The Artist Way Journey

Discovering and Recovering Your Creative (& Spiritual) Self

Many of us wish we were more creative. Many of us sense we are more creative, but unable to effectively tap that creativity. Our dreams elude us. Our lives feel somehow flat. Often we have great ideas, wonderful dreams, but are unable to actualise them for ourselves…..
We hunger for what might be called creative living- an expanded sense of creativity in our (work) lives, in sharing with (family) and friends.”
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

I invite you to join me for The Artist Way Journey to your creative and spiritual self in 2022…

What I love about the Artist Way…

I first completed the Artist Way by Julia Cameron in a small group of wise women in 2015 and it truly transformed my life! I had dabbled in being creative since school (mostly a little pottery) and making things with my kids. I knew I liked being creative but I was actually terrified to pick up a paint brush in case I got it ‘wrong’ or was ‘bad’ at painting…now I can’t stop art journalling with a paint brush…even though it is still messy, imperfect and mostly for my own personal process!

But the Artist Way is so much more than rediscovering your creativity – it is about discovering your creative & spiritual SELF, about finding a spiritual path to living a more creative and flexible life…and for me that is where the transformation happens….in discovering more of my true authentic Self. When I established the process of stream of consciousness writing (the morning pages), connected with my playful inner child (my inner artist) and strengthened my connection to the Divine, the larger mystery of life… more of my decisions in life were guided by my heart and soul and not by old habits/patterns and conditioning. And so the journey of living life more creatively and flexibly, from my heart and soul continues…

I am really interested in Internal Family Systems at the moment and I love their eight C’s of the (authentic) Self Energy & Self-leadership that we all have inside of us if/when we can access them: Curiousity, Calm, Confidence, Compassion, Creativity, Clarity, Courage and Connectedness. I believe that the Artist Way Journey, using the book, the morning pages, the journaling exercises, sharing the journey with kindred spirits, using meditation, visualisation, intuitive movement and art journaling all support us to access our authentic Self.

I still do stream of consciousness journalling daily (such a powerful process), as well as connect in with my spiritual self (through meditation, visualisation and journalling) and take my inner child on artist dates as I strengthen my regular creative process…The Artist Way gave me powerful daily and weekly practices that I continue to use and continue to experience the benefits as I live life more and more from my authentic creative and spiritual self.

I’m really looking forward to diving in to The Artist Way again in early 2022 to explore more of Julia Cameron’s Journalling exercises… for me it is one of the best programs for the after-effects to be rippling out into your life years after you have completed it and it is something you can come back to again and again!!

What you are doing is creating pathways in your consciousness through which the creative forces can operate. Once you agree to clearing these pathways, your creativity emerges.”
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

May we all unfurl and unfold in our own time in 2022

Creativity is an experience-to my eye, a spiritual experience. It does not matter which way you think of it: creativity leading to spirituality or spirituality leading to creativity.”
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

Process

Each week we will explore the theme of a chapter of The Artist Way through meditation/visualisation, intuitive movement/dance, art journalling and sharing…We will share our journey and related resources online and there will be recordings online for the meditations/visualisations and journalling exercise if you miss a week.

Week 1: Recovering a Sense of Safety & Introduction
Week 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity
Week 3: Recovering a Sense of Power
Week 4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity
Week 5: Recovering a Sense of Possibility
Week 6: Recovering a Sense of Abundance
Week 7: Recovering a Sense of Connection
Week 8: Recovering a Sense of Strength
Week 9: Recovering a Sense of Compassion
Week 10: Recovering a Sense of Self-Protection
Week 11: Recovering a Sense of Autonomy
Week 12: Recovering a Sense of Faith & Conclusion

The expectation each week will be, before we gather, that you have read the relevant chapter, explored some of the journaling exercises and have been doing the basic tools (morning pages & inner artist date) so that you are able to share and gain as much as possible from our gathering each week.

As you learn to recognize, nurture, and protect your inner artist, you will be able to move beyond pain and creative constriction. You will learn ways to move beyond pain and creative constriction. You will learn ways to recognize and resolve fear, remove emotional scar tissue, and strengthen your confidence.“
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

Basic Tools

Daily/Weekly practices we will explore playing with between our weekly circles:

Morning Pages
Artist Date
Mindful Walk

Morning pages do get us to the other side: the other side of our fear, of our negativity, of our moods. Above all they get us beyond our Censor. Beyond the reach of the Censor’s babble we find our own quiet centre, the place where we hear the still, small voice that is at once our Creator’s and our own.”
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

Anyone who faithfully writes morning pages will be led to a connection with a source of wisdom within.
Julia Cameron in The Artist Way

When: Thursday 24th February 2022, 7:00-9:00pm AEST for 12 weeks (we will break for two Thursdays 14th & 21st April and finish on Thursday 26th May)
Venue: Online by zoom (If you would prefer to meet in person let me know, I hope to run this soon!)
Numbers Limited: Register Early and Ask Questions: Ph Sara 0458231968 or email: saraphillipsnsw@gmail.com
Donation: Earlybird: (book before 17th Feb, save $60): $240 (Donation to CanToo for cancer research for each registration, please donate here: https://www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/saraphillips/sydney-2km-ocean-swim-2022)

What you need?

Writing Journal and nice writing pen
Art Journal (A4 or larger) with basic pastels, watercolours or watercolour pencils
The Artist Way Book by Julia Cameron

Testimonial

Having journeyed with Sara for a number of years now in her online circle format, I can sooooo recommend her spaces that always allow and guide me back to myself and the wisdom that resides within me. Sara holds a grounded wisdom and deep humility and a strong intention to empower rather than take power. As someone who had to learn through numerous experiences of giving power away to others I can truly say that Sara creates a space within the circle where we all sit beside each other, a circle where every experience and perspective is valuable and welcomed and no one is less than or more than. A place to remember that you belong as your unique self perfectly imperfect. A place where you can digest Your unique experiences both challenging and joyful in a way that can provide a compass to living a life in connection with soul and heart. It is from this place that we hold a compass to walk our own unique path with respect and kindness and courage. Thankyou Sara your spaces have been foundational in finding my way back home to the deep heart wisdom within me .
Louise Kissane 9th July 2021

More Testimonials here

Book Review

Since its first publication, The Artist’s Way has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert, Tim Ferriss and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron guides readers in uncovering problems and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to open up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery.
The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery: The Morning Pages and The Artist Date. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter.
A revolutionary programme for personal renewal, The Artist’s Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity/

Find out more about the Artist Way book from the author Julia Cameron: here

Testimonial in 2020 copy of
The Artist Way by Julia Cameron

Rediscovering your creative and spiritual self blog: https://deepheartwisdom.com/2021/12/22/rediscovering-your-creative-spiritual-self/
Writing to Heal: https://deepheartwisdom.com/2021/10/07/writing-to-heal/
Benefits Of Mindfulness: https://deepheartwisdom.com/2021/08/23/benefits-of-mindfulness/

We can we stay awake to the struggles of the world and still cultivate JOY and connection with a strong back, soft front and wild heart.’
BRENE BROWN UNLOCKING US PODCAST