In two previous posts, I shared my journey through the exercises in "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron.
The first post reflects on Chapters 1 - 4. The second post reflects on Chapters 5 - 8.
This post will reflect on Chapters 9 - 12 and the overall experience.
Some text from the book that really impacted me:
The part of us that creates best is not a driven, disciplined automaton, functioning from willpower, with a boost of pride to back it up. This is operating out of self-will. You know the image: rising at dawn with military precision, saluting the desk, the easel, the drawing board...
Over any extended period of time, being an artist requires enthusiasm more than discipline. Enthusiasm is not an emotional state. It is a spiritual commitment, a loving surrender to our creative process, a loving recognition of all the creativity around us.
Enthusiasm (from the Greek, "filled with God") is an ongoing energy supply tapped into the flow of life itself. Enthusiasm is grounded in play, not work. Far from being a brain-numbed soldier, our artist is actually our child within, our inner playmate. As with all playmates, it is joy, not duty that makes for a lasting bond.
Throughout the book, Ms.Cameron asks many questions to help the reader unblock their creative power. These questions were very thought provoking:
What habit do you have that gets in the way of your creativity?
What do you think might be a problem?
What do you plan to do about the habit or problem?
What is your payoff in holding on to this block?
Which friends make you doubt yourself?
Which friends believe in you and your talent?
What is the payoff in keeping your destructive friends? If they answer is, "I like them", the next question is, "Why"?
Asking, "What is the payoff for being destructive to yourself" is different for me and forced me to look at some truth.
In another assignment, you take a piece of paper and cut seven small strips from it. One each strip write one of the following words: alcohol, drugs, sex, work, money, food, family/friends. Fold these strips of paper and place them in an envelope. Now draw one of the "deadlies" from the envelop and write five ways in which it has had a negative impact on your life.
All of this has been very eye opening, and in the future, I will be repeating the process again to unblock more resistance in being an artist.
If you have read this book, and worked the exercises, please comment. If you have read similar books that have helped you, please comment too.
Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
www.songsofjoymi.com
734-693-6656
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