Clare, you have presented such a sustainable, helpful and heart-opening way to do The Artist’s Way. I appreciate that. I will read chapter 1 this evening for while I’ve done the Artist’s Way many times & kept morning pages pretty consistently for years I slouch on solo Artist’s Dates and there’s a lot of richness in her tasks & exercises I’ve either never done or would do well to revisit. I would love a virtual gathering, I live in Barcelona, CET. I am 64, a journalist, copywriter and novelist, recently moved to Spain permanently (I have dual citizenship & one daughter lives in Barcelona, the other in Paris). I write ‘Living in 3D.” https://substack.com/@amybrown?r=2l337&utm_medium=ios
It's always interesting to hear perspectives from folks who've already connected deeply with The Artist's Way. I completed it for the first time last year, so I'm relatively new to a lot of the ideas. Like you, I've developed a strong Morning Pages practice over the last decade or so but I could use some help prioritising my Artist's Dates. This community has already prompted me to make more time for the things that bring me creative joy. 💕
I am resisting my resistance , so my old but pretty pristine copy of The Artists Way has made it from the shelf to the bed. I will gladly follow along and see where the turning of all the pages takes me. Thank you for this offering Clare and the encouragement to give it a generous go. ❤️
"A generous go" is the perfect way to describe what we're doing here. It won't be perfect, but we're giving it a shot! And it sounds like you're already off to a great start! When a book moves from my shelf to my bed, I know I'm getting serious about it! Especially if it's a book I've had for a while.
P.S. I'm excited to discover your newsletter too, and am looking forward to reading more from you in my inbox!
I'm Kaitlyn from Canada, but I've been living in Thailand for the past 8 years.
I'm looking forward (and slightly resistant) to going through The Artist's Way with all of you. I'm hoping to finish it this time around, as I've tried a couple times before and dropped it part way through. Hopefully this time is different 🤞 I'm especially looking forward to getting back into morning pages because I know how good they make me feel. I'd also like to move more gently through the process this time because I think the pressure and perfectionism is what tripped me up in the past.
I'm sure you're not the only one feeling a little resistance as we embark on this process. I'm excited to get started, but there is a little part of me thinking "what the hell are you doing gathering all these people?! What happens when you have a hard week and can't get your shit together?!"
I'm trying (& so far succeeding) at calming that voice, but it is there. And I think it's better to be honest about it.
Best of luck with the morning pages - don't worry if you miss a morning or two! Life happens, but knowing how useful they are usually helps me get back on track pretty quickly.
And if you ever need a bit of reassurance that you don't have to do The Artist's Way perfectly, please do let us know. Most of us are in that same boat, I think!
Thanks for being here Kaitlyn - I'm excited to see how the next few months will unfold (for us both!) 💕
Hi, Clare & all in the group. I do so apologise, a few days late and I think I posted in the wrong order. I'm in the west, Irish time.
New to, but not unaware of, The Artists Way - I think I always wondered what was it all about?
And I think I was a little sceptical Of what? I don't know if I truly know. ..,
I'm trying to queue less in the suffering dept. and perfectionism & writing make a perfect cocktail for both wonderful and disastrous concoctions.
Having started to learn somatic breathing last year, it pains me now to think of all that holding of breath I didn't even know I was doing - maybe a hope for a similar effect with The Artist's Way, new or newer things will reveal or waken,
Thanks, Clare, for organising the group.
Very much looking forward to walking this with others.
Your certainly not the only one to be skeptical of The Artist's Way and all it's talk of magic and God and creative flow! But we can be skeptical and still experiment a little and see what we might find. Or at least that's how I've approached this process in the past.
I love what you said about somatic breathing too. Creativity is an embodied thing and one of my big lessons from my last experience with The Artist's Way was to allow creativity to be less about my head (plans, deadlines, rigid structures) and instead make room for play and exploration. That's still an ongoing process for me, to be honest. I love a good plan! But I'm excited to see how I might embrace the less structured side of myself through the weeks ahead.
