The Artist’s Way

Posted on March 6, 2012 by mrsmurfinscountrylife

It was Julia Cameron’s birthday the other day. I found this out through the wonderful world of Facebook. This reminded me to visit her website. http://juliacameronlive.com/

I first discovered her book The Artist Way about 15 years ago and I can honestly say it has help to form and shape my life ever since.

I have read this copy of the book several times. There are many passages highlighted.

One of the great things about Julia and her program is that she is so generous with the tools. The basics are right there on her website free for the use.

Morning Pages are 3 pages of long hand journaling first thing every morning. I did this for a long time and still return to the practice when I am feeling out of sync. You don’t need to think about what you write or edit or even read it again, the important part is getting it off your mind. All the messy thoughts that fill up our brains and take up space.

The second tool is The Artist Date. It is a once a week “date” with yourself to look at or do something that inspires you. I was not always successful with this tool, but it can be very good when it works.

Julia has written many other books. As you can see I own quite a few.

They are simple tools, though many people struggle with the 3 pages of writing. Julia is firm that you must write in long hand, you need to feel your hand cross the page. It does not matter what you write, no one is going to see it. In my mind I began to think of it as the Mop and Pail (M P get it..) Because it was a chance to clean out all the muck.

Just lately I have a lot going on, so I am feeling the need to return to the practice.