Although I don’t feel creatively blocked, I started working
on Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” a few days ago. The program is for people
who want to unleash creativity. I completed the exercises back in 1997, in
conjunction with going to a meditation school.
I had significant creative blocks in the ’90s, primarily due to violent relationship. It wasn’t a normal creative block, where you don’t feel like writing. I wanted to write, but didn’t feel safe enough. Anything that reminded me of that relationship produced flashbacks and other problems. So I disconnected from aspects of my creativity, including theater and playwriting.
It was a long journey to be able to write plays again. Part of that journey was completing The Artist’s Way. It wasn’t my only tool, but it sure helped.
A few years ago, I bought Cameron’s entire collection, including “The Artist’s Way,” “Walking in the World,” and “Finding Water.” I had just moved to Alabama and felt as thought I left myself back in Texas and New York City. I never had the time to do the exercises. Maybe it wasn’t appropriate in 2008.
Now, I feel compelled to widen my creative flow. I’m starting with the Morning Pages and Artist’s Date. After the New Year, I’ll begin to work my way through the weekly exercises.
This time, I’d like to regain my sense of freedom. I’ve spent a decade dealing with the business side of writing, which kills creativity. Too many people through the years have told me what to write, how to write and criticized what I’ve written. It’s unavoidable if you want to pursue writing professionally. Gradually, I’ve made myself smaller and smaller, caring more about what’s acceptable for other rather than what is true for myself.
