The Artist's Way- 30th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron
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Web ID: 16835502Helpful, but not totally for me
I’ve been wanting to read more writing books for quite a while, but it’s been hard to actually get to reading them. When I saw this book recommended by an artist, I thought it might be good to read. I’ve heard of morning pages many times—in multiple places—but never really got what it was all about, what it was supposed to do, etc. When I realized that this book was what started that movement, to some extent, that got me even more interested! I got to listen to the audiobook recently, and came away inspired but also somewhat conflicted. There’s a lot of good in this book. I love the idea of a creative practice, such as journaling, being the inspiration that gets you moving on other creative projects. I also love the idea of artist’s dates—if we aren’t intentional about filling our bucket of joy and delight, it simply won’t happen. From a practical, yet creative standpoint, this book—and its weeks of practice and helpful essays—is gold. Unfortunately, as a Christian, I struggled with one of the main tenets of this book. I knew going in that I might not agree with the spiritual element in this book, and unfortunately, I didn’t. There are some beautiful truths expressed in these essays, but they’re so mixed with a “make up your own god” philosophy that I couldn’t agree with what was being said. I found that disappointing. If you aren’t of a strong religious persuasion, I expect this aspect wouldn’t bother you, and even with it, I did find the book inspiring and helpful.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Rediscover yourself
I do not believe there is one book, one source, or one person who has all the answers. That being said, The Artist's Way has helped me achieve and maintain sobriety, rediscover my inner child artist, and opened up my creativity like never before. Its not just a book, it is a twelve week program designed to guide you step by step toward recovery and rediscovery of yourself. There is an artist inside all of us. It is suppressed for many different reasons. Maybe we were told we would never make it - or that writing, painting, sculpting weren't real jobs. Maybe it is our own fear of failure, that if we can't do it perfectly why do it at all. We say we are too busy, we have too many people we have to take care of because they depend on us. The list of excuses go on and on. There are a plethora of things that we use to block our own creativity. The Artist's Way helps you discover what is holding you back, and ways you can unblock your creative being. If only I were good enough, if only I had more time, if only . . . if only will no longer be an excuse. Two of the most important things I took from the program were the Morning Pages and the Artist's Dates. The Morning Pages help clear your mind, open your creative channels, and prepare you to face the day. The Artist's Dates make sure you are taking time for you, even if its just for an hour or two each week, to reward yourself and recharge your creative energy. If you are ready to release your inner artist and begin your journey of self discovery, pick up a copy of this book. You can only gain from its content.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com