The Book Tea

Recently I came across the idea of “morning pages” from a Youtube video. I had heard that writing in the morning was a great way to access creativity. So I googled “morning pages” and came across The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a book older than me. I’ve always been interested in writing and would definitely say I’m a little blocked creatively. I decided to see for myself if the lessons in the book could help me find my most creative self. I feel like this is important, especially in this time of pandemic when it is easy to get blocked creatively from an overwhelming anxiety about the world. So, while everything around us seems to be mostly chaos I’ve decided to turn within and give The Artist’s Way a try. Every morning I am supposed to write three longhand pages about whatever comes to mind. I am also to take myself out on an “artist’s date” once a week. This second part might be a little challenging given the current situation, but I guess that will just need to be another exercise in creativity. Lastly, every week has different tasks to accomplish to help unlock the artist within. So, here we go. 12 weeks. A lot of writing. Probably some hand cramps and hopefully at least one creative breakthrough.

Here’s my creativity contract taken directly from the book:

“I, Rianne, understand that I am undertaking an intensive, guided encounter with my own creativity. I commit myself to the 12-week duration of the course. I commit to weekly reading, daily morning pages, a weekly artist date, and the fulfillment of each week’s tasks.

I further understand that this course will raise issues and emotions for me to deal with. I commit myself to excellent self-care, adequate sleep, diet, and exercise, and pampering for the duration of the course.

Signed,

Rianne

May 18, 2020