This week's media deprivation was mostly a failure, but I did get on pretty well with the tasks I selected to complete.
I got the wardrobe (mostly!) cleared out. There are a few final things of complete, but I'm proud of how it looks. I've added to my already giant 'to do list' with things that need to be mended, steamed etc, but it felt good to see the things I have and feel excited about wearing them again.
I reviewed my life pie from Week 1 and to be honest, I think it's even less balanced than it was when I first made it. The combination of recent illness and life getting busier has made me feel more off balance, but I think (hope🤞🏻) it's temporary.
I enjoyed time travelling to my future and past selves, and searching for the threads that connect my creativity through the decades. This feels like a really rich vein for exploration, and I found myself circling the ideas of both hard work and play. They might seem contradictory but I love the idea of working hard in a playful way. I'm still noodling on that idea, and might write a longer post about it someday!
I think you did great Clare and yes, illness combined with life getting busier can definitely create imbalance. For me too hoping the imbalance of my injury and all its attendant pain and restrictions are temporary too. You inspired me with the playfulness you are finding in visiting past and future selves. That’s an exercise that appeals to me so may dive into that this weekend.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Amy. I think I did OK too, all things considered.
I hope you find it useful to visit your past and future selves. It was really helpful for me to zoom out of this specific moment in life with all it's stresses and complications, and be able to see the broader arc of the story. I found it really reassuring. Despite the usual ups and downs of life, I know I'm on the right path and I really apprecaited that reminder 💕
I’m learning each week to be kind to myself and I appreciate that we are all in agreement that this work isn’t about perfection but about finding our own way together. I am getting so much out of this exercise compared to last year when I was working through it all alone.
I enjoyed week 4 and decided to rename deprivation to respite. I discovered just how addicted I am to reading for enjoyment and learning, but also as an “acceptable” distraction. I managed to stay away from all the books I’ve got on the go, but I did scan the news and was happy to have a reason not to dig into the articles themselves. Hardest for me was not quickly researching answers to questions – like where do Canada Geese winter (when I saw a flock overhead), or where is the oldest known tree? I thought about writing down the questions and finding answers later but also discovered but it was in part, a dopamine hit. Shortly after, the questions and answers didn’t really matter. I wanted the knowledge NOW, but once I took a breath or got busy with something else, the desire fizzled quickly.
I didn’t stay off social media completely, but I was careful about when and what I absorbed. Which meant if I wasn’t joyfully engaging with a friend I did my best to stay away. On this I probably think I did better than reality would reflect, but I did reduce.
This respite had me off balance for the first couple of days. I didn’t know what to do with myself – I mean I did, but I had to recalibrate to go do the other thing. I found myself far more exhausted than usual, which was a surprise. I didn’t find myself much more productive, which also surprised me. I ended up doing more small things like artwork, playing games and peopling (which is hard on all days). Change takes energy so maybe that was why I was more tired.
The letters to myself was probably the most useful and surprising task of the week. Both ended up coming out very much in the voice of the age of the writer. My 80-year-old self told me she was “done coddling me” and expressed her frustration with me but also her love and support and provided explicit direction. My 8-year-old self spoke about being scared, and how she was learning about that. Also full of support and wonder.
I didn’t get my closet cleaned out, but I did get a few outfits into the charity bag. It felt fantastic. And I’m ready to do more. It’s been a goal to get more sustainable, locally made clothing and this is putting me in the mood to pursue seriously now.
My life pie is a little more balanced and I credit spring and morning pages for that. Now that I’ve shifted my perception of what my journaling has been – more dumping/venting/processing than chronicling my life, I have been able to embrace this writing without any guilt. My morning pages help me process, my journal now helps me track events, ideas, gratitude, desires. Separating these into two places has liberated me in a fantastic way.
“Working with the morning pages, we begin to sort through the differences between our real feelings, which are often secret, and our official feelings, those on the record for public display.”
“…creative recovery is the commitment to puncture our denial, to stop saying, “It’s ok” when in fact it’s something else.” My hand is raised on this point.
One of my favourite quotes of the chapter is, “Over any considerable period of time, the morning pages perform spiritual chiropractic.”
My artist date was an abstract line drawing that, like my letters to myself, didn’t turn out at all as originally thought. Rather than bright colours, my palette was earth tones and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I know it was to be an extended day, but I realized at least right now, I really am not ready to give myself that. Something I’m definitely going to work on because 1) I’m worth it, and 2) it’s a good and not unreasonable thing! There are things I would like to say are an artists date, but they are shared things, and I feel Cameron is hinting at making these more solo excursions. And then again, maybe I’m overthinking it.
I’m a natural day dreamer so exploring buried dreams was an enjoyable exercise for the most part and I’m open to letting any parts of those dreams manifest themselves in hopefully fun and unexpected ways. It doesn’t have to be perfect after all.
