A dear friend recently told me he had just discovered The Artist’s Way, Julie Cameron’s seminal work on releasing innate human creativity. Our conversation sent me in search of my copy (luckily stored on my Kindle and not given away in my massive moving purge of 2022!). Reviewing the first chapters, two tools that support all the rest of the exercises in this influential book jumped out at me.
The first, Morning Pages, involve covering three sheets of paper in a stream of consciousness early in the day. The practice clears out barriers in your mind and prepares you for serious creative work. This discipline never daunted me. I had already engaged in journaling when I encountered Cameron’s book and knew its value. Over the years, I’ve embraced this tool, putting my spin on it by using the 750words website and letting myself off the hook on weekends. Like all good advice, it’s best when you make it fit your own life.
On the other hand, the second tool, Artist Dates, present an intriguing challenge that I’ve failed to meet. The theory here is that creativity needs regular stimulating experiences and images. Cameron directs readers to dedicate two hours weekly to go on excursions such as museum or art gallery visits or to engage in a new craft or sport. She instructs us to proceed alone so we fully immerse ourselves in the adventure, paying attention to the sensations that arise without distractions like children to corral or conversation with friends.
When I first read this, I was still employed, living in a houseful of people which included a baby grandson. Artist Dates sounded heavenly! But I lacked the initiative to carve out the required time. I told myself they would have to wait until I retired and life calmed down.
Yeah—it’s been over six years since I earned an income. I wondered if Artist Dates were still an aspiration I needed in my life. And then two things happened to re-inspire me.
First, every article on healthy aging that showed up in my inbox began promoting the benefits of awe. Evidently, scientists now list the kind of activity Cameron promoted as Artist Dates right up there with regular exercise, good sleep and a Mediterranean diet. The brain and soul seem to connect in their need to find beauty and wonder in the world.
Second, as I considered attempting the Artist Date discipline again, another friend showed up with two lists of hometown opportunities to learn to draw desert landscapes and critters. Each class is (wait for it) exactly two hours long. And I realized deep inside I had been wanting to explore a new expression of creativity.
Alright, Universe. Message received. I’ll give Artist Dates a try.
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