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Anonymous
Posted December 31, 1999
Dreams: Our fond hopes and aspirations. Dreams are born of crisis. Dreams are born of chance. Dreams are born of choice. The early to mid 1990's was an awful time for me an my family. Picture one bad thing crashing in on top of the other. 'Why God'?, I cried, more in despair,then anger. I was heartbroken. THE ARTIST'S WAY is a guide on the journey to recapture and nourish the things of our youth; spontaneity, joy, adventurousness, and creativity. 'In a sense,' writes author Julia Cameron, ' our lives become our work of art.' If Cameron is correct,then I had allowed my work to reflect a life filled with 'crazymakers,' 'dream killers,' and codependece. I had lost sight of precious priorities. The atrophy of success had dulled my sense of possibility. Using her own life illustrations, Julia Cameron presents a progression of exercises for a twelve week program to reclaim 'the creative self.' I recommend 'reading deprivation.' ('For most blocked creatives reading is an addiction. We gobble the words of others rather than digest our own thoughts and feelings, rather than cook up something of our own.') I also recommend affirmations.(Put them in writing.) Cameron calls THE ARTIST'S WAY her spiritual journey,'a pilgrimage home to the self.' It is for me.
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 20, 2008
On Christmas of 1994 my husband gave me this book by my request. I began The Artist's Way the next day and threw myself into the program lock, stock and barrel. Now, all these years later, I can honestly say that this book was among one of my major influences in life. I not only became more aware of my creativity, I learned to be aware of times when I let it go lax, so that I can reclaim it. There is never anything like the first time you go through the 12 weeks. I tried to recreate the experience, but it is never as powerful. I advise anyone doing this to do ALL the steps. Do not skip things like reading deprivation and the money issues because otherwise you will miss something you need to understand the larger process. TAW has brought many wonderful things to my life, not the least gave me the courage to begin college at the age of 43. Now I am an English teacher and I love my career. One of the things colleagues always say is that I am creative. It is a direct result of living the principles of this book. It is never too late to find the creative life. Don't just BUY this book -- take it for all its worth!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 28, 2006
This book is awesome! I re-connected with thoughts and dreams I'd either forgotten or never knew I had. The 'as a kid' exercise ( pg. 125) helps dredge up some of those thoughts and dreams. In the exercise, you complete several sentences. For example, 'As a kid, I missed the chance to . . .' or 'As a kid, I lacked . . .' or 'As a kid, I dreamed of being . . . .' I discovered that I thought extreme snowboarding, jai alai, and poker are fun things I'd never do (page 87). One of my favorite exercises was to list 20 things for 'If I didn't have to do it perfectly, I would try. . .' Tango lessons. Surfing. Flower arranging. Wearing a kimono. Writing a verse play. This book asks you to make lots of lists--which I liked. From the 'five people you admire' to 'five favorite childhood foods' (pages 76-77). Ovaltine rocks!!! And so does this book.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 12, 2006
I had been artistically dead for 7 years. This book found ME. From the first page to the last I felt that it was written just for me. I am not an easy sell when it come s to 'self-help'at all but this book saved my life and I am experiencing successes that I could not have dreamed of earlier. If you are an artist or want to understand yourself better, this book will help you.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Artist's Way is a profound exploration into creative recovery. Never before have I found a book that is so aligned with my own person value system, and never before has book so immensely impacted my life in a positive way. In The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron has developed a life-changing 12-week course in discovering the meaning of life.
I've always known that my creativity is the life force that drives me, but I have never understood why I was so intensely blocked. From the first few pages of The Artist's Way, I knew I had stumbled into a course that was going to take me deeper into discovering things about myself that I had never previously understood. Fundamental to success in the course are two foundational elements: The Morning Pages and Artist Dates. The Morning Pages are three hand-written daily journal pages written first things in the morning, a stream-of-consciousness purging of problems, fears, concerns, hopes, dreams, and anything else that consumes the mind. The Artist Date is a weekly excursion to be taken alone with the intention of refilling the mind with new ideas and revitalization after a week of creative effort.
Cameron's approach to creativity is rooted in spirituality, and her concepts are dependent upon acceptance of some higher power, who she refers to as The Great Creator. According to Cameron, everyone has access to the creative flow of the universe, and being creative is inherent in our nature. Understanding the root causes of blocked creativity (fear, upbringing, society, stereotypes, misperceptions) is the first step in becoming unblocked.
Over the course of 12-weeks, Cameron forces her readers into some of their darkest places, uncovering and acknowledging demons that have molded them into the fearful and doubtful individuals they are today. Through a series of therapeutic writing exercises and other activities, these issues are dealt with head-on. Cameron explores the concept of the Censor, the inner voice that tells us we are not talented, original, or worthy of a creative life. The Artist's Way teaches its readers how to recognize and silence those debilitating thoughts.
