Whenever I pick up a book to read, I start flipping through it. From the back.
I’m not sure why I do this but I’ve always done it this way.
Something I saw on-line a few minutes ago (while browsing the internet) reminded me of the book, The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. I’m sure you’re familiar- as most artists are- but just in case you need a refresher…her books are geared toward artists reaching their higher creativity through various ways…one being the course, The Artists Way (hence the name of the book).
I went looking (in my library) and found the book on the shelf and began back flipping through it. I came across a page of “Rules of the Road”.
In order to be an artist, I must:
- Show up at the page. Use the page to rest, to dream, to try.
- Fill the well by caring for my artist.
- Set small and gentle goals and meet them.
- Pray for guidance, courage and humility.
- Remember that it is far harder and more painful to be a blocked artist than it is to do the work.
- Be alert, always, for the presence of the Great Creator leading and helping my artist.
- Choose companions who encourage me to do the work, not just talk about doing the work or why I am not doing the work.
- Remember that the Great Creator loves creativity.
- Remember that it is my job to do the work, not judge the work.
- Place this sign in my workplace: Great Creator, I will take care of the quantity. You take care of the quality.
I’ve had the book a couple of years now – maybe its time to read it.
‘The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves, they find their own order…the continuous thread of revelation”.
Eudora Welty