Some other quotes that stayed with me are:
“As we clarify our perceptions, we lose our misconceptions. As we eliminate ambiguity, we lose illusion as well. We arrive at clarity, and clarity creates change.” At least it can be a catalyst – it creates the opportunity, unfortunately, it’s still up to us to get up and take the opportunity. There’s always a catch.
“As we notice which friends bore us, which situations leave us stifled, we are often rocked by waves of sorrow. We may want our illusions back!” Honestly, this has been the hardest part of “waking up” in my life, well before The Artist’s Way brought it to my attention.
“And we resent this pain no matter what gain it is bringing us.” The number of conversations I have in my head over this is astronomical. It’s like I revert to a tired toddler stage when I’m at this point. I know it’s good for me, but I don’t want it – even though deep down, I know I desperately do.
Cameron’s idea of kriyas being spiritual seizures struck a chord with me. I’ve experienced many and now often know when I’m headed in that direction – although I don’t always put on the breaks in time either. Knowing isn’t a guarantee of immediate change. I’m learning.
“creativity is grounded in reality.”
“You are your own promised land, your own new frontier.” This made me sit up taller and breathe a little more deeply.
Blurring my uniqueness was a section I not only highlighted but read over and over. I’ve never thought of it quite that way and now that I have, I really want to cease and desist. When she named it junk food for the soul it hit differently.
I’m also experiencing what Cameron describes as “no longer stuck, but you cannot tell where you are going.” And right now I’m okay with that, at least I’m not stuck. One step at a time.
I hope everyone else is also enjoying the process and getting good things from the work being put in. I will definitely be reading the comments. Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend.
Thanks for sharing your experience of deprivation/respite, Jewel. It sounds like it was a really rich experience for you. I love the reframing of respite, rather than deprivation. When I did it last year, I was struck by all that space I found during a time that was supposed to be about denying myself things. It was as if turning down the volume on the world gave me some space to breathe and exist more expansively.
I'm also impressed with how you managed to make the process your own by setting your own boundaries based on what makes sense in your life right now. You didn't quit social media completely, but you prioritised joyful connection there rather than mindless scrolling. I really resonated with the blurred lines between seeking information or seeking a dopamine hit too.
I also found the letters from you younger and older selves really useful. I was struck by both their differing perspectives, and the similarities in what they wanted for me. I also loved the line about Morning Pages as a kind of spiritual chiropractics.
My Artist Dates are usually solo events too, but perhaps you'd like to try with sharing one with a friend? I think that could be an interesting experiment.. Abstract line drawing is such a good idea for an Artist Date. I'm going to add that to my list!
I'm so glad that you're finding it useful to explore this topic in community, Jewel. I always love reading your insights from the chapter, and it's great to see we're each unfolding as the weeks progress. Honoured to have you hear 💕
Jewel, I love how you changed deprivation to respite, it seems to me to be a more helpful term. I think I reacted viscerally to "deprivation" and thought, no way, not doing it, but respite, respite I would do. Thank you for that!
I so relate to your description of needing immediate answers to mundane questions and sensed a freedom around not searching out the answers but going about other things instead. Thanks so much for sharing your experience this week – it makes me think I might like to try this chapter (and the whole program) again some other time.
Jewel, I loved your rich and detailed report of your experience this week. It brought me so much value to read your thoughts and insights and you captured great quotes especially this for me: ‘One of my favourite quotes of the chapter is, “Over any considerable period of time, the morning pages perform spiritual chiropractic.” I am seeing a chiropractor 3-4 times a week this past month while I treat a painful low back & it made me smile to think that I was doing my own form of ‘spiritual chiropractic’ with my pages. And I really liked how you flipped deprivation’ to ‘respite’ so much better! your reflections on how your respite affected you..,slowing down, feeling a bit more tired, doing small pleasurable tasks. I think that’s exactly what Cameron was talking about. And thanks for reminding me an artist’s date doesn’t mean I have to go anywhere—I can pick up
Paper and pencils and draw! Or read myself some poetry (it’s National Poetry Month!)
I was wondering if you connected with the idea of a spiritual chiropractor, Amy given all back issues you're dealing with?
We've spoken before about the messages our bodies send us through illness or injury, and how they often connect with deeper emotional questions. Of course I'm not suggesting that Morning Pages might cure your pain, but I am always curious about the way emotional burdens show up in the body. I don't have any answers, but it is interesting to consider I think. 💕
Clare, I think being aware of and honouring your own capabilities and needs at any one time is more important than following a program/schedule someone else has laid out for you, so I'd say you succeeded this week, in listening to what you needed!
I pretty much disengaged from the Artist's Way this week. I'm not in a great emotional space right now and have been hobbling around on an injured foot, now in a walking cast for a broken toe. I only skimmed the chapter and didn't even attempt reading deprivation. We had a huge ice storm in parts of Ontario last weekend and my parents live in an area that was hit hard and in a state of emergency. They were without power for five days. Our cottage and all around is still without power and will be for another couple days at least. I was on my phone more than usual, not less, trying to monitor the situation.
