Sherry Scott's Blog - Posts Tagged "julia-cameron"
Journey through the Artist's Way, again.
I was in a very dark place nearly five years ago when someone casually mentioned The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativitywritten by Julia Cameron. I checked the book out of our local library and started on a journey that would eventually lead me to write my own memoirThe Year My Mother Died: A Memoir.
The book is divided into a twelve week course, drafted from an actual class in which the author instructed other artists on how to unblock and reclaim their artistic dreams. I went back to the library and checked the book out as many times as I needed in order to read each section of the book on a week-to-week basis, per the author's instruction. Julia Cameron became my creative mentor, my teacher and a blessed conduit for restoring and nurturing my lost dreams.
I am back at it again, only this time, I am working my way through the Artist's Way within a class setting. I'm not here to summarize the book, or discuss the author's techniques and tools, rather to share my own experience and my observances of those around me, as we work our way toward "higher creativity."
We have completed our first week that "initiates our creative recovery", entitled: Recovering a Sense of Safety. I was determined to bring a fresh and current agenda while working through the tasks at the end of each chapter, instead of recounting and regurgitating what I had five years ago. What fascinated me after completing chapter one, was the fresh pain I witnessed on the faces of my colleagues, as they shared tales from their pasts regarding individuals who had trampled on their creative self-worth.
One woman related with indignation how her fourth grade teacher had taken up her creative journal that she doodled and drew in, because she was not paying attention. But,the topper was, "she threw it away, she threw my notebook away!" Another friend told how a relative, whom he admired for her artistic abilities, crushed his dreams of ever becoming an artist in one fell swoop. After diligently attempting to copy one of her paintings with his own water colors, his masterpiece was snatched from his hands with "See, I told you, you couldn't do it!" He was around six-years-old at the time, bear in mind, our class is made up of middle-aged individuals.
I hope to gain some fellow travelers as I journey through this book for the third time, in addition to this unique class of individuals I meet with on Thursday nights. The invitation is open, come along, its not too late- stay-tuned for WEEK 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity.
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
The book is divided into a twelve week course, drafted from an actual class in which the author instructed other artists on how to unblock and reclaim their artistic dreams. I went back to the library and checked the book out as many times as I needed in order to read each section of the book on a week-to-week basis, per the author's instruction. Julia Cameron became my creative mentor, my teacher and a blessed conduit for restoring and nurturing my lost dreams.
I am back at it again, only this time, I am working my way through the Artist's Way within a class setting. I'm not here to summarize the book, or discuss the author's techniques and tools, rather to share my own experience and my observances of those around me, as we work our way toward "higher creativity."
We have completed our first week that "initiates our creative recovery", entitled: Recovering a Sense of Safety. I was determined to bring a fresh and current agenda while working through the tasks at the end of each chapter, instead of recounting and regurgitating what I had five years ago. What fascinated me after completing chapter one, was the fresh pain I witnessed on the faces of my colleagues, as they shared tales from their pasts regarding individuals who had trampled on their creative self-worth.
One woman related with indignation how her fourth grade teacher had taken up her creative journal that she doodled and drew in, because she was not paying attention. But,the topper was, "she threw it away, she threw my notebook away!" Another friend told how a relative, whom he admired for her artistic abilities, crushed his dreams of ever becoming an artist in one fell swoop. After diligently attempting to copy one of her paintings with his own water colors, his masterpiece was snatched from his hands with "See, I told you, you couldn't do it!" He was around six-years-old at the time, bear in mind, our class is made up of middle-aged individuals.
I hope to gain some fellow travelers as I journey through this book for the third time, in addition to this unique class of individuals I meet with on Thursday nights. The invitation is open, come along, its not too late- stay-tuned for WEEK 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity.
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
Journey through the Artist's Way, again
Week 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity, and strange things are happening!
I was prepared for an active discussion from the group after reading chapter two, based on prior experience with identifying and protecting myself from 'poisonous playmates' and such. I was ready for a spirited dialogue addressing and naming the "crazymakers" in our lives. Julia Cameron's point is driven home time and again: if we want to recover and heal the artist within, we must protect it at all costs from those who would block us-"nurturing our creativity lies in nurturing ourselves." Instead, I got real-life, up-and-close testimonies from group members who had suddenly turned a corner and were doing just that-recovering a sense of identity.
My carpool partner from the previous week, whom I had repeatedly begged to give the book's sessions a try, whom had reacted more than a little dubious to his first class, was all bubbles and talk from the moment I picked him up until dropping him back off. "It's been a long time since I've felt giddy about something." The very person who shared with me how someone had crushed his dream of becoming an artist at an early age, was now gladly sharing his past week experiences of 'morning pages' and 'artist dates.' He was planning to celebrate Christmas for the first time in five years, and after forty years of smoking cigarettes, had put them down and was not feeling any discomfort from the decision. And the most interesting part of his sharing, centered around the fact that he now felt a sense of safety with a group of people he had known scarcely more than a week.
