The Artist’s Way Week #4

Week #4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity

Week number four requires you to deprive yourself of any leisurely reading. Reading for work is okay, but stay away from the books and newspapers. This was hard for me because I have 4 books sitting right beside me – two I am reading and two I just received and am anxious to read. I couldn’t give up reading emails. I read what was necessary. Okay, I cheated a bit with Facebook and Twitter, but not much. I was much too busy with Christmas fast approaching so was able to keep myself busy (and creative) with Christmas shopping. And I found myself motivated to write about my experience with The Artist’s Way so I actually did some writing too.

During this chapter we examine our feelings and buried dreams. I started by listing the things I could do instead of reading this week.

1.  Make an inspiration board.

2.  Paint Christmas figurine.

3.  Dance.

4.  Get back on the treadmill.

5.  Draw.

6.  Write.

7.  Edit

8.  Shop (Christmas)

9.  Cook – maybe make Mom’s fruit salad.

10.        Meditate – Pray.

As I mentioned last week, I did make my mother’s fruit salad. I did some writing and Christmas shopping. I attempted a drawing and collected the necessities for painting the figurine. I wrote and I always pray. I didn’t get to the other things at all.

In my morning pages I explored things that would be fun to do if I could, things that look like fun but would never do them, skills and classes I’d like to take, things I used to enjoy doing and silly things I’d like to try once. I found that hard because I don’t know what is considered silly. During this journey I have come to know that nothing is too silly. I’d like to be in a flash mob, do a silly picture photo session, do a prank show, go ghost hunting.

One of the tasks was to write at letter at age 80 to myself at my current age. I kind of got this task wrong as I found myself writing advice to myself instead of describing what my life “is” like at age 80. However, I learned something about myself: I am afraid of making friends because I am afraid of being hurt. I was hurt by friends many times when growing up. I now realize what really prevents me from making friends, or at least one reason. I told myself I am not in high school anymore. I will not be rejected. Having friends is a good feeling; they bring out the best in me, and I them.

I was to explore what I have been putting off doing. This was pretty obvious – working on my novel and getting back on the treadmill (exercising).

I don’t know whether I am writing morning pages properly, but I am writing them. They say it takes 3 weeks (21 days) to make (or break) a habit. After 4 weeks on The Artist’s Way journey I now start every day with morning pages. During the first couple of weeks I missed a day or two, or didn’t write until later in the day. Now I start my morning with a cup of tea and my morning pages. What a great way to start the day!

On Thursday I wrote: “So as far as this week is concerned I think I have been more creative. I have come up with new ideas. I have opened myself up to new things. I am pleased with my progress. I want it to continue though because I won’t be happy until I am back working on my novel.”

On Friday I realized that I am spending much less time on the computer, even losing interest in it.

Affirmations:

Creativity is within me. I have the ability to use it.

God is my creator. He made me creative.

I am a good friend and have plenty to share with others.