Transitions

by Julia Cameron

A heartfelt collection of empowering prayers and reflections for the soul in times of crisis and transformation, this gift book is accompanied by a one-hour cassette tape of healing music.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Prayer, Writing, Poetry, Philosophy

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 1999

About the author

Julia Cameron has been an active artist for more than thirty years, with fifteen books (including bestsellers The Artist's Way, Walking In This World and The Right to Write) and countless television, film, and theater scripts to her credit. Writing since the age of 18, Cameron has a long list of screenplay and teleplay credits to her name, including an episode of Miami Vice, and Elvis and the Beauty Queen, which starred Don Johnson. She was a writer on such movies as Taxi Driver, New York, New York, and The Last Waltz. She wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning independent feature film, God's Will, which premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival, and was selected by the London Film Festival, the Munich International Film Festival, and Women in Film Festival, among others. In addition to making film, Cameron has taught film at such diverse places as Chicago Filmmakers, Northwestern University, and Columbia College. Her profound teachings on unlocking creativity and living from the creative center have inspired countless artists to unleash their full potential.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me by a good friend, after the death of a loved one. I picked this book up once a day opening it wherever felt natural, until I finished the entire book.

“Each of us has an inner compass. Its voice calls us to our highest good. Sometimes it requires that we alter a longstanding but stifling situation. It is difficult to face the severing or alteration of a relationship even when we know such change is for the highest good.”

[Joanne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Cameron's books have a way of cropping up in my life when I need them most, and so it was with this simple, wise volume of daily meditations. One of my new year's goals was to put a little spiritual elbow grease toward a particularly rough edge of my personality, and Transitions appeared as if by magic. Unlike some books of this type, the meditations are neither not dated; there's really no suggested or recommended way to digest them, so I enjoyed them on demand. Like The Artist's Way by this author-- which I followed many years ago for awhile--, Transitions fed my soul and left me just a little bit better than it found me. It will probably find its way to me again when I need it's lessons refreshed someday.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how many times I've picked up this book and opened to the most perfect page for that moment. It is so comforting. It has one page blurbs on various subjects that are very wise and upbeat. I keep this next to my bed and reach for it in difficulty. I've given this book to many friends in their times of difficulty b/c Transitions can comfort in a very lovingly gentle manner within seconds.

[Saman]

اين جهان چيزي نيست جز مدرسه‌ي عشق؛
روابط ما با زن يا شوهرمان
با فرزندان و والدين‌مان
با دوستان و اقواممان
اين‌هادانشگاه‌هايي هستند كه ما مي‌خواهيم
در آن‌ها بياموزيم عشق و فداكاري
به واقع چه معنايي دارند

[Stanley Zuba]

a great book

Very stimulating and thought provoking. I really enjoyed the format that the author used. Very helpful in understanding the transition periods in our life.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this three-stars rather than four-stars because I am familiar with Julia Cameron's nonfiction works and didn't think this was as exceptional as The Artist's Way and others. Julia Cameron is a gifted writer and her meditations flowed from the pages. I liked how the layout on each page included a quote from various people ranging from Rumi, Kabir, and Mother Theresa to Amelia Earhart, Lord Byron and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The most important part of the book was the introduction. In this introduction section, Julia Cameron invites the reader to explore writing there own prayers, declarations and meditations by spring boarding off existing written pieces in order to personalize them and help you deal with your own transitions. Her sharing of this writing process, is something I will try to integrate into my own life while journaling. If I re-read this again, I will probably read one entry a day in order to sit with it and reflect upon the entry as it relates to change and transition rather than reading the book in one sitting.

[Rus VanWestervelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So simple, yet so powerful. I appreciated every passage.
I made marginal notes throughout, and several passages received a more emphatic response from me. I realized that, at the end of the book, there is a themed index. I then circled all the passages (in the theme index) and saw a real pattern of where my needs are (and where I am okay). What an affirmation at the end to do this little exercise!!!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an all encompasing, spiritually uplifting wonderful little book. Beautifully written andcomplete with index at the back if you are looking for a particular inspiration... The perfect before bedtime tid bit or equally good with the morning coffee... Great read !

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book alright, but I would recommend that anyone reading it instead reference the index at the back for a prayer pertinent for their current situation rather than read it from beginning to end. It reads more drily that way, and I don’t feel the author intended this.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good gift book. Each prayer/declaration begins with a quote, and Cameron writes a reflection about the quote along with a "Today, I..." response prayer or statement. There are many good quotes to consider.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book you need by your bedside during well…transitions. Full of grounding mantras. Julia Cameron is a wise and gentle spiritual guide.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a passage every day and find it so inspiring. It really relates to my life and gives me comfort.

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of shorts essays on change, loss, love, grief.. I LOVED them all: sharp & gentle, inspiring and deeply nourishing + each text starts with a quote, and they are also great. Thank you, Julia!

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron delights the reader with a daily quote then her narrative on the subject. She connects a variety of topics to the title, Transitions. It soothing nature made it a must read.

[Kimberly Cain · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little, easy-to-read, book of antidotes & thoughts for moving through transitions. I bought it when going through a difficult period, as I'm a fan of Cameron's work. It wasn't my favorite, not because it was faulty - it just didn't offer anything too new or deep for me. If you haven't read her other work, however, it will offer some good insights.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daily meditations.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of daily thoughts/prayers for those going through transitions in their lives. I'm liking it so far... :)

[Drshar · Rating 4 out of 5]

oi

[Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the affirmations provided by the author. Everyone will have to do what works for them.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought my copy in 2009 but passed it along to my son who was in a slump. So I had to replace it (2012). More Cameron inspiration.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

About change in our lives. Quote at the top of each 1-2 page section to reflection on and think about.