Thanks for being here Michelle - I'm excited to see how this process unfolds for us both over the coming months! 💕
Clare, thanks so much taking the time to reply. It is so kind of you. And it’s been a week! I’m really glad I keep wedging the space for myself, even if things getting a little pushed, I’m making the space. I am entirely new to interacting on substack, in terms of contributing, so I feel a little out of my element trying to acclimatise and figure how how to like or share and comment - forgive if I’m late to the game on this front. And again, thanks for making the space to do this, it feels entire yellow/gold, so sun-like, and for that, sending a smile. Maybe remind me of that half way through?! Goodnesses in meantime.
Clare, I don't know if I'll actually find the time, but I feel compelled to try. The last time I did the Artist Way, I met you, so it's not like I got nothing out of it. :) I also really enjoyed the no-media week, so it would be neat to at least get to that point.
Not a big fan of the morning pages, I have to say - I see their usefulness in theory, but it never did much for me. The dates, though, would be nice to take me out of the house, once it's stopped snowing. If it ever stops snowing.
Oh hey, let me try and be polite: my name is Albe [AL-buh], they/them, I am in Ontario, Canada (Eastern time). Let's do this!
Or, you do it and I cheer you on, I don't know, we'll see!
Maybe you won't find the time but that's OK. If you do a handful of artist dates and enjoy the magic of the no-media week (also one of my favourites!), that'll be more than you would have done without this process. Even if it's just a temporary return to creativity, I think that's still really valuable.
And if you need to drop out at some point, feel free to drop back in! There's no "homework" here. Nobody will be checking if you read the materials. We're all just trying to squeeze in a bit more creativity in our already over-stuffed lives!
I LOVED meeting you through my last Artist's Way experience - it was one of the highlights! How could I ever forget your line about The Artist's Way the broke ass way? It still makes me smile! 😂
And yes, please do stick around and cheer us on! I've felt really excited and optimistic about this process this week, but I know there's gonna be a dip at some point! A bit of encouragement goes a long way and we'd all really appreciate it 💕
I've read The Artist's Way twice, most recently last year when I also used the accompanying journal.
Just last night, during a writing circle I participate in, we were discussing the idea of audacity, and I thought of this chapter where Julia Cameron said it really takes a certain level of audacity to be an artist and to make your way as one in this often cutthroat industry. When I think of audacity, it's not in a negative connotation. I think of it as being confident, bold, and taking necessary, healthy creative risks in order to pursue your dreams.
Audacity, for me, is directly contacting artists I love to tell them how their art has impacted my life! Often, they respond. Artists need to know they are valued and that the work they do matters, which is why I love celebrating other artists (including here on Subtack--hi Clare!).
Welcome Jeannie. I'm so grateful that you're here 💕
I love your interpretation of audacity. I see it as a positive thing too. To me, it's a kind of leap toward the possible, a vote of confidence in a person's creative work and ambitions. I'm not sure creativity is possible without a little bit of gumption to try something new, or keep going with something old. It's a lovely invitation to think about trying to find a little more audacity in my work, so thank you for planting that seed my friend 💕
Yes! Audacity has been a form of courage for me, which does not happen naturally. I used to be a shy, timid girl and have worked hard to take those risks in approaching others to say, “Hey, I love your work. Maybe you and I can connect sometime?” or collaborate or whatever. I have to remember that there’s always a possibility they will say no or even ignore (reject) me. But sometimes they don’t. And that’s why it’s worth it to at least try.
Hello Clare, I'm Tracey (she/her) from Ontario, Canada. I pulled the Artist's Way from my actor-daughter's bookshelf many months ago (she used it as part of her theatre performance program) after it was recommended by a fellow writer. After reading the introduction, I was turned of by many things you mentioned (e.g., the God/spiritual wording, the being told what to do, the personal anecdotes that felt like advertisements instead of motivation), so I've let it sit, telling myself I'll give it a chance 'when I have time.'