I did the morning pages most days, but missed a couple when my parents were here. I will try again next week! I hope you're feeling better now. :)
I'm glad to hear you recognized what you needed to do this week, listened and didn't fight against it. We have friends in Ontario who are still impacted too. Best wishes for clear skies and a better week ahead.
It's not a 'task' in The Artist's Way but I think learning how to listen to your body and act on its needs is a huge achievement, Tracey. And I hope your foot is feeling better now 💕
Thanks Tracey. I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
It sounds like you've had an incredibly tough time and I think it makes sense that you needed to step back a little. How is your foot feeling now? I hope it's not too annoying.. As you said, understanding and honouring our own needs and limitations in these moments is so much more important than following any external schedule.
I'm also struck by how much you managed to do, despite your hard week. Skimming the chapter and writing Morning Pages most days is not a small thing, when your home is without power and your community is scrambling to deal with a natural disaster. You weren't able to do one of the toughest tasks in the book during what was already a very hard week, but you did a lot and I hope you're proud of that 💕
My foot is starting to not be as painful, thanks. I just have to put up with this walking cast for another five weeks. The worst part is not being able to go on long walks or do strenuous exercise, or help much with the storm clean-up. My body loves to move and I'm stuck spending more time seated than usual. It will heal though.
We weren't without power in the city, so it wasn't so bad for us here. We just had to manage things at our place in the country – some people near our cottage our still without power. All the downed trees are a sad sight. Our power came back up there on the weekend, and my parents are okay now thankfully. I really hope spring comes soon – it snowed here again today! I hope you have a better week this week too.
Oof, that sounds hard Tracey 💕 It can be so frustrating when our bodies don't work they way we want them too. Exercise is such a big factor in our mental wellbeing too, and I know I'd also really miss my long walks.
We had a tough Winter here too. There was a moment when I thought it'd never end. But the leaves are starting to bud and the evenings are a little lighter, so I do think the worst is behind us. For me, Spring is so precious that it always feels worth the wait. I'm hoping it'll arrive there soon too 💕
HI, everyone. As ever, the comments are very useful and likewise, it was a mixed week of successes along with challenges. I was so pleased and surprised with the the media deprivation. Though in some instances it there was a needs/must because of situation that I needed to sort, I did not pick a single book and have tipped away into quieter acoustics. Music has sustained and has been a source of real pleasure, and not hearing news in a weeks' time has meant I don't have half as much anxiety. The big stage and stage smaller seem to sometimes coalesce. It was an intense work week and I worried with kids coming home at weekend. But again, it was a source of pleasure with my daughter and she seems to have taken riffs of her own from my sans media this week. It meant that we had a lovely weekend and not only productive conversations, but we laughed a lot and there was an intense game of scrabble! The lack of media etc has been a bit of a game changer moving forward. I hadn't realised what an impact the news was having. But also, the time I had in terms of creating, that again has been - almost as soon as I'm finished working - a source very much alive. And I'm glad of it. The joys seem a multitude despite other things playing away. I did finish a blanket and despite not thinking I could & have commenced a new pattern/design etc and that seems to just be a almost a breath-regulator. The knitting almost meditation, but this pattern is a challenge and must really set aside time - it's too complicated to do when tired, so, its become very intentional. And there's this too, I always worry these updates if I've said too much, too all over the place. Again, forgive. The time travel was very illumining and instructive, as was enivronment(s). I've had a few attempts when time has been there in the morning pages with the artists prayer, maybe simply trying to soothe myself. And the morning pages have been a salve, and go-to and had two mornings where it felt as if there wasn't enough time, but that's usually the way. Was so pleased I didn't break the reading deprivation in the books dept. Was so tempted a few of the days, but it's been an eye-opener in terms of the why. And why they are so important to me. I didn't have time for the date, proper this last week, but I think the blanket and the time spent finishing that off - though not always as formal, it the intention of the time. Or maybe I'm telling myself that! Goodnesses to everyone for the week ahead, I am endeared already because of the word possibility.
Great to hear how you got on with media deprivation, Michelle. I remember having a similar feeling of reduced anxiety when I stopped consuming so much, though I also found that when I leaned too far into ignoring the news, I sometimes got more anxious. It was as if my brain was filling the gaps left by the quiet and because it was me, I leaned towards catastrophizing more than assuming the world just ticked along as normal. That definitely says more about me, rather than media deprivation itself. I don't need much encouragement to spiral 🙃
Love how you describe knitting as a breath-regulator. I remember having to sew a tear in something during a zoom meeting years ago, and how much it calmed me. I've been meaning to pick up that practice again, so thank you for the reminder.