The other class-member however, drew the biggest laughs from her changing demeanor. This woman had grudgingly but faithfully employed one of the 'tools' labeled by the author as "nonnegotiable" through the first two weeks without any noticeable progress. But things had been changing internally that were now becoming noticed externally by others. Her co-workers began talking about her glow, the difference in her dress at work, even her new 'bling' pair of earrings. They started demanding to know the name of the new man in her life! What else could account for the new bounce and liveliness within the confines of her same job, they reasoned. They even went so far as to name the mystery man, George.
Recovering a sense of identity through nurturing ourselves and paying attention to the here-and-now, was exactly what was happening, and we have just begun.
We now wade into Week 3: Recovering a Sense of Power, and I say wade because we are going deeper. I look forward to re-reading this chapter (one of my personal favorites) and witnessing our shared sense of recovery. I leave you with one of Julia's Rules Of The Road:
Show up at the page. Use the page to rest, to dream, to try.
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
I was prepared for an active discussion from the group after reading chapter two, based on prior experience with identifying and protecting myself from 'poisonous playmates' and such. I was ready for a spirited dialogue addressing and naming the "crazymakers" in our lives. Julia Cameron's point is driven home time and again: if we want to recover and heal the artist within, we must protect it at all costs from those who would block us-"nurturing our creativity lies in nurturing ourselves." Instead, I got real-life, up-and-close testimonies from group members who had suddenly turned a corner and were doing just that-recovering a sense of identity.
My carpool partner from the previous week, whom I had repeatedly begged to give the book's sessions a try, whom had reacted more than a little dubious to his first class, was all bubbles and talk from the moment I picked him up until dropping him back off. "It's been a long time since I've felt giddy about something." The very person who shared with me how someone had crushed his dream of becoming an artist at an early age, was now gladly sharing his past week experiences of 'morning pages' and 'artist dates.' He was planning to celebrate Christmas for the first time in five years, and after forty years of smoking cigarettes, had put them down and was not feeling any discomfort from the decision. And the most interesting part of his sharing, centered around the fact that he now felt a sense of safety with a group of people he had known scarcely more than a week.
The other class-member however, drew the biggest laughs from her changing demeanor. This woman had grudgingly but faithfully employed one of the 'tools' labeled by the author as "nonnegotiable" through the first two weeks without any noticeable progress. But things had been changing internally that were now becoming noticed externally by others. Her co-workers began talking about her glow, the difference in her dress at work, even her new 'bling' pair of earrings. They started demanding to know the name of the new man in her life! What else could account for the new bounce and liveliness within the confines of her same job, they reasoned. They even went so far as to name the mystery man, George.
Recovering a sense of identity through nurturing ourselves and paying attention to the here-and-now, was exactly what was happening, and we have just begun.
We now wade into Week 3: Recovering a Sense of Power, and I say wade because we are going deeper. I look forward to re-reading this chapter (one of my personal favorites) and witnessing our shared sense of recovery. I leave you with one of Julia's Rules Of The Road:
Show up at the page. Use the page to rest, to dream, to try.
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
Journey through the Artist's Way, again.
Week 4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity.
I decided to go with the title and wait until after Christmas celebrations were done, before sharing 'revelations' from chapter four. Our group had a lively exchange, lots of laughs and a few tears the last time we met. But, there was one exercise I wanted to share that seemed very timely for the holiday season.
We were asked by author Julia CameronThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity to write a letter to our present self from our eighty-year-old self and another from our eight-year-old self. Interestingly enough, most chose to write from an eighty-year-old perspective, a few from the eight-year-old still within us. The common thread between the two seemed to be: live for now, no regrets, leave it all behind, believe in yourself and live the life you want.
A particularly favorite of mine, shared by an artist in the group, was remembering the dare-devil, the risk taker he was as a child. He wanted to apply that not only to his art, but his life: to reach beyond his own capabilities and not be afraid of failing or falling.
Remember when many of us were too young, too adventuresome, too curious to worry over things like failure, what other people thought, and if it was good enough? May that spirit of childhood belief in ourselves and in each other continue throughout this blessed season and into the coming New year!
Blessings and Peace
Sherry Scott
Goodreads author
I decided to go with the title and wait until after Christmas celebrations were done, before sharing 'revelations' from chapter four. Our group had a lively exchange, lots of laughs and a few tears the last time we met. But, there was one exercise I wanted to share that seemed very timely for the holiday season.
We were asked by author Julia CameronThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity to write a letter to our present self from our eighty-year-old self and another from our eight-year-old self. Interestingly enough, most chose to write from an eighty-year-old perspective, a few from the eight-year-old still within us. The common thread between the two seemed to be: live for now, no regrets, leave it all behind, believe in yourself and live the life you want.
A particularly favorite of mine, shared by an artist in the group, was remembering the dare-devil, the risk taker he was as a child. He wanted to apply that not only to his art, but his life: to reach beyond his own capabilities and not be afraid of failing or falling.