I came across your post and was drawn to the idea of using the Artist's Way as a guide to creativity through the lens of trauma recovery. So, I hope for my writing and creativity to benefit from this practice as well as using it as another tool to process past trauma (which I do mostly through writing). I'm hoping the structure and community you're providing here will help me work through the book – I know if I were doing it on my own I'd stop somewhere near the beginning, I still might, but at least I'll have some support should I want to try and stick with it! I look forward to exploring this creative practice with you. Thank you!
Oh, and my Substack is Write Out of Hiding: https://writeoutofhiding.substack.com. Prompted by the discovery of a 50-year secret about my identity, I write about what it was like to discover my dad is not my biological father and the identity crisis and life changes that ensued. I write personal narratives about family relationships, the cascading effects of childhood trauma, and the cost of keeping secrets from ourselves and others.
Hi Tracey, thanks for being here and for sharing a little of your story!
Writing was a huge part of my recovery from trauma, so I hope this will be a useful community for you. Please take care of yourself through this process too - writing about hard stuff can be a lot, and I've found good self-care to be essential in that process.
I'm excited to have discovered your newsletter too. I've subscribed and look forward to reading more of your work in my inbox! 💕
P.S. If you do end up stopping somewhere along the way, that's OK. Our goal here is exploration rather than completion, and you're very welcome to dip in and out in whatever way makes sense for you.
I did the first morning pages this morning and stopped after two pages – it was more time-consuming than I thought, or maybe I write small. lol. I'll try for three tomorrow. :)
Two pages is a great result on your first morning! I'm never too strict about the length TBH. In the beginning I wanted to reach my target but these days I just write until I feel "done" which is sometimes 2 pages and sometimes 5. Those are special mornings when I feel really connected with my creative work. But there are also a lot of mornings when I need to stop because my to do list is glaring up at me and I need to start work! 😉
Thank you Adina 💕 I really appreciate your support. Please do keep in touch. Even if you're not technically "taking part", I'd still love to hear your reactions to the posts ahead.
Clare, I love your approach to the Artist’s Way, taking account survivors’ perspectives. I am happy that I first did the Artist’s Way two years ago because I would not at a place in my life emotionally, creatively and spiritually but I am a bit sad I didn’t do it YOUR way the first time 🩷 I am envious of people doing it the first time with you
I loved reading about how you first started writing your morning pages! I had the exact same experience, that how could I find time amidst my hectic life and the pages led me through horror as well only to now helping me shape my life to my liking and being a cornerstone for my emotional wellbeing. After two years of writing my pages, it shifted from feeling all my darkest emotions on the pages to quickly processing my emotional state and brainstorm ideas for the future or the day ahead. It’s such a beautiful shift to view from a distance and I feel connected to you that you had a similar experience. Also your thoughts on affirmations👌 I love the connection to gaslighting and it might explain why it’s extremely hard for me to do them
My introduction🩷
I’ll jump in at week 8 where I left the Artist’s Way off last year when I attempted it for the second time. I hope it’s okay that I’ll do it this way. I’m Mazsi (she/her) from Budapest, Hungary and I write the Whatever substack (mazsi.substack.com) about healing, growth and everything inbetween. Check out my personal essays ranging from perfectionism, manifestation to doing the Artist’s Way last year for the second time
Thanks Mazsi. I'm so happy that you'll get to do The Artist's Way "Life after Trauma-style" from week 8. To me, there's no "right" way to do it though I am hoping to create a gentler framework for it it here, and I really appreciate your kind words about that 💕
I related to your description of how the morning pages have evolved over time. Once I've written about my dreams and whatever anxieties/feelings have bubbled to the surface of my consciousness overnight, I do often get into planning my day. I try not to lean too much into planning mode though. We're human beings, not human doings after all. Or at least, I strive to be more of a 'being' than a 'doer'!
Of course it's OK to jump in at the time that makes sense for you. I love that you're adapting this process so it makes sense for you and your life! If you have thoughts/reflections on the earlier weeks of the process, I hope you'll chime in with those too. It'd be interesting to see how they've stayed with you over the last 2 years!
