the artist's way || notes from my process

I was invited to be part of a group for 12 weeks where me and a bunch of strangers met every Monday night at 7pm and revealed to each other glimmers of our souls. It was painful. It was terrifying. It was surreal. It transformed me. I recommend if you have the chance, find yourself a group of other seekers - and embark with them. It cost me nothing but my denial of admitting my true heart's desires out of fear and conditioning.

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"A writer or any artist can't expect to be embraced by the people. I've done records where it seemed like no one listened to them. You write poetry books that maybe 50 people read. And you just keep doing your work because you have to, because it's your calling." -patti smith🖤

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#theartistsway #creator #writer #fyp #artist

2025/6/17 Edited to

... Read moreMy journey with 'The Artist's Way' was truly transformative, as I mentioned, but what truly unlocked that transformation were the powerful basic principles at its heart. For anyone looking to reignite their creative spark or recover from creative blocks, understanding these foundational practices is key. One of the first and most foundational practices is 'Morning Pages.' It's deceptively simple: three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing, done first thing every morning. The rule is no self-editing, no looking back, and just getting everything out of your head onto the paper. When I started, it felt like a chore, almost like a burden to add to my morning routine. However, I quickly realized it was an incredible mental detox. It cleared out my anxieties, allowed me to vent frustrations, and often, hidden insights about my creative desires would just emerge. It's like sweeping out your mental attic, making space for new ideas to bloom. I found myself feeling lighter, more focused, and less bogged down by internal chatter that used to block my artistic flow. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery and silencing the inner critic. Another crucial element is the 'Artist's Date.' This is a weekly, solo excursion to do something that sparks your imagination and nurtures your inner artist. It doesn't have to be grand; it could be visiting a thrift store, watching a foreign film, wandering through a park, or exploring an art supply shop. For me, these dates were often about rediscovering simple joys – sketching in a quiet cafe, or just sitting by the ocean, letting my mind wander. It's about refilling your creative well, without any pressure to 'produce' anything. It taught me the importance of playful self-nurturing and reminded me that creative input is just as important as output. As the program progresses, you learn to identify and quiet 'The Censor' – that insidious inner critic that tells you your work isn't good enough, or that you're not a real artist. This was a huge revelation for me. I used to let that voice paralyze me, constantly doubting my abilities and making excuses not to create. Through the consistent practice of Morning Pages and Artist's Dates, coupled with the group's support, I started to recognize its patterns and learn to gently, but firmly, tell it to take a backseat. Understanding 'The Censor' is vital for creative recovery; it’s about acknowledging its presence without letting it dictate your actions. Ultimately, these practices lead to 'Recovering a Sense of Integrity' – aligning your actions with your true creative self. It's about shedding the conditioning and fears that hold you back, admitting your heart's true desires, as the original article touched upon. For me, this meant finally allowing myself to pursue creative projects I'd long dismissed as silly or impractical. It wasn't about becoming a 'successful' artist overnight, but about living authentically as one, in whatever form that takes. The process helped me understand that creativity isn't a luxury; it's essential for a full and vibrant life. The beauty of 'The Artist's Way' lies in how these practices interweave. The Morning Pages clear the mental clutter, making you more receptive to insights. The Artist's Dates replenish your creative spirit, giving you fresh input and inspiration. And by consistently engaging with these, you naturally weaken the hold of your inner 'Censor,' paving the way for greater creative freedom and integrity. It’s a holistic approach to nurturing your artistic self, and it truly works wonders if you commit to it. It’s more than just a book; it’s a living practice that can profoundly change your relationship with creativity.