Final Tasks for Chapter Twelve

We are now at the end of this journey together on The Artist’s Way. Which is to say, we are now just beginning our own Artist’s Way: living the life of Creator. Here are the last exercises that Julia recommends. I hope you’ll spend some quality time this weekend working through them. Tomorrow, 1. Write … Read more

An Altar for Our Artist and Younger Self

The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web. – Pablo Picasso Today, we complete the second-to-last chapter, Recovering A Sense of Autonomy. We have some exercises to finish, and I … Read more

Creative Envy and Competition

Envy shoots at others and wounds itself. English Proverb The last hazard of the road that Julia warns of in Chapter Eight is the danger of competition. What we consider a friendly rivalry can all too easily morph into a poisonous compare-and-contrast. Like the longing for fame or recognition, gauging our work against the success … Read more

Workaholism – A Quiz

There is more to life than to increase its speed. — Mahatma Gandhi So now, gentle readers, we are going to zero in on one of our most pervasive, insidious blocks. Julia gives it a full four pages or so. Deep breath. We’re going to take a closer look at workaholism and our addiction to … Read more

Transforming Lead Into Gold

Be really whole And all things will come to you. — Lao-tzu Today, we finish up the exercises from Chapter Nine, “Recovering a Sense of Compassion.” I hope that this chapter truly has opened up some of your deepest blocks, so that compassion and love for your inner creator are unleashed to flood through your … Read more

Blasting Away the Blocks

The point of power is always in the present moment. — Louise L. Hay First, I just have to say – Thank you! I so deeply appreciate the many kind responses to my call for help on Friday’s post. As you may realize, this blog is pretty much a labor of love. Rather than being … Read more

A New Childhood and What Color Are You?

Our whole life is but a greater and longer childhood. — Benjamin Franklin I don’t know about you, but I found that yesterday’s exercise was tremendously, actually ridiculously, helpful! In my head, all my fantasies have remained fantasies. They switch from obvious and easy to arrogant and impossible, because my belief has depended on my … Read more

Goal Search Exercises

Ideas in secret die. They need light and air or they starve to death.— Seth Godin We continue with the exercises that will finalize our journey through Chapter Eight. First, Julia warns us that this task may be difficult, but we should do it anyway. I did not find it difficult, personally. I found it … Read more

Final Exercises for Chapter Eight: Affirmations

adaptation found from original triptychShaman by Martha RuppertWhen it all seems impossible, focus on the point in front of you. Follow it like a hawk and forget everything else. — Carlos CastanedaThis week, we are finishing up Chapter Eight, Recovering a Sense of Strength. In fact, the only work left in this chapter is a … Read more