Artist Date
I am a couple of weeks and a couple of chapters into "The Artist’s Way” By Julia Cameron. I know, I don’t read books, but every once in awhile one gets me. I had been carrying this one around, planning to read it for years. When I would spot another one at a thrift store I would pick it up. Eventually, I ended up with three copies that I hadn’t read. Finally, I gave one to a friend and we made plans to start the creative process together and do the six week challenge. Just the idea of starting sparked new energy and creativity in both of us. If you are unfamiliar with The Artist’s Way….
The Artist’s Way
A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
the multi-million copy worldwide bestseller
Discover your innate creativity with The Artist’s Way.
Since its first publication in 1992, The Artist’s Way has inspired millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron guides readers in uncovering problems and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to open up opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist’s Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.
After each chapter there are little tasks to work on, including daily artist pages, affirmations, artist dates, and several silly things just because. After reluctantly agreeing to write three pages of randomness a day before doing anything else, I find myself having trouble with stopping and have already bought a new notebook. One task I was originally stumped about was the artist date. You are supposed to take your artist self out for fun and inspiration. I wasn’t sure what to do. In a way, I am constantly wandering off on some sort of artist excursion or packrat venture. I wasn’t sure if any counted as a date lately.
One of my favorite chillaxing activities is sitting in my hammock watching and listening to the birds, studying the moss and ferns and thinking.
The other day, as I was sitting in my hammock swinging slightly and staring at the bark above me. I remembered my goal to sit under my tree and sing a song and remember it and even write it down. I thought of my plan and as I lay there looking up, I listened to the myriad of bird calls for inspiration for the melody of my song. It was very pleasing and the birds didn't disappoint. So much variety! I haven't gotten any further on the song, but this journey is lovely.
Coffee and phone calls, prayers and hugs, plus amazing conversations and oh yes, a brownie the size of my hand, that is the recipe for a great artist day. While soaking in the days events and feeling truly blessed, I felt like a cheerleader for creativity. Two chapters in to my last remaining copy and things are already happening. I was blessed to pray for two amazing artist friends and be in their corner for big awesome steps. It filled me up to share their dreams vicariously. I can't wait to cheer them on and watch them soar. As I sat there dangling under my tree, I realized, this is the date. I am filling my creative soul up.
One artist date down and I am ready for the next one.