I love your idea of human beings vs human doings! So true! And I agree with your thoughts on planning mode. It's way nicer to dream up stuff and taking steps than creating elaborate plans to inevitably fail at and feel bad about
Perhaps this is a place that dreaded idea of 'balance'? I had that word/concept. Life is almost never balanced, but there needs to be some harmony between the things we dream up and the things we try to bring to life.
I know I will. I have done TAW 3 times before. My book is falling apart it's so well used. I've mined a lot out of it, but it still holds more secrets and treasures.
Hi, I'm Angie (she/her). Joining from the wilds of western New York. I've started The Artist's Way multiple times and never finished. Hoping a renewed focus on journaling the last several months and your gentle approach helps me break through my resistance. Looking forward to the journey.
Welcome Angie. It's so great to have you 💕 Hopefully some gentle community support will help accompany you through this process. Thanks for being here. I'm excited to see how it'll unfold (for us both!) 💕
I've only received a few feedback comments, but they kept me feeling really great about my writing for a long while....I love the idea of keeping them in a file. Another great suggestion I can take from your writing Clare! Thanks for sharing :)
You're so welcome, Tara. 💕 That praise file really helps me to keep going, especially when I receive a bunch of rejections as I did last week!
I just checked out (& subscribed) to your newsletter, and I'm excited to get more of your beautiful writing in my inbox. I love how you chronicle the process of learning to take care of yourself in big and small ways. That's been a big part of my recovery from childhood trauma too. Your writing voice feels so authentic, and your vulnerability in sharing the truth of your experiences helps the reader feel like they're not alone.
I hope you'll consider adding this note into your praise file, Tara and that the kind things people say about your work might buoy you through the tough moments. That's certainly been the case for me.
Thanks for being here, and for sharing a little of your experience with the community. I really appreciate it 💕
Hi, I am Diane. I am retired. When I stopped working I lost my direction as I had no hobbies or friends. I have lost my authentic self and looking for ways to rediscover it.
Welcome Diane. I'm so glad you're here. I really hope that this process will help you discover yourself in new ways. I'm looking forward to hearing how you got on during your first week... please do let us know 💕
Hi! I'm Ava, she/he/they, in Denver, CO. Thank you, Clare, for organizing and opening up this space! I'm on week 2 currently and finding (unsurprisingly) that Morning Pages are a challenge when our kids are home as one of them sleeps in our bed still and can smell the moment I roll over or exit the room lol. I'm likening TAW to my own ritual work and I'm excited to create the space; a space that is just me and mine, and figuring out what that will look like as a neurodivergent human, a mother, a writer (and sex worker, and and and) and a human existing under capitalism. I'm looking forward to staying connected with y'all xx
I hear you on the challenge of Morning Pages. I usually have to climb out from under a cozy cat to go write mine, and sometimes it's just too easy to stay cozy in bed! But I do them more mornings than I don't, and I benefit hugely from the practice.
I'm excited to hear how your experiene of The Artist's Way unfolds this time around, and feel very grateful to be in community with you! x
Hi, I am Liza. I am a lucky survivor of a terrorist and I am here to reconnect with morning pages as a healing practice after a recent breakup from a toxic relationship. I write two Substack publications, which you can find here: https://open.substack.com/pub/scatteredcrumbsandtangledtales and https://open.substack.com/pub/lizadebevec?r=qclcq&utm_medium=ios I look forward to meeting all the lovely people in this community.
