Lynne Roethel
asked:
Have any of you been able to "do" thisbook? I've started and failed to complete even one.
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The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity,
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Daisy
Why don't you look for a group or start one. The first time I did I had no idea what it was all about, I went to a group starting in a local book store. I am not an artist and became intimidated because these people were all artists. Well, God's surprise was that they all embraced and help me discover and recognize my artist in hiding. I've been consistent with the morning pages pretty much ever since,and have gone back to Julia's classroom numerous times.The one thing I learned from the very start was "there is no way to do this wrong".Beleive me, There isn't.
Sheila
I've recently started it & am enjoying it. 3 comments:
1) I'm not overthinking things. I'm "doing" the book in part due to my tendency towards logic brain / over-intellectualizing everything, so realize up front that I need to play with this book; not think of it as a graded assignment : )
2. I can already see that some parts are less important in unblocking my creativity. For example, the Week 1 task dealt with people and events that have discouraged you from creative activities. I don't think that is a big part of my "issue", so I might be putting less time into those responses. BUT, I can also see that this process may result in the uncovering / discovery of hidden blocks that I never thought were issues.
3. I'm sure that everyone has times in their life when this book calls to them & others when it doesn't. It may be best to sit it aside until it calls for you!
1) I'm not overthinking things. I'm "doing" the book in part due to my tendency towards logic brain / over-intellectualizing everything, so realize up front that I need to play with this book; not think of it as a graded assignment : )
2. I can already see that some parts are less important in unblocking my creativity. For example, the Week 1 task dealt with people and events that have discouraged you from creative activities. I don't think that is a big part of my "issue", so I might be putting less time into those responses. BUT, I can also see that this process may result in the uncovering / discovery of hidden blocks that I never thought were issues.
3. I'm sure that everyone has times in their life when this book calls to them & others when it doesn't. It may be best to sit it aside until it calls for you!
Esperanza
I read it in 2013. I did the 12 weeks. It changed my life. But you need to be at the correct moment of your life to do it. If you think is heavy or you don't like it. Leave it and take it a few years later........
Antoinette Perez
I am finishing my 12th week, and both previous replies to your comment, were also true for me. I began in June with a group of about 8 people, because even though I wasn't particularly "blocked" creatively, it felt like the right time. (I started once about 5 years ago, and didn't get past the first week. Back then, it was just me, alone.) I didn't do every single task, but I did the ones that spoke to me, and some that didn't. The only standard I followed without fail was to write the morning pages... Every... Single... Morning. It was a great experience, uncovered some important recurring themes in my life, and ingrained some positive, productive habits. I'm getting ready to write my review of the book, now that I've finished reading it, and my big take-away about halfway through the book is that it applies to everyone, whether they consider themselves creative or not, all the time. Good luck!
Alice Womack
Tried in the 1990's, got way sidetracked. I have worked the book twice with a group and am committed to the tools. I lapse my morning pages practice and then recommit.
Angela Howell
I worked through "The Artist's Way' with a group, twice. This is really challenging but so worth it! The thoughts and ideas have stuck with me for years.
Carolyn
I had this book for many years and only to start and stop after the first few pages. I found an Artist way group on Meet Up.com. (I've also seen groups form to meet at the public library. We had a really good group and did the whole 12 week program together. The check in and sharing really go a long way to processing the weekly exercises. I think its the kind of inner work you have to be ready to take up. The author advises that no one is the "expert" to lead the group - the facilitator should change each week to prevent this dynamic. This way everyone gets a turn. IF you can't find a group - Start one. .
Sandra
Yes with a dear art friend whom I've know since we were 7yo. It was great! And now I'm just starting it again with a neighborhood group. This journey is a no fail zone! I think I'm pretty hooked on morning pages now.
Esther
I wasn't able. I think it's veeery difficult do it day by day. So, I only read it, trying to apply it.
It's possible like the other comments says, that if you do a group could be more easy to complete but it takes a lot of time.
It's possible like the other comments says, that if you do a group could be more easy to complete but it takes a lot of time.
Jill P
Like those who have answered years ago, I had the book (apparently) but just re-bought it on my Kindle because i couldn't find it in the house! Working through I decided I need 2 weeks for each chapter to start, because the exercises take more time than I have in a day for writing. I have been doing the morning pages now and filled one notebook already (using kid cast-offs and partially filled notebooks that I can't bear to throw away). I feel new hope this time around. I might look for a group but my life isn't really in a place right now that can take another "meeting," even an online one! :) I hope you have been able to "do" the book by now! If not, why not start? :) best of luck!
DE Johnson
Yes - it takes serious time but is well worth the journey
Danielle ♥
There's a workbook available for $18, I saw it at my local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Perhaps that might help you.
Chandra Doucette
I don't consider myself an artist, and honestly it took me a while to understand why more than one business colleague recommended it to me. I also did not see the application to my life perhaps because I was not open to doing the exercises, but now the morning pages are becoming part of my regular routine to think about other thing and I've also rediscovered a creative spark.
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