The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity [10th Anniversary Edition]

Much creativity is lost between the time we are young children and when we become adults. The school system, societal influences, and even maturity itself eventually whittles away the artist in most people.

Julia Cameron systematically addresses subjects to release the enormous creativity we all have. I found the book useful for stimulating an artist's though processes. Improving one's creativity is a key element in developing the right brain for Critical Thinking.

The Artist's Way validated several ideas that I had picked up through the years. I have been fortunate to have a very creative family. My sister has created amazing miniatures for many years. After retirement my father became an amazing wood carver ( I have a ship he carved on my mantle in the living room) and my mother an excellent painter (some of her painting are displayed prominently around my house).

This book's twelve week system is a good common sense approach to using the right side of the brain much more effectively. The book chapters each focus on twelve subjects. They are: Recovering a sense of safety, identity, power, integrity, possibility, abundance, connection, strength, compassion, self-protection, autonomy and faith.

There are many great ideas to ponder in the book. For example, in the chapter: ecovering a sense of Power, Cameron writes:

"Remember that creativity is a tribal experience and that tribal elders will initiate the gifted youngsters who cross their path. This may sound like wishful thinking, but it is not. Sometimes an older artist will be moved to help out even against his or her own wishes. "I don't know why I'm doing this for you, but..." Again, I would say that some of the helping hands may be something more than human."

Some people may like the considerable connection to the universe (or God) that Cameron uses. Others may not. However, the force of the universe is something that no man or woman completely understands and it does seem to govern many of what happens in our lives (Karma etc). Accepting there are things that we don't understand and striving to have these forces on our side is a good thing!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I received this book for Christmas. It is a gift which has kept giving. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to wake themselves and become their authentic selves. Anyone who does not cherish the process is not ready to move forward on their spiritual path. I look forward to sharing this timeless book with others!

I am currently about midway through "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity". I am enjoying the book. Julia Cameron writes about unblocking creativity through doing several different exercises. The first exercise is the "Morning Pages". This is 3 pages of stream of consciousness writing that you are supposed to do first thing every morning. The only problem I have with this is that she wants it done in longhand on notebook paper. I prefer to type. The idea behind the "Morning Pages" is to get all of the mental clutter and psychic gunk out of your head and onto the page. Then you will have room for creativity. So far, so good, in my case at least, but then again, I write every morning anyway. The second exercise is "The Artist Date". Ms. Cameron says that we should go alone a few times a week on creative excursion. I have had more trouble doing this.
All in all, I think this is a wonderful tool for unblocking creativity, and if you are already a writer, the morning pages are very useful. If you are a painter, as I am, then it works as well. It helps you focus in on your creativity and it has helped me see more clearly the things that have kept me blocked.

I actually wanted a Christian book and was encouraged by those that complained about that element. The author actually says god can be whatever you want to call it and gives a variety of examples. That aside, it is really just common sense suggestions such as setting aside time to meditate daily through writing as well as setting aside time weekly to practice your craft whether it is writing, painting or acting. Good suggestions but nothing new.

I was in a mess, putting on weight, v low self esteem, looking for help and a wonderful 'guru' said he could put sticky plaster on BUT. He was so so right - however, initially the book seemed to be not for me - am not an 'artist' and the emphasis on this in the early pages nearly made me switch off. But don't, and in my view this is not the real message. For me, the real message, is about valuing and loving yourself. Also this book does ask for a quite a commitment - morning pages, etc. But do not be put off - I have changed out of all recognition. Lost 11lb in 2 weeks, look and feel alive and gently confident - am getting used to 'spoiling' myself and putting myself - not first - but giving me the initial time that I need, which then makes me calmer and able to be there for others - 'in my time' NOT ' when they shout! Brilliant.