Welcome Liza! I'm so glad you're here 💕
Clare, you have presented such a sustainable, helpful and heart-opening way to do The Artist’s Way. I appreciate that. I will read chapter 1 this evening for while I’ve done the Artist’s Way many times & kept morning pages pretty consistently for years I slouch on solo Artist’s Dates and there’s a lot of richness in her tasks & exercises I’ve either never done or would do well to revisit. I would love a virtual gathering, I live in Barcelona, CET. I am 64, a journalist, copywriter and novelist, recently moved to Spain permanently (I have dual citizenship & one daughter lives in Barcelona, the other in Paris). I write ‘Living in 3D.” https://substack.com/@amybrown?r=2l337&utm_medium=ios
Welcome aboard Amy. It's so great to have you 💕
It's always interesting to hear perspectives from folks who've already connected deeply with The Artist's Way. I completed it for the first time last year, so I'm relatively new to a lot of the ideas. Like you, I've developed a strong Morning Pages practice over the last decade or so but I could use some help prioritising my Artist's Dates. This community has already prompted me to make more time for the things that bring me creative joy. 💕
I am resisting my resistance , so my old but pretty pristine copy of The Artists Way has made it from the shelf to the bed. I will gladly follow along and see where the turning of all the pages takes me. Thank you for this offering Clare and the encouragement to give it a generous go. ❤️
Welcome Jillian. I'm so glad you're here 💕
"A generous go" is the perfect way to describe what we're doing here. It won't be perfect, but we're giving it a shot! And it sounds like you're already off to a great start! When a book moves from my shelf to my bed, I know I'm getting serious about it! Especially if it's a book I've had for a while.
P.S. I'm excited to discover your newsletter too, and am looking forward to reading more from you in my inbox!
Hi everyone!
I'm Kaitlyn from Canada, but I've been living in Thailand for the past 8 years.
I'm looking forward (and slightly resistant) to going through The Artist's Way with all of you. I'm hoping to finish it this time around, as I've tried a couple times before and dropped it part way through. Hopefully this time is different 🤞 I'm especially looking forward to getting back into morning pages because I know how good they make me feel. I'd also like to move more gently through the process this time because I think the pressure and perfectionism is what tripped me up in the past.
Thank you for getting us all together, Clare!
Welcome Kaitlyn!
I'm sure you're not the only one feeling a little resistance as we embark on this process. I'm excited to get started, but there is a little part of me thinking "what the hell are you doing gathering all these people?! What happens when you have a hard week and can't get your shit together?!"
I'm trying (& so far succeeding) at calming that voice, but it is there. And I think it's better to be honest about it.
Best of luck with the morning pages - don't worry if you miss a morning or two! Life happens, but knowing how useful they are usually helps me get back on track pretty quickly.
And if you ever need a bit of reassurance that you don't have to do The Artist's Way perfectly, please do let us know. Most of us are in that same boat, I think!
Thanks for being here Kaitlyn - I'm excited to see how the next few months will unfold (for us both!) 💕
Hi, Clare & all in the group. I do so apologise, a few days late and I think I posted in the wrong order. I'm in the west, Irish time.
New to, but not unaware of, The Artists Way - I think I always wondered what was it all about?
And I think I was a little sceptical Of what? I don't know if I truly know. ..,
I'm trying to queue less in the suffering dept. and perfectionism & writing make a perfect cocktail for both wonderful and disastrous concoctions.
Having started to learn somatic breathing last year, it pains me now to think of all that holding of breath I didn't even know I was doing - maybe a hope for a similar effect with The Artist's Way, new or newer things will reveal or waken,
Thanks, Clare, for organising the group.
Very much looking forward to walking this with others.
Goodnesses to all from this neck of the woods.
Michelle
Welcome Michelle. I'm so glad you're here 💕
Your certainly not the only one to be skeptical of The Artist's Way and all it's talk of magic and God and creative flow! But we can be skeptical and still experiment a little and see what we might find. Or at least that's how I've approached this process in the past.
I love what you said about somatic breathing too. Creativity is an embodied thing and one of my big lessons from my last experience with The Artist's Way was to allow creativity to be less about my head (plans, deadlines, rigid structures) and instead make room for play and exploration. That's still an ongoing process for me, to be honest. I love a good plan! But I'm excited to see how I might embrace the less structured side of myself through the weeks ahead.
Thanks for being here Michelle - I'm excited to see how this process unfolds for us both over the coming months! 💕
Clare, thanks so much taking the time to reply. It is so kind of you. And it’s been a week! I’m really glad I keep wedging the space for myself, even if things getting a little pushed, I’m making the space. I am entirely new to interacting on substack, in terms of contributing, so I feel a little out of my element trying to acclimatise and figure how how to like or share and comment - forgive if I’m late to the game on this front. And again, thanks for making the space to do this, it feels entire yellow/gold, so sun-like, and for that, sending a smile. Maybe remind me of that half way through?! Goodnesses in meantime.