It's great to hear how Morning Pages are becoming an anchor for you too. For me, they're an incredible source of self-soothing especially on the days I really don't want to do them!
Always lovely to hear from you Michelle. I really appreciate your presence and engagement in this community 💕
I have also not managed reading deprivation. Dealing with painful back injury and in bed resting a lot it became irresistible to read especially as I needed to distract my mind from the pain and from spiraling into anxiety, sadness, frustration. Meditations on Insight Timer just weren’t enough. A good novel I could be carried away by (reading the great Barcelona novel, The Shadow of The Wind), was the right medicine for me this week. I did my morning pages every day except this morning, when a bad night’s sleep put me off my routine. I’ve still to tackle any of the tasks and not sure why I’m resistant. As for an Artist’s Date, outings for me are super limited right now health wise. If I can manage a 15 mins walk in the sunshine tomorrow Saturday that will be my date😀
I agree with Tracey. It sounds like you listened to your body, Amy, and gave yourself the medicine you needed: the transporting power of a good novel. (An aside: I've heard about that book. Was it good? I won't make it to Barcelona anytime soon, but it might be nice to visit in book form!)
Congrats on doing your Morning Pages despite all the week's stresses. I wonder if you've explored any Artist Dates that you could complete while lying down? I'm sure you really value your time out of the house, but it doesn't need to be something physically taxing to "count" as your Artist's Date. Something to think about maybe :)
I hope that your feeling OK as you read this Amy, and that the injury isn't weighing too much on your general wellbeing. It can be so frustrating when our bodies let us down, so I'm sending lots of love and solidarity your way 💕
Excellent book! If you can’t get to Barcelona it will transport your imagination there for an incredible ride with the power of books and writing at the heart of the novel.
Oh Amy, I'm glad you didn't deprive yourself of reading this week. You needed that medicine. I also haven't yet tackled any tasks, or Artist Dates, and I'm not sure what's stopping me. I think I just forget about them – I read the chapter then move on.
Just jumping on board this week. Trying to do media deprivation. Not doing it perfectly but definitely seeing a difference in how I spend my time! Thanks so much for hosting. No journalling or Artist's dates yet. Have tried to do Artist's Way on and off for the last 20 years! Managed journalling mostly but rarely Artist's dates!
Welcone aboard, Ana. We're so happy to have you! It took me a few tries to finally "complete" The Artist's Way, which I finally did last year. It's so lovely to be doing it in community this time around too.
I also have a strong Morning Pages habit, though I can be lax with Artist's Dates. It's just hard to make the time for them, but I've really enjoyed the ones I've scheduled this time. Congrats on your media deprivation too! Even if we don't do it perfectly, I think we can still see the benefits.
I haven't even read the chapter this week, let alone deprive myself of anything - right now, I need to indulge! I'm on sick leave from work because I was so burnt out, and it's been a joy to go back to reading for pleasure, with no pressure, to finally start a video game, and to watch great tv shows. I will do the no-media week eventually, because I really do love that, but I needed to get nourished before doing that fast.
Media is so embedded in many things we do that it's very hard to disentangle it from essentials things like creativity and socialization - granted, for some more than others, but I can't really write on paper, and most of my social relations are via social media or text message, even with people who live close and who I see from time to time.
I want to continue doing TAW, even if very imperfectly, and that's more the challenge for me, this time around: avoiding the all or nothing mindset, and being ok with doing it like meh, and jumping on and off. I recognize that I can only really do that because other people are doing it a bit more seriously, so I'm very thankful to Clare and the group for keeping me anchored to the project! I'm like a parasite, but a funny one with great tits!
LOL 💕 You always make me laugh. But I am going to be a bit bossy and say that you are so much more than a parasite, my friend. You bring so much to this community and even if it feels to you like you're not doing TAW "right", I've gotten a lot from our conversations here. I certainly don't feel like I'm doing it "right" either, but I am doing it. And that's not nothing. I'm really glad to hear that this process has been an anchor - I love that language, and might steal it next time I'm trying to describe what I'm doing here. :)
I loved reading about your media indulgence week. What a great concept! That's gotta be in your version of this book, OK? I am also seeking solace in media right now. It gives me a break from my mind's relentless chatter, and there's a lot to be said for that. Sending lots of love and solidarity as you find your way back from burnout. Be kind to yourself, Ok? It's not an easy thing to do! 💕
This week's media deprivation was mostly a failure, but I did get on pretty well with the tasks I selected to complete.
I got the wardrobe (mostly!) cleared out. There are a few final things of complete, but I'm proud of how it looks. I've added to my already giant 'to do list' with things that need to be mended, steamed etc, but it felt good to see the things I have and feel excited about wearing them again.
I reviewed my life pie from Week 1 and to be honest, I think it's even less balanced than it was when I first made it. The combination of recent illness and life getting busier has made me feel more off balance, but I think (hope🤞🏻) it's temporary.
