The Artist’s Way: Week Eight

The title of week eight was “Recovering a Sense of Strength.” The themes of the chapter were varied, including the need to train, like an athlete, in small steps each day; the need for audacity (rather than intellectualism;) and the need to acknowledge and heal our creative wounds by using them creatively.

I was helped immensely by the following idea from this chapter: “No creative act is ever finished.” Cameron wrote about how, even fully produced movies are still being edited and revised in the minds of the directors, long after production has wrapped. We can maintain the a sense of adventure by focusing on process, rather than outcome, and let a product stand, even when it isn’t perfect.

The other aspect of this week’s teachings was about just taking the next right step. Sharpening the pencils. Stopping by the supply store. There is always one action we can take on our creative journeys. This helps us redirect our anxiety into action, so we get unstuck. Sometimes our goals seem too lofty, too impossible. And it’s paralyzing. I did a lot of small steps this week - I organized my art supplies, sharpened my pencils, looked at beautiful books.

I was home with the kids this week and morning pages were more difficult. I managed to do them each day, but with distractions in the background many days. I also skipped my artist date. I woke at 4am today to write in order to find some peace and quiet and it was bliss. I’m tired but glad I got this all accomplished before anyone could interrupt me. Onto week 9!