Clare, I don't know if I'll actually find the time, but I feel compelled to try. The last time I did the Artist Way, I met you, so it's not like I got nothing out of it. :) I also really enjoyed the no-media week, so it would be neat to at least get to that point.
Not a big fan of the morning pages, I have to say - I see their usefulness in theory, but it never did much for me. The dates, though, would be nice to take me out of the house, once it's stopped snowing. If it ever stops snowing.
Oh hey, let me try and be polite: my name is Albe [AL-buh], they/them, I am in Ontario, Canada (Eastern time). Let's do this!
Or, you do it and I cheer you on, I don't know, we'll see!
Welcome Albe.
Maybe you won't find the time but that's OK. If you do a handful of artist dates and enjoy the magic of the no-media week (also one of my favourites!), that'll be more than you would have done without this process. Even if it's just a temporary return to creativity, I think that's still really valuable.
And if you need to drop out at some point, feel free to drop back in! There's no "homework" here. Nobody will be checking if you read the materials. We're all just trying to squeeze in a bit more creativity in our already over-stuffed lives!
I LOVED meeting you through my last Artist's Way experience - it was one of the highlights! How could I ever forget your line about The Artist's Way the broke ass way? It still makes me smile! 😂
And yes, please do stick around and cheer us on! I've felt really excited and optimistic about this process this week, but I know there's gonna be a dip at some point! A bit of encouragement goes a long way and we'd all really appreciate it 💕
Im rooting for everyone!
💕💕
Hi, I'm Jeannie (she/her). I write about resilience on my Substack, I GROW STRONG AGAIN: https://jeannieewing.substack.com/
I've read The Artist's Way twice, most recently last year when I also used the accompanying journal.
Just last night, during a writing circle I participate in, we were discussing the idea of audacity, and I thought of this chapter where Julia Cameron said it really takes a certain level of audacity to be an artist and to make your way as one in this often cutthroat industry. When I think of audacity, it's not in a negative connotation. I think of it as being confident, bold, and taking necessary, healthy creative risks in order to pursue your dreams.
Audacity, for me, is directly contacting artists I love to tell them how their art has impacted my life! Often, they respond. Artists need to know they are valued and that the work they do matters, which is why I love celebrating other artists (including here on Subtack--hi Clare!).
Welcome Jeannie. I'm so grateful that you're here 💕
I love your interpretation of audacity. I see it as a positive thing too. To me, it's a kind of leap toward the possible, a vote of confidence in a person's creative work and ambitions. I'm not sure creativity is possible without a little bit of gumption to try something new, or keep going with something old. It's a lovely invitation to think about trying to find a little more audacity in my work, so thank you for planting that seed my friend 💕
Yes! Audacity has been a form of courage for me, which does not happen naturally. I used to be a shy, timid girl and have worked hard to take those risks in approaching others to say, “Hey, I love your work. Maybe you and I can connect sometime?” or collaborate or whatever. I have to remember that there’s always a possibility they will say no or even ignore (reject) me. But sometimes they don’t. And that’s why it’s worth it to at least try.
It's always worth a try. What a great mantra for both life and creativity! 💕
Hello Clare, I'm Tracey (she/her) from Ontario, Canada. I pulled the Artist's Way from my actor-daughter's bookshelf many months ago (she used it as part of her theatre performance program) after it was recommended by a fellow writer. After reading the introduction, I was turned of by many things you mentioned (e.g., the God/spiritual wording, the being told what to do, the personal anecdotes that felt like advertisements instead of motivation), so I've let it sit, telling myself I'll give it a chance 'when I have time.'
I came across your post and was drawn to the idea of using the Artist's Way as a guide to creativity through the lens of trauma recovery. So, I hope for my writing and creativity to benefit from this practice as well as using it as another tool to process past trauma (which I do mostly through writing). I'm hoping the structure and community you're providing here will help me work through the book – I know if I were doing it on my own I'd stop somewhere near the beginning, I still might, but at least I'll have some support should I want to try and stick with it! I look forward to exploring this creative practice with you. Thank you!