I enjoyed time travelling to my future and past selves, and searching for the threads that connect my creativity through the decades. This feels like a really rich vein for exploration, and I found myself circling the ideas of both hard work and play. They might seem contradictory but I love the idea of working hard in a playful way. I'm still noodling on that idea, and might write a longer post about it someday!
I'm excited to hear how y'all got on too! 💕
I think you did great Clare and yes, illness combined with life getting busier can definitely create imbalance. For me too hoping the imbalance of my injury and all its attendant pain and restrictions are temporary too. You inspired me with the playfulness you are finding in visiting past and future selves. That’s an exercise that appeals to me so may dive into that this weekend.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Amy. I think I did OK too, all things considered.
I hope you find it useful to visit your past and future selves. It was really helpful for me to zoom out of this specific moment in life with all it's stresses and complications, and be able to see the broader arc of the story. I found it really reassuring. Despite the usual ups and downs of life, I know I'm on the right path and I really apprecaited that reminder 💕
I’m learning each week to be kind to myself and I appreciate that we are all in agreement that this work isn’t about perfection but about finding our own way together. I am getting so much out of this exercise compared to last year when I was working through it all alone.
I enjoyed week 4 and decided to rename deprivation to respite. I discovered just how addicted I am to reading for enjoyment and learning, but also as an “acceptable” distraction. I managed to stay away from all the books I’ve got on the go, but I did scan the news and was happy to have a reason not to dig into the articles themselves. Hardest for me was not quickly researching answers to questions – like where do Canada Geese winter (when I saw a flock overhead), or where is the oldest known tree? I thought about writing down the questions and finding answers later but also discovered but it was in part, a dopamine hit. Shortly after, the questions and answers didn’t really matter. I wanted the knowledge NOW, but once I took a breath or got busy with something else, the desire fizzled quickly.
I didn’t stay off social media completely, but I was careful about when and what I absorbed. Which meant if I wasn’t joyfully engaging with a friend I did my best to stay away. On this I probably think I did better than reality would reflect, but I did reduce.
This respite had me off balance for the first couple of days. I didn’t know what to do with myself – I mean I did, but I had to recalibrate to go do the other thing. I found myself far more exhausted than usual, which was a surprise. I didn’t find myself much more productive, which also surprised me. I ended up doing more small things like artwork, playing games and peopling (which is hard on all days). Change takes energy so maybe that was why I was more tired.
The letters to myself was probably the most useful and surprising task of the week. Both ended up coming out very much in the voice of the age of the writer. My 80-year-old self told me she was “done coddling me” and expressed her frustration with me but also her love and support and provided explicit direction. My 8-year-old self spoke about being scared, and how she was learning about that. Also full of support and wonder.
I didn’t get my closet cleaned out, but I did get a few outfits into the charity bag. It felt fantastic. And I’m ready to do more. It’s been a goal to get more sustainable, locally made clothing and this is putting me in the mood to pursue seriously now.
My life pie is a little more balanced and I credit spring and morning pages for that. Now that I’ve shifted my perception of what my journaling has been – more dumping/venting/processing than chronicling my life, I have been able to embrace this writing without any guilt. My morning pages help me process, my journal now helps me track events, ideas, gratitude, desires. Separating these into two places has liberated me in a fantastic way.
“Working with the morning pages, we begin to sort through the differences between our real feelings, which are often secret, and our official feelings, those on the record for public display.”
“…creative recovery is the commitment to puncture our denial, to stop saying, “It’s ok” when in fact it’s something else.” My hand is raised on this point.
One of my favourite quotes of the chapter is, “Over any considerable period of time, the morning pages perform spiritual chiropractic.”
My artist date was an abstract line drawing that, like my letters to myself, didn’t turn out at all as originally thought. Rather than bright colours, my palette was earth tones and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I know it was to be an extended day, but I realized at least right now, I really am not ready to give myself that. Something I’m definitely going to work on because 1) I’m worth it, and 2) it’s a good and not unreasonable thing! There are things I would like to say are an artists date, but they are shared things, and I feel Cameron is hinting at making these more solo excursions. And then again, maybe I’m overthinking it.
I’m a natural day dreamer so exploring buried dreams was an enjoyable exercise for the most part and I’m open to letting any parts of those dreams manifest themselves in hopefully fun and unexpected ways. It doesn’t have to be perfect after all.
Some other quotes that stayed with me are:
“As we clarify our perceptions, we lose our misconceptions. As we eliminate ambiguity, we lose illusion as well. We arrive at clarity, and clarity creates change.” At least it can be a catalyst – it creates the opportunity, unfortunately, it’s still up to us to get up and take the opportunity. There’s always a catch.
“As we notice which friends bore us, which situations leave us stifled, we are often rocked by waves of sorrow. We may want our illusions back!” Honestly, this has been the hardest part of “waking up” in my life, well before The Artist’s Way brought it to my attention.
