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The Artist's Way: Chicago is an example of a nation-wide response to The Artist's Way; the group has adopted it as a manifesto.
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. —Walter Bagehot To see the World in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower; hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour. —William Blake
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In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron provides a framework for people (not just artists) who want to develop and establish a core of creativity in their lives and in their work. The book resonates with readers precisely because it addresses the core of human expression: creativity. The creative impulse is a natural, healthy flow, and Cameron seems driven in this book to help us recover it through her systematic, 12-week program.
Not surprisingly, life throws up lots of obstacles— Cameron calls them “blocks”—many of which are self-created. By giving power and resources to these blocks, we undermine the very nature of our creative spirit. These include limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, jealousy, guilt, and addictions. These blocks prevent us from having the confidence and productivity that we need to create. But these blocks thrive only when we give them power, and that is what I’d like to focus on today. Before proceeding, let me articulate my view of what it means to create, to be a creator. Certainly my definition may differ from the author’s; I can only work from my own beliefs here. I define “creator” as one who manifests something that previously did not exist. It’s a working definition—the ex nihilo aspect—that sufficiently broadens the conversation beyond the context of the “artist.” Whether you aspire to creating a work of art, a business, or a life of your choosing, you are a creator. It’s hard-coded into your brain by the hand of the divine Creator. I embrace the words of Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” It is precisely because humanity bears this divine image that we share in the divine drive to create. So, if you are an artist, you are also a creator, but if you are a (potential) creator, you need not also be an artist. In the first few chapters, the author helps the reader to identify the “enemies and champions of your creative self.” These may be other people, or self-created blocks. Both have tremendous influence over our environment and it’s that principle that drew my interest. Look around you. Think of the people who support your vision for your future, your life, your work—perhaps your very identity. You could characterize these as your “champions.” They’re good people to have around, because they affirm, challenge, and inspire you to proceed. They give you their energy, which fuels your creative process and enables you to dream freely of what is possible. Then there are the “enemies” of your creative self, those who suck the wind from your sails, who constantly reinforce the negative thinking that holds you back from creating. They rob you of your energy, and wrestle your inspiration down to the ground. They remind you of all the reasons you “can’t” succeed and fail to recognize the simple truth in your desire to do so. To create something is inseparable from the freedom to express oneself in the act of creation. This implies one is at liberty to do so. Our internal, self-imposed blocks are powerful only when we feed and nourish them. So, too, are the external forces (including people) that will sap you of your nourishment if you fail to starve them. Don’t let such blocks keep you from your true self. Dare to be inspired. Observe the world around you and imagine what could be if you gave yourself permission to create.
What about you? What’s holding you back? What power are you giving over to those blocks in your life? Post a comment, or drop me a line and let me know. |
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