The Artist’s Way: Week Ten

Week Ten was all about the toxic patterns we use to block energy and halt change. This can be overindulging in food, sex, work, or anything else we can get obsessed about. Our obsessive habits help us avoid feelings of discomfort, including the uncomfortable realization of our life’s boundless possibilities if we allowed ourselves to be more playful and creative. “Workaholism” - I always struggle with that word - WTF is workahol? - is the most socially accepted and celebrated form of avoidance we engage in. Interestingly, despite this caution, I spent a lot more time planning for work projects and dedicated very little time to creative activities this week. My artist’s date was taking the dog for a walk. Even that felt like a victory, simple and uncreative as it was.

Cameron also wrote about periods of drought and the importance of sticking with the morning pages during these times. When we feel we are in creative drought, the morning pages can provide clarity and compassion. I did find comfort in my morning pages this week, even as I set aside some of the creative projects I had begun. It does feel like the start of a drought. Or perhaps because I actually created something last week I’m taking a creative U-turn? I don’t know. But I ended the week with low energy and little enthusiasm for creativity or anything related to The Artist’s Way. I’m planning to push through - only two weeks to go - this period of drought. But the energy behind it is gone all of a sudden. Sigh.