Remember when many of us were too young, too adventuresome, too curious to worry over things like failure, what other people thought, and if it was good enough? May that spirit of childhood belief in ourselves and in each other continue throughout this blessed season and into the coming New year!
Blessings and Peace
Sherry Scott
Goodreads author
Journey through the Artist's Way, again.
Week 5: Recovering a Sense of Possibility
What a way to start the new year, with possibility! Our group took a break through the holidays and we were anxious to get back to the Artist's Way.
The heart of this chapter has to do with our source, and when we tap into an infinite supply we are not limited in creative possibilities. We are the ones that set limits on how much we are given, how much God can help us out. I love the way Julia CameronThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity refutes this, I can almost hear her: "God has lots of money. God has lots of movie ideas, novel ideas, poems, songs, paintings, acting jobs. God has a supply of loves, friends, houses that are all available to us. By listening to the creator within, we are led to our right path."
One of the ways we were encouraged to explore possibility was an exercise in wishing. As fast as you can list 19-20 things you wish for...It was interesting hearing where people were in their journey, mirrored by what they wished for: a villa in Santa Fe, to be 20 again, rediscover passion and commitment in my work, go to Europe, not be afraid,to be 50 again, etc.
Though we all had different goals and dreams, obtainable or not, one thing we all agreed on was it took something outside ourselves to reach for something more. Whether it came from the support of the group, our mentors, or from the hand of God Himself, we were individually better when we connected with the thread that holds all of humanity together.
Happy New Beginnings and a renewed sense of Possibility throughout this year.
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
What a way to start the new year, with possibility! Our group took a break through the holidays and we were anxious to get back to the Artist's Way.
The heart of this chapter has to do with our source, and when we tap into an infinite supply we are not limited in creative possibilities. We are the ones that set limits on how much we are given, how much God can help us out. I love the way Julia CameronThe Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity refutes this, I can almost hear her: "God has lots of money. God has lots of movie ideas, novel ideas, poems, songs, paintings, acting jobs. God has a supply of loves, friends, houses that are all available to us. By listening to the creator within, we are led to our right path."
One of the ways we were encouraged to explore possibility was an exercise in wishing. As fast as you can list 19-20 things you wish for...It was interesting hearing where people were in their journey, mirrored by what they wished for: a villa in Santa Fe, to be 20 again, rediscover passion and commitment in my work, go to Europe, not be afraid,to be 50 again, etc.
Though we all had different goals and dreams, obtainable or not, one thing we all agreed on was it took something outside ourselves to reach for something more. Whether it came from the support of the group, our mentors, or from the hand of God Himself, we were individually better when we connected with the thread that holds all of humanity together.
Happy New Beginnings and a renewed sense of Possibility throughout this year.
Sherry Scott
Goodreads Author
Journey through the Artist's Way, again.
Week 12: Recovering a Sense of Faith
Well we've made it to the end, but I strongly encourage anyone to read the epilogue, creative clusters guide,and the appendix:trail mix at the end of the book. "Creativity Requires Faith." Beautifully spoken and this is a beautiful chapter and book that Julia Cameron finishes with a challenge- "Reread this book. Share it with a friend...Trust God. Trust yourself."
I can truthfully say that immediately beginning the book again for the second time, did bring a different perspective and sealed its truths within me- some I still hold onto five years later.
This time I had to re-underline some things I had forgotten and underline some things I may have not taken in, the first time. I still continue to learn though, and Julia Cameron urges me gently on in my humble creative efforts and always applauds my dreams.
I leave you with my 'first' Artist's Prayer, written May 24, 2008
I ask you to unfold my life
Help me to seek You along the way
Help me to answer the question-
Do I want to be healed? Usher me forward
ever resolutely, tenaciously, but gently
like your grace
Help me to believe I'm not too late
Help me know I am not alone
I am loved. Help me to give back
what you put in me.
Good luck on your own journey,
Sherry Scott
Goodreads author
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Well we've made it to the end, but I strongly encourage anyone to read the epilogue, creative clusters guide,and the appendix:trail mix at the end of the book. "Creativity Requires Faith." Beautifully spoken and this is a beautiful chapter and book that Julia Cameron finishes with a challenge- "Reread this book. Share it with a friend...Trust God. Trust yourself."
I can truthfully say that immediately beginning the book again for the second time, did bring a different perspective and sealed its truths within me- some I still hold onto five years later.
This time I had to re-underline some things I had forgotten and underline some things I may have not taken in, the first time. I still continue to learn though, and Julia Cameron urges me gently on in my humble creative efforts and always applauds my dreams.
I leave you with my 'first' Artist's Prayer, written May 24, 2008
I ask you to unfold my life
Help me to seek You along the way
Help me to answer the question-
Do I want to be healed? Usher me forward
ever resolutely, tenaciously, but gently
like your grace
Help me to believe I'm not too late
Help me know I am not alone
I am loved. Help me to give back
what you put in me.
Good luck on your own journey,
Sherry Scott
Goodreads author
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