Oh, and my Substack is Write Out of Hiding: https://writeoutofhiding.substack.com. Prompted by the discovery of a 50-year secret about my identity, I write about what it was like to discover my dad is not my biological father and the identity crisis and life changes that ensued. I write personal narratives about family relationships, the cascading effects of childhood trauma, and the cost of keeping secrets from ourselves and others.
Hi Tracey, thanks for being here and for sharing a little of your story!
Writing was a huge part of my recovery from trauma, so I hope this will be a useful community for you. Please take care of yourself through this process too - writing about hard stuff can be a lot, and I've found good self-care to be essential in that process.
I'm excited to have discovered your newsletter too. I've subscribed and look forward to reading more of your work in my inbox! 💕
P.S. If you do end up stopping somewhere along the way, that's OK. Our goal here is exploration rather than completion, and you're very welcome to dip in and out in whatever way makes sense for you.
Thanks, Clare!
I did the first morning pages this morning and stopped after two pages – it was more time-consuming than I thought, or maybe I write small. lol. I'll try for three tomorrow. :)
Two pages is a great result on your first morning! I'm never too strict about the length TBH. In the beginning I wanted to reach my target but these days I just write until I feel "done" which is sometimes 2 pages and sometimes 5. Those are special mornings when I feel really connected with my creative work. But there are also a lot of mornings when I need to stop because my to do list is glaring up at me and I need to start work! 😉
Thanks for the reminder that rules are only useful when they serve a purpose, and in writing and art we should honour what feels right. ☺️
Yes! In creative work, we get to make the rules 💕
What a wonderful project! Good luck Clare and everyone taking part!! I will devour future posts and direct my FOMO energy into creative pursuits :)
Also, great point on handwriting, must do that more often...
Thank you Adina 💕 I really appreciate your support. Please do keep in touch. Even if you're not technically "taking part", I'd still love to hear your reactions to the posts ahead.
Clare, I love your approach to the Artist’s Way, taking account survivors’ perspectives. I am happy that I first did the Artist’s Way two years ago because I would not at a place in my life emotionally, creatively and spiritually but I am a bit sad I didn’t do it YOUR way the first time 🩷 I am envious of people doing it the first time with you
I loved reading about how you first started writing your morning pages! I had the exact same experience, that how could I find time amidst my hectic life and the pages led me through horror as well only to now helping me shape my life to my liking and being a cornerstone for my emotional wellbeing. After two years of writing my pages, it shifted from feeling all my darkest emotions on the pages to quickly processing my emotional state and brainstorm ideas for the future or the day ahead. It’s such a beautiful shift to view from a distance and I feel connected to you that you had a similar experience. Also your thoughts on affirmations👌 I love the connection to gaslighting and it might explain why it’s extremely hard for me to do them
My introduction🩷
I’ll jump in at week 8 where I left the Artist’s Way off last year when I attempted it for the second time. I hope it’s okay that I’ll do it this way. I’m Mazsi (she/her) from Budapest, Hungary and I write the Whatever substack (mazsi.substack.com) about healing, growth and everything inbetween. Check out my personal essays ranging from perfectionism, manifestation to doing the Artist’s Way last year for the second time
Thanks Mazsi. I'm so happy that you'll get to do The Artist's Way "Life after Trauma-style" from week 8. To me, there's no "right" way to do it though I am hoping to create a gentler framework for it it here, and I really appreciate your kind words about that 💕
I related to your description of how the morning pages have evolved over time. Once I've written about my dreams and whatever anxieties/feelings have bubbled to the surface of my consciousness overnight, I do often get into planning my day. I try not to lean too much into planning mode though. We're human beings, not human doings after all. Or at least, I strive to be more of a 'being' than a 'doer'!
Of course it's OK to jump in at the time that makes sense for you. I love that you're adapting this process so it makes sense for you and your life! If you have thoughts/reflections on the earlier weeks of the process, I hope you'll chime in with those too. It'd be interesting to see how they've stayed with you over the last 2 years!
I also wanted to share this post you wrote about The Artist's Way from last year, as I think it might resonate with other folks here: https://mazsi.substack.com/p/my-artists-way-journey
So excited to be on this adventure with you Mazsi. I can't wait to see how it'll evolve (for us both!) over the months ahead. 💕
I love your idea of human beings vs human doings! So true! And I agree with your thoughts on planning mode. It's way nicer to dream up stuff and taking steps than creating elaborate plans to inevitably fail at and feel bad about
Perhaps this is a place that dreaded idea of 'balance'? I had that word/concept. Life is almost never balanced, but there needs to be some harmony between the things we dream up and the things we try to bring to life.
I love the connectedness between what we dream up and what we give birth to.
Brilliant, I love reading and doing Julia Cameron
Welcome Therese! I love Julia Cameron's work and think I'm gonna get a lot from this process. I hope you do too 💕
I know I will. I have done TAW 3 times before. My book is falling apart it's so well used. I've mined a lot out of it, but it still holds more secrets and treasures.
I *love* a falling apart, dog-earred, annotated, well loved book. They feel like friends to me, and The Artist's Way is a particularly wise one 💕
Ditto. Can't wait.
Hi, I'm Angie (she/her). Joining from the wilds of western New York. I've started The Artist's Way multiple times and never finished. Hoping a renewed focus on journaling the last several months and your gentle approach helps me break through my resistance. Looking forward to the journey.
Welcome Angie. It's so great to have you 💕 Hopefully some gentle community support will help accompany you through this process. Thanks for being here. I'm excited to see how it'll unfold (for us both!) 💕
I've only received a few feedback comments, but they kept me feeling really great about my writing for a long while....I love the idea of keeping them in a file. Another great suggestion I can take from your writing Clare! Thanks for sharing :)
https://substack.com/@tarab71
You're so welcome, Tara. 💕 That praise file really helps me to keep going, especially when I receive a bunch of rejections as I did last week!
I just checked out (& subscribed) to your newsletter, and I'm excited to get more of your beautiful writing in my inbox. I love how you chronicle the process of learning to take care of yourself in big and small ways. That's been a big part of my recovery from childhood trauma too. Your writing voice feels so authentic, and your vulnerability in sharing the truth of your experiences helps the reader feel like they're not alone.
I hope you'll consider adding this note into your praise file, Tara and that the kind things people say about your work might buoy you through the tough moments. That's certainly been the case for me.
Thanks for being here, and for sharing a little of your experience with the community. I really appreciate it 💕
Hi, I'm Tara in Pittsburgh PA EST
https://substack.com/@tarab71
Welcome Tara. I'm so glad you're here 💕
Hi, I am Diane. I am retired. When I stopped working I lost my direction as I had no hobbies or friends. I have lost my authentic self and looking for ways to rediscover it.
Welcome Diane. I'm so glad you're here. I really hope that this process will help you discover yourself in new ways. I'm looking forward to hearing how you got on during your first week... please do let us know 💕
Hi! I'm Ava, she/he/they, in Denver, CO. Thank you, Clare, for organizing and opening up this space! I'm on week 2 currently and finding (unsurprisingly) that Morning Pages are a challenge when our kids are home as one of them sleeps in our bed still and can smell the moment I roll over or exit the room lol. I'm likening TAW to my own ritual work and I'm excited to create the space; a space that is just me and mine, and figuring out what that will look like as a neurodivergent human, a mother, a writer (and sex worker, and and and) and a human existing under capitalism. I'm looking forward to staying connected with y'all xx
Welcome Ava! I'm so glad you're here 💕
I hear you on the challenge of Morning Pages. I usually have to climb out from under a cozy cat to go write mine, and sometimes it's just too easy to stay cozy in bed! But I do them more mornings than I don't, and I benefit hugely from the practice.
I'm excited to hear how your experiene of The Artist's Way unfolds this time around, and feel very grateful to be in community with you! x