The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
I received this book as a gift years ago from a friend. I never got the chance to dive into it and and lost it during a move. For some reason, the memory of this book popped into my head and something provoked me to head to Barnes and Noble.
Something in the universe seemed to be leading me that day because it was on one of the closest tables as you walk in, almost begging me to take a copy home. So I did.
This book is a 12 week course to discover and recover your creative self. I have been breaking through some creative block that has been entrapping me for years. I never thought creative block could be so severe and last as long as it has, but here we are. I have had mini moments of creative output, but it feels like just a taste then I am creatively blocked yet again.
Here I am today with a copy of this book and the next 12 weeks ahead of me to follow this guide and journal about it. If you want to join me in this 12 week adventure, you can buy the book. Its on Audible or you can buy it online/in store.
I wont give too much detail about the book itself, you will have to read it to truly take something away from it but I will share anything and everything I find impactful or transformative. Each week I’ll be sharing my weekly assignment.
The Morning Pages
Week 1 (p. 1-24) opens with The Basic Tools in creative recovery: the Morning Pages and the Artist Date. I recommend dedicating a specific notebook for the morning pages with at least 252 pages to write in. I plan on using Goodnotes on my iPad.
This book says every morning throughout the next 12 weeks to write 3 pages of long hand, stream of consciousness writing. This process is listed as the primary tool of creative recovery. It emphasizes the writing will not, nor should it be, “good” writing. Its your thoughts, feelings, fleeting ideas, racing thoughts, whatever it is you wake up with in the morning. Even if it is nonsensical, negative, boring, write it all down. Its essentially working as a brain dump to clear the gunk from our minds and move forward with the day with a fresh head space. No matter your mood, no matter what you write, dont stop until 3 pages are filled.
By page 15 the book is claiming “Anyone who faithfully writes Morning Pages will be led to a connection with a source of wisdom within.” It also mentions how doing the morning pages daily can help anyone who wants to do anything creative.
“Like an ability or a muscle, hearing your inner wisdom is strengthened by doing it.”
The Artists Date
The next crucial step of this process is a weekly Artists Date. When writing the morning pages we are sending information and energy into the universe. When we go on an Artist Date we are receiving and opening yourself to inspiration and guidance.
The book suggests a 2 hour, weekly block of time “committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist” It mentions this date must be taken with you and your inner artist alone, no one else is to tag along.
It also notes this date should be fun, not obligatory. Do something you want to do.
The Creativity Contract
The physical book gives you a contract and a place to sign. This creativity contract states you commit to daily Morning Pages (3 full pages per day), 1 weekly Artist Date, weekly readings and tasks for the next 12 weeks. Also binding agreement to fill your time for the duration of the course with self care and pampering. Is this the easiest contract you ever signed or what?
My contract is signed and dated. I’m going to read Week 1’s chapter before bed and have my iPad ready for my morning pages tomorrow at 5am. Are you joining me?! Let me know if you are :)
Good night!