The Artist’s Way & Morning Pages

In 1992, Julie Cameron, an author, artist and poet (among other talents she possesses) wrote a wildly popular book called “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.”

This self-help book was written to help people with artistic creative recovery, which teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills. (Wikipedia)

“Cameron maintains throughout the book that creative inspiration is from and of a divine origin and influence, that artists seeking to enable creativity need to understand and believe in. In an interview, she states that ‘God is an artist. So are we. And we can cooperate with each other.’ And that our ‘creative dreams and longings do come from a divine source, not from the human ego.’” (from The Artist’s Way with Julie Cameron. Sounds True)

“Morning Pages” is one of the main exercises in the book that is the foundation of all the other exercises presented. The idea is when you wake up in the morning, you write three pages (at least) in long-hand on paper (I use a hardback journal)— not on a computer screen or digital pad—non-stop until you’ve written three pages. You’re not creating a novel or something that you necessarily share with others (unless you want to). It’s more for allowing yourself and giving yourself permission to let the creative, inspirational and imaginative “inner tap” freely flow. This exercise is not about being an accomplished writer or for writers only. It’s a way to tease out the artist in you, whatever or however that may show up.

I’ve been doing the “Morning Pages” most mornings since October 2019. I go in stretches of on-and-off days of not writing and I find that when I haven’t done the pages, I really miss doing the exercise. It’s one of the main exercises that supports me in accessing my own inner world. What I’ve noticed with this exercise, is that I work out solutions to problems, or reflect upon the previous day’s activities that have impacted me emotionally, mentally or spiritually, or  jostle with an idea for a poem or the best way to build an outdoor table. As another tool in the SMGI® toolbelt, I’ve also had self-journeys where I’m writing out what’s happening inside of me. In those moments, I’ve been able to achieve clarity and resolution, along with parts rescues and integrations.

I definitely recommend this book, and the various exercises, especially the “Morning Pages.” You may find that it may be a wonderful addition to accessing your inner world.