As I proceeded through the 12-weeks of the course, I found myself astonished at how accurately my own creative recovery reflected the stages in the book. From week to week, I was amazed at how Cameron's essays seemed to speak directly to the exact point at which I had arrived in my own creative recovery. Prior to this course, I felt that I had no time to accomplish anything. Having finished the course, I find myself rising early and writing every morning and ending each day by painting. I have learned to love and appreciate the process of creating without focusing on the end product of my work. Additionally, finding satisfaction in my own creativity has had a profound physical impact as well. I've lost weight, am exercising more, and enjoying life more than ever. This is the best book I have ever read.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 8, 2009
If you need help with breaking through the many seeming blocks to expressing your unigue contribution to the form of art you love, (writing,fine art,acting,music) you will love this book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 20, 2009
This book teaches you to connect with your creative self with specific weekly tasks. I have now been writing daily for the last year since first reading and completing the tasks. I have since given the book as gifts to three friends experiencing creative droughts. This may jump start you if you are blocked in your personal and professional relationships, in the midst of career crisis and more. Enjoy!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 2, 2009
I really enjoy this book. It is really helpful for everyday life as well as for preparing for an artistic endeavor.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 14, 2010
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I never knew I was creative before and now I am painting and doing thing with my artist side that I never knew were possible! This was a wonderful book. I recommend doing this with a book club! We loved it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 16, 2010
I Also Recommend:
in fact she'll help you get back in sync with this 12 week program. I know because I am on my 3rd round. Ive used it to get back into my artistic creative self, write fiction, even applied to recovering from diabetes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 8, 2010
This is an amazing book that was originally suggested to me by a counselor when I was going through a difficult depression. This book takes you on a week by week process with the tasks and chapters guiding you to realize the things that you truly want for yourself. I truly believe that this book is helpful to anyone who tries it. It's especially great for those who want to realize what their passion is or how to pursue that passion.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 21, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I read Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" in the late 90s and am pleased to return to it 10 years later with my "sacred group" - sharing it with my monthly prayer group is a true joy and blessing - revisiting it after 10 years and changing life experiences and being able to share the experience with this special group of women is truly life affirming. Cameron's work is a true spiritual guide to one's creative self.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2009
I read this book many years ago and continue to return to it for guidance and motivation. I have recommended it to many. I wish everyone would be interested in the insights Julia Cameron shares. The quotes from others are also interesting and helpful.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 1, 2009
Expand your life and grow to whom you were meant to be. Are you trapped doing the same things and yearning to reach your dreams? The Artist Way can catapult you into your dreams and broaden your life every day. The Artist Way allows for expansion and growth in 12 weeks. This book is priceless!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was one I picked up at a local library and had to have. After beginning the process for recovering my creativity and really reconnecting with the source of that creatvitiy, I began to flourish. My creative side surfaced. I began to write poems for my family, draw more often, and my hopes of writing a book has turned into two books that are just seeming to flow right from the pen. Most importantly, I have a better sense of those blocks that have been set in place from early in life and how they can be overcome.
Cameron has a wonderful way of expressing her methods, and she is sound in her delivery. We are truly all creative simply because we are born of creation. Why would we not be creative? With weekly assignments and daily routines that do not take much time, we can begin to stir those parts of us that we may never have known exist. We will have more peace about when our "art" is to be presented, and it doesn't all have to be for fame and recognition. It should be about creating first,and expressing who it is that we are made to be. The rest will follow. I recommmend this book to anyone who wants to express themselves in a more creative and loving way with any type of medium.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 28, 2007
I was given this book on my birthday last year. I originally met it with severe skepticism but, with taking a leap of faith and taking the plunge, I fell in love with it. It is universally applicable to all types of creativity as well as all levels. As a singer songwriter I have found the morning pages quite helpful...there have been some amazing moments where the pen and paper directed my mind and hand...the creator truly was working through me. BUY THIS FOR ANY CREATIVE PERSON IN YOUR LIFE! THEY WILL APPRECIATE THE POSITIVE TRANSFORMAION THE BOOK FACILITATES!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 1, 2003
I joined An Artist Way Group twelve weeks ago and within that time I have learned so much about myself. I have discovered that I actuallly enjoy writing, reading, gardening, meeting new people etc. etc. The book was a wonderful tool for change. So many encouraging quotes and a no nonsense approach to discovering your artistic talents - art is individual - music, writing, painting, singing, spiirituality, photography, whatever gives you creative pleasure. the mornng pages are wonderful, frustrating, creative, fun, annoying, plesureable, and all the other emotions in between! they are addictive in the nicest posssible way! Working with this book within a group is so supportive and challenging, give it a go .. yo have so much to gain.. time out for you ... discovering a hidden talent, a hidden you. So go on let yourself blossom, the world needs you.. Go For It!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 25, 2002
Because of the lessons I learned in this book, I am beginning to realize dreams I've had since I was a child. And it feels GOOD!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 27, 2001
I am a professional musician who's come to a crossroads careerwise. I felt like the weight of a giant hand was holding me down. Then I picked up this book. Just doing the basics,the morning pages, changed my life. I now start each day with a jump (literally) instead of dread and accompanining questions. Also I've let myself explore other aspects of creativity in other fields 'just for fun', and as a result I feel further enriched as a person.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 12, 1999
I can't tell you how many self-help books I have read that sound so inspiring, feel so right... then nothing changes. This is NOT one of those books. This book will change your life if you let it. It is a 12 week program for unblocking the artist within, and it is working for me and and at least 4 others that I know. This book is worth it's weight in gold!! I really can't say enough about it. If you are a budding artist; be it a painter, musician, writer, photographer or even a baker, let this book work its magic on you. It has even inspired me to make a website devoted to it's theories!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
The Artist's Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist's life. Still as vital today-or perhaps even more so-than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist's Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist's Way for a new century.