blocked creatives are often martyrs. Between reading your message and that part of the book, I am much more aware of how self destructive I am. This was hard to realize, because once upon a time I was blatantly self-destructive. So, my first reponse was "No! I have worked hard, I've gotten past that!!!!" But this time it is much more subtle but no less wrong.



I truly appreciate the fact that you are "mindful" of my physical symptoms. Sadly, if most people can't see it, they don't or can't get it. Thanks.

Actually, the real problem is that I have so much guilt about the times when I am too sick to do anything. Once I feel okay, I feel that I have to be doing laundry or cleaning or something else "constructive" to make up for my down time. I am more grudgingly dragging myself on the dates I have kept, when I feel okay. Another lightbulb moment for me (complete with a smiley!)




My most successful date was a very new-agey Karma-fest. I haven't seen any of the following words in your post:
Old Soul
Angel Guide
Great Numbers or
Aura

(disclaimer, I LOVED the karma-fest and I am not making fun of new age believers. I believe I am an old soul myself. I wish I could see auras. I am merely pointing out that Splicer did not mention them in his post.)

So, I don't really find your post to be new-agey. I actually think that when you go on a date with a woman you really like, you should present this face, as well as your cynical and jaded faces. Just MHO.

So, to wrap things up here, I have recognized the problem. That is the first step

Thank you very much and here's to honoring ourselves

Yes, Splicer did a great job here.

I have to be more mind-ful about infusing more *festive creativity* into my married life too. This course has been a real eye-opener so far. And I am only at the half-way mark.



BTW, are you a quilter or fiber-artist? I had to give up quilting recently. It is just too much for me People don't realize what a physical hobby it is. I have started drawing to make up for the void.

Thanks, I hope to starting writing through TAW! Richer and fuller has got to be a good thing. One of my heros is Laura Hillenbrand, the author of Seabiscuit. She suffers from Chronic Fatigue and wrote at least some of the book in bed.

I am changing. I am feeling much stronger about taking care of ME! I am not sure everyone around me is loving this difference, but I am important too. So yes, I am starting to see the changes.



Yes, I am happily learning this too. It feels strange. For example, I am sorry it has taken so long to answer these wonderful posts. But I am doing my best.

Remember too that taking care of yourself first puts you in a better position to take care of others. Every time we get on an airplane we're reminded in the event of loss of cabin pressure to secure our own oxygen mask before assisting others with theirs. You do a lousy job of securing someone else's mask if you've passed out!

I've done the artist's way twice now, both times as part of an art class. The first time I hated it and the second time it was really great. I never actually finished the course either times, but I did notice a difference the second time around. The morning pages were kind of cathartic for me, and were really useful in working out some of the things going on in my art. The artists dates were really hard since it seems like there is never enough time, but the few I did go on were great. I kind of hated Cameron's writing style and thought she needed a better editor but overall it's a great way to jumpstart the creative process.

Other great books you might want to consider are Walking On Water by Madeline L'engle, and Free Play by Stephen Nachmanovitch.

So true. Yet I seem to have a very hard remembering this. However, this made me laugh, and now it is more likely to stay with me. Thanks, Splicer You have done your good deed for the day!

Thanks Jantirak, I will look for those. Right now I am waiting for When walls become doorways : creativity and the transforming illness from another library in my state.

I think I would have a hard time doing TAW for class. I am enjoying it and learning from it because I am so invested in the results, not because I *have* to do it.