“And we resent this pain no matter what gain it is bringing us.” The number of conversations I have in my head over this is astronomical. It’s like I revert to a tired toddler stage when I’m at this point. I know it’s good for me, but I don’t want it – even though deep down, I know I desperately do.
Cameron’s idea of kriyas being spiritual seizures struck a chord with me. I’ve experienced many and now often know when I’m headed in that direction – although I don’t always put on the breaks in time either. Knowing isn’t a guarantee of immediate change. I’m learning.
“creativity is grounded in reality.”
“You are your own promised land, your own new frontier.” This made me sit up taller and breathe a little more deeply.
Blurring my uniqueness was a section I not only highlighted but read over and over. I’ve never thought of it quite that way and now that I have, I really want to cease and desist. When she named it junk food for the soul it hit differently.
I’m also experiencing what Cameron describes as “no longer stuck, but you cannot tell where you are going.” And right now I’m okay with that, at least I’m not stuck. One step at a time.
I hope everyone else is also enjoying the process and getting good things from the work being put in. I will definitely be reading the comments. Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend.
Thanks for sharing your experience of deprivation/respite, Jewel. It sounds like it was a really rich experience for you. I love the reframing of respite, rather than deprivation. When I did it last year, I was struck by all that space I found during a time that was supposed to be about denying myself things. It was as if turning down the volume on the world gave me some space to breathe and exist more expansively.
I'm also impressed with how you managed to make the process your own by setting your own boundaries based on what makes sense in your life right now. You didn't quit social media completely, but you prioritised joyful connection there rather than mindless scrolling. I really resonated with the blurred lines between seeking information or seeking a dopamine hit too.
I also found the letters from you younger and older selves really useful. I was struck by both their differing perspectives, and the similarities in what they wanted for me. I also loved the line about Morning Pages as a kind of spiritual chiropractics.
My Artist Dates are usually solo events too, but perhaps you'd like to try with sharing one with a friend? I think that could be an interesting experiment.. Abstract line drawing is such a good idea for an Artist Date. I'm going to add that to my list!
I'm so glad that you're finding it useful to explore this topic in community, Jewel. I always love reading your insights from the chapter, and it's great to see we're each unfolding as the weeks progress. Honoured to have you hear 💕
Jewel, I love how you changed deprivation to respite, it seems to me to be a more helpful term. I think I reacted viscerally to "deprivation" and thought, no way, not doing it, but respite, respite I would do. Thank you for that!
I so relate to your description of needing immediate answers to mundane questions and sensed a freedom around not searching out the answers but going about other things instead. Thanks so much for sharing your experience this week – it makes me think I might like to try this chapter (and the whole program) again some other time.
Totally agree, Tracey. Jewel's insights are always so profound. I love the respite framing in particular 💕
Reading your words has brightened my day. Thank you!!
Jewel, I loved your rich and detailed report of your experience this week. It brought me so much value to read your thoughts and insights and you captured great quotes especially this for me: ‘One of my favourite quotes of the chapter is, “Over any considerable period of time, the morning pages perform spiritual chiropractic.” I am seeing a chiropractor 3-4 times a week this past month while I treat a painful low back & it made me smile to think that I was doing my own form of ‘spiritual chiropractic’ with my pages. And I really liked how you flipped deprivation’ to ‘respite’ so much better! your reflections on how your respite affected you..,slowing down, feeling a bit more tired, doing small pleasurable tasks. I think that’s exactly what Cameron was talking about. And thanks for reminding me an artist’s date doesn’t mean I have to go anywhere—I can pick up
Paper and pencils and draw! Or read myself some poetry (it’s National Poetry Month!)
I was wondering if you connected with the idea of a spiritual chiropractor, Amy given all back issues you're dealing with?
We've spoken before about the messages our bodies send us through illness or injury, and how they often connect with deeper emotional questions. Of course I'm not suggesting that Morning Pages might cure your pain, but I am always curious about the way emotional burdens show up in the body. I don't have any answers, but it is interesting to consider I think. 💕
Love this!
Clare, I think being aware of and honouring your own capabilities and needs at any one time is more important than following a program/schedule someone else has laid out for you, so I'd say you succeeded this week, in listening to what you needed!
I pretty much disengaged from the Artist's Way this week. I'm not in a great emotional space right now and have been hobbling around on an injured foot, now in a walking cast for a broken toe. I only skimmed the chapter and didn't even attempt reading deprivation. We had a huge ice storm in parts of Ontario last weekend and my parents live in an area that was hit hard and in a state of emergency. They were without power for five days. Our cottage and all around is still without power and will be for another couple days at least. I was on my phone more than usual, not less, trying to monitor the situation.
I did the morning pages most days, but missed a couple when my parents were here. I will try again next week! I hope you're feeling better now. :)
I'm glad to hear you recognized what you needed to do this week, listened and didn't fight against it. We have friends in Ontario who are still impacted too. Best wishes for clear skies and a better week ahead.
Thanks, Jewel. I hope your friends are faring alright. It's been brutal for some people going on a week without power.
Tracey sounds like you took care of yourself and poor foot amid that horrible ice storm and made the right decisions for your artist self 💗
This is beautifully put, Amy. You made all the right decisions, Tracey 💕
It's really all I could do! I'm learning to listen when my bodymind just doesn't want to do something.
It's not a 'task' in The Artist's Way but I think learning how to listen to your body and act on its needs is a huge achievement, Tracey. And I hope your foot is feeling better now 💕
Thanks, Clare. Now that's it in the walking cast I think it's starting to heal properly.
Thanks Tracey. I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement.
It sounds like you've had an incredibly tough time and I think it makes sense that you needed to step back a little. How is your foot feeling now? I hope it's not too annoying.. As you said, understanding and honouring our own needs and limitations in these moments is so much more important than following any external schedule.
I'm also struck by how much you managed to do, despite your hard week. Skimming the chapter and writing Morning Pages most days is not a small thing, when your home is without power and your community is scrambling to deal with a natural disaster. You weren't able to do one of the toughest tasks in the book during what was already a very hard week, but you did a lot and I hope you're proud of that 💕
My foot is starting to not be as painful, thanks. I just have to put up with this walking cast for another five weeks. The worst part is not being able to go on long walks or do strenuous exercise, or help much with the storm clean-up. My body loves to move and I'm stuck spending more time seated than usual. It will heal though.
We weren't without power in the city, so it wasn't so bad for us here. We just had to manage things at our place in the country – some people near our cottage our still without power. All the downed trees are a sad sight. Our power came back up there on the weekend, and my parents are okay now thankfully. I really hope spring comes soon – it snowed here again today! I hope you have a better week this week too.
Oof, that sounds hard Tracey 💕 It can be so frustrating when our bodies don't work they way we want them too. Exercise is such a big factor in our mental wellbeing too, and I know I'd also really miss my long walks.
We had a tough Winter here too. There was a moment when I thought it'd never end. But the leaves are starting to bud and the evenings are a little lighter, so I do think the worst is behind us. For me, Spring is so precious that it always feels worth the wait. I'm hoping it'll arrive there soon too 💕
HI, everyone. As ever, the comments are very useful and likewise, it was a mixed week of successes along with challenges. I was so pleased and surprised with the the media deprivation. Though in some instances it there was a needs/must because of situation that I needed to sort, I did not pick a single book and have tipped away into quieter acoustics. Music has sustained and has been a source of real pleasure, and not hearing news in a weeks' time has meant I don't have half as much anxiety. The big stage and stage smaller seem to sometimes coalesce. It was an intense work week and I worried with kids coming home at weekend. But again, it was a source of pleasure with my daughter and she seems to have taken riffs of her own from my sans media this week. It meant that we had a lovely weekend and not only productive conversations, but we laughed a lot and there was an intense game of scrabble! The lack of media etc has been a bit of a game changer moving forward. I hadn't realised what an impact the news was having. But also, the time I had in terms of creating, that again has been - almost as soon as I'm finished working - a source very much alive. And I'm glad of it. The joys seem a multitude despite other things playing away. I did finish a blanket and despite not thinking I could & have commenced a new pattern/design etc and that seems to just be a almost a breath-regulator. The knitting almost meditation, but this pattern is a challenge and must really set aside time - it's too complicated to do when tired, so, its become very intentional. And there's this too, I always worry these updates if I've said too much, too all over the place. Again, forgive. The time travel was very illumining and instructive, as was enivronment(s). I've had a few attempts when time has been there in the morning pages with the artists prayer, maybe simply trying to soothe myself. And the morning pages have been a salve, and go-to and had two mornings where it felt as if there wasn't enough time, but that's usually the way. Was so pleased I didn't break the reading deprivation in the books dept. Was so tempted a few of the days, but it's been an eye-opener in terms of the why. And why they are so important to me. I didn't have time for the date, proper this last week, but I think the blanket and the time spent finishing that off - though not always as formal, it the intention of the time. Or maybe I'm telling myself that! Goodnesses to everyone for the week ahead, I am endeared already because of the word possibility.
Great to hear how you got on with media deprivation, Michelle. I remember having a similar feeling of reduced anxiety when I stopped consuming so much, though I also found that when I leaned too far into ignoring the news, I sometimes got more anxious. It was as if my brain was filling the gaps left by the quiet and because it was me, I leaned towards catastrophizing more than assuming the world just ticked along as normal. That definitely says more about me, rather than media deprivation itself. I don't need much encouragement to spiral 🙃
Love how you describe knitting as a breath-regulator. I remember having to sew a tear in something during a zoom meeting years ago, and how much it calmed me. I've been meaning to pick up that practice again, so thank you for the reminder.
It's great to hear how Morning Pages are becoming an anchor for you too. For me, they're an incredible source of self-soothing especially on the days I really don't want to do them!
Always lovely to hear from you Michelle. I really appreciate your presence and engagement in this community 💕
I have also not managed reading deprivation. Dealing with painful back injury and in bed resting a lot it became irresistible to read especially as I needed to distract my mind from the pain and from spiraling into anxiety, sadness, frustration. Meditations on Insight Timer just weren’t enough. A good novel I could be carried away by (reading the great Barcelona novel, The Shadow of The Wind), was the right medicine for me this week. I did my morning pages every day except this morning, when a bad night’s sleep put me off my routine. I’ve still to tackle any of the tasks and not sure why I’m resistant. As for an Artist’s Date, outings for me are super limited right now health wise. If I can manage a 15 mins walk in the sunshine tomorrow Saturday that will be my date😀
I agree with Tracey. It sounds like you listened to your body, Amy, and gave yourself the medicine you needed: the transporting power of a good novel. (An aside: I've heard about that book. Was it good? I won't make it to Barcelona anytime soon, but it might be nice to visit in book form!)
Congrats on doing your Morning Pages despite all the week's stresses. I wonder if you've explored any Artist Dates that you could complete while lying down? I'm sure you really value your time out of the house, but it doesn't need to be something physically taxing to "count" as your Artist's Date. Something to think about maybe :)
I hope that your feeling OK as you read this Amy, and that the injury isn't weighing too much on your general wellbeing. It can be so frustrating when our bodies let us down, so I'm sending lots of love and solidarity your way 💕
Excellent book! If you can’t get to Barcelona it will transport your imagination there for an incredible ride with the power of books and writing at the heart of the novel.
I'll add it to my list! Thanks for the recommendation Amy 💕
Oh Amy, I'm glad you didn't deprive yourself of reading this week. You needed that medicine. I also haven't yet tackled any tasks, or Artist Dates, and I'm not sure what's stopping me. I think I just forget about them – I read the chapter then move on.
Totally agree, Tracey. Medicine comes in all kinds of forms, and sometimes a good book is exactly what we need 💕
Just jumping on board this week. Trying to do media deprivation. Not doing it perfectly but definitely seeing a difference in how I spend my time! Thanks so much for hosting. No journalling or Artist's dates yet. Have tried to do Artist's Way on and off for the last 20 years! Managed journalling mostly but rarely Artist's dates!
Welcone aboard, Ana. We're so happy to have you! It took me a few tries to finally "complete" The Artist's Way, which I finally did last year. It's so lovely to be doing it in community this time around too.
I also have a strong Morning Pages habit, though I can be lax with Artist's Dates. It's just hard to make the time for them, but I've really enjoyed the ones I've scheduled this time. Congrats on your media deprivation too! Even if we don't do it perfectly, I think we can still see the benefits.
I haven't even read the chapter this week, let alone deprive myself of anything - right now, I need to indulge! I'm on sick leave from work because I was so burnt out, and it's been a joy to go back to reading for pleasure, with no pressure, to finally start a video game, and to watch great tv shows. I will do the no-media week eventually, because I really do love that, but I needed to get nourished before doing that fast.
Media is so embedded in many things we do that it's very hard to disentangle it from essentials things like creativity and socialization - granted, for some more than others, but I can't really write on paper, and most of my social relations are via social media or text message, even with people who live close and who I see from time to time.
I want to continue doing TAW, even if very imperfectly, and that's more the challenge for me, this time around: avoiding the all or nothing mindset, and being ok with doing it like meh, and jumping on and off. I recognize that I can only really do that because other people are doing it a bit more seriously, so I'm very thankful to Clare and the group for keeping me anchored to the project! I'm like a parasite, but a funny one with great tits!
LOL 💕 You always make me laugh. But I am going to be a bit bossy and say that you are so much more than a parasite, my friend. You bring so much to this community and even if it feels to you like you're not doing TAW "right", I've gotten a lot from our conversations here. I certainly don't feel like I'm doing it "right" either, but I am doing it. And that's not nothing. I'm really glad to hear that this process has been an anchor - I love that language, and might steal it next time I'm trying to describe what I'm doing here. :)
I loved reading about your media indulgence week. What a great concept! That's gotta be in your version of this book, OK? I am also seeking solace in media right now. It gives me a break from my mind's relentless chatter, and there's a lot to be said for that. Sending lots of love and solidarity as you find your way back from burnout. Be kind to yourself, Ok? It's not an easy thing to do! 💕
I like it, when you’re being bossy, Clare. 🤎
Also, I see that things have been hard for many of us - ooof, wild times. Hang in there, everyone!
Thanks Albe 💕💕 So many of us are in a tricky moment, and I really appreciate your encouragement!