Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ARTIST'S WAY - FIRST CHECK IN

Already I am learning so much about myself that I didn't know before. I can't believe that in only the first week I felt more open and sure about myself.


I have been doing my morning pages everyday, even though I must confess I do have to force myself to do them most days. Once they are done though I am happy and proud of myself for doing them. I can see already how they are helping me to understand myself better and sort out a lot of the clutter in my head.


I was not so great at doing the artist date though. The only thing I could think to do was sit outside on my balcony by myself and relax. I then pottered in my little balcony garden for a while. I am not so sure as to what this part of it actually does, but I will still do them as I am sure Julia Cameron knows what she is doing.


I have started to acknowledge that negative censor in my head and while looking back through my past have discovered monsters I didn't even know existed. I had a real eye opening moment during this task and it actually took me by surprise. I did not realise these past experiences were affecting me so much in the present. I found the letter writing task to be very helpful in letting go of this negativity. I already feel a lot lighter and in control. I am sure it will take a while for these old wounds to heal, but I can feel I am on the right path to doing it.


One of the tasks was to pick 5 imaginary lives for yourself to play with. I picked an art teacher, florist, landscape designer, farmer, and an interior designer. These were just the first ones that popped into my head when I thought about the question. I really liked the art teacher idea and had fun imagining myself being one. I would love to do this one day if I got the chance.


I am looking forward to the text week of Our Artist's Way :)

9 comments:

Miss Robyn said...

I found it hard with Artists dates last time I worked through the book, but with the ideas of others, I eventually began to enjoy doing them with myself. and guess what I did this week? I allowed my self a long nap, tucked under a blanket and did not feel guilty one bit.
Keep the letter, and re-read it. I actually sent it to myself in the mail last time.
enjoy week 2!

Jennifer Rose said...

you should look into becoming an art teacher. you seem to like and be good with kids and people in general and have the art talent. It could be something you could do even with your back problems, even if it was part time. :)

Art by Darla Kay said...

Sounds like this book is fantastic! Wishing you continued joy in this discovery♥
Darla

Meredith said...

You're getting so much out of TAW already! Great check-in. I enjoyed reading about your experiences, esp. with uncovering the negativity in your past and playing with your imaginary lives.

Congrats!

gma said...

Artist dates are the most fun! It is when you treat yourself to a special time with your inner child or inner artist. It can be in nature,a museum or a junk store. Just remember to be true and keep the date with yourself.

Lisa said...

Very wonderful how much is already moving and shaking for you with the book! It sounds like this will be a transformative journey for you. Yay!

WingingIt said...

you go girl....i too am a fan...art lets me...or rather forces me..to get in touch with what is really going on...i love that...sometimes...tee hee....thanks for sharing
lorri-marie

Serena Lewis said...

I'm so glad that you are already gaining insights from the Artist's Way journey, Shell. :)

Love,
Mum xo

S. said...

Hi, thanks for sharing, I feel the same way about morning pages, they are so hard to do but it feels so great once they are done.
My head is very chaotic and it feels like I can "clean" my head... I am kind of unsure about the Artist Date as well. Maybe we will find out as we continue :-)