As any working creative knows, the work never stops—and that includes work on ourselves. I was first introduced to Julia Cameron’s seminal book on creativity, “The Artist’s Way,” when I was an aspiring singer/songwriter in New York. My guitar teacher had it sitting on his bookshelf and recommended it to me. 

Back then, my ego got in the way. “I don’t need someone to tell me how to be creative or how to be an artist. I’m already an artist!”

As the years went on, I learned many lessons on my creative journey but I can’t help but think I could have learned so much faster had I picked up this book and worked through it early on.

But here we are, many many years later and despite having matured a ton as a creative person, I still hadn’t read “The Artist’s Way.”

I decided to change that in January 2024 and set up an online group to do the book together.

Despite everything I learned about creativity over the years, there was still so much to be uncovered in “The Artist’s Way” for me. To say it’s been transformational would be an understatement. 

I chronicled my journey through “The Artist’s Way” these last 12 weeks on my podcast, “Creative Space,” in the hopes it would inspire some sparks of insight in whoever may be listening. (There are 2 bonus episodes as well: one that covers the introductory chapter and one that recaps my overall experience.)

And it’s important to note—you don’t need to wear the label of a traditional “artist” to do “The Artist’s Way.” Everyone from bankers to lawyers to software developers has an inner artist child that’s waiting to be nurtured. (Heck, even writers for the New York Times have given it a go!) Even if your goal isn’t to publicly produce creative work of some kind, it will, in the very least, make you a much happier and fulfilled person.

Here’s a link to purchase your own copy of “The Artist’s Way” and below, you’ll find a podcast episode on each chapter as I went through the book myself for the first time.

Enjoy! 

BONUS: Introduction: Diving into “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

Join me on a 12-week journey of creative rediscovery, inspired by Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” Together with a vibrant creative cluster from across the U.S. and Canada, we’ll explore concepts like morning pages and artist dates. In this episode, I’ll delve into these fundamentals, setting the stage for a transformative adventure ahead.

Episode 1: Week 1—Recovering a Sense of Safety

In this episode of “Creative Space,” we explore concepts from Week 1 of Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” centered around reclaiming a sense of safety within our creative journey.

I delve into three fundamental ideas: shadow artists, core negative beliefs, and affirmations, drawing from personal experiences as a journalist and the nuanced struggles of shadow artists. Together, we uncover the layers of suppressed creativity and the lasting impact early discouragement can have on our creative drive.

Episode 2: Week 2—Recovering a Sense of Identity

This week, we examine how external influences and internal skepticism can hinder our creative growth, using relatable anecdotes like my own struggles with self-doubt. Through introspection, we confront these barriers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ourselves as creatives. One standout concept from this chapter is the power of attention—finding delight in the present moment and noticing the small joys around us. As we learn to pay attention, we uncover what truly moves us, fostering a deeper connection with our creative identity.

Episode 3: Week 3—Recovering a Sense of Power

This chapter brought some major shifts for me. Cameron talks about the importance of anger, synchronicity, and shame. Anger actually isn’t something to suppress but a map showing our boundaries and desires. And synchronicity? It’s like an answered prayer from the universe, nudging us along on the right path. Doing the work this week has made me feel braver and more grounded than ever. 

Episode 4: Week 4—Recovering a Sense of Integrity

The focus for this week is “Recovering a Sense of Integrity,” and it’s all about letting go of previously accepted limits and experimenting with spiritual open mindedness.

There is so much to cover but there are three core principles we’ll talk about: honest changes, kriya, and reading deprivation.

Episode 5: Week 5—Recovering a Sense of Possibility

In this episode, I discuss the notion of breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing spiritual open-mindedness, regardless of individual beliefs. Drawing from personal experiences and excerpts from the chapter, I explore the importance of surrendering control and remaining open to new possibilities in our creative pursuits. I share insights into Cameron’s powerful questions and concepts, such as:  finding the river and the virtue trap,  offering reflections on living a more fulfilling and creative life. Additionally, I share my thoughts on the chapter’s exercises, including the liberating act of indulging in forbidden joys.

Episode 6: Week 6—Recovering a Sense of Abundance

This chapter really struck a chord with me as we delved into our beliefs about God, money, and creative abundance, challenging the limitations we place on ourselves in these areas. We’ll be discussing three key topics: the Great Creator, luxury, and counting. Cameron’s insights on aligning with our purpose and trusting in divine support resonated deeply with me. Keeping the faith during challenging times can be, well, challenging! But this chapter provides valuable tools to trust more. 

Episode 7: Week 7—Recovering a Sense of Connection

This week, we delve into the topics of listening, perfectionism, risk, and jealousy and I share a personal revelation from my improv class experience. Initially, I approached improv with unrealistic expectations, leading to frustration and avoidance. However, upon revisiting improv with a mindset of acceptance and growth, I found a renewed sense of enjoyment and development.

Episode 8: Week 8—Recovering a Sense of Strength

This chapter delves into survival, the ivory tower, and gain disguised as loss. As I reflect on Cameron’s insights, I’m reminded of a personal journey through loss and rediscovery. Diagnosed with epilepsy, I once abandoned my artistic aspirations out of fear, only to realize later the importance of embracing my identity as an artist despite challenges.

Episode 9: Week 9—Recovering a Sense of Compassion

Fear, enthusiasm, and creative U-turns are the core principles we’re exploring this week. Cameron’s insights hit home for me, especially her emphasis on self-compassion. Her reminder to replace fear with love resonates deeply, reminding me of a time when fear of failure held me back from pursuing my creative passions. By embracing self-compassion, I’ve learned to overcome these barriers and cultivate enthusiasm for my artistic journey.

Episode 10: Week 10—Recovering a Sense of Self-Protection

This week, we’re tackling the themes of fame and competition, examining their impact on our creative journey. Cameron’s wisdom sheds light on the dangers of seeking external validation, urging us to find joy in the creative process itself. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognize how fame and competition can hinder our growth as artists.

Episode 11: Week 11—Recovering a Sense of Autonomy

In this episode, we explore themes of acceptance, success, and the zen of sports. Cameron’s insights deeply resonated with me, particularly her emphasis on embracing our creativity despite societal pressures. Reflecting on my own journey, I recall a time when I let fear of instability stifle my artistic pursuits, but Cameron’s words have encouraged me to prioritize my creative expression. Additionally, her discussion on the importance of movement as a tool for staying present and energized connected with my own experience using exercise to keep my creativity in flow. 

Episode 12: Week 12—Recovering a Sense of Faith

Now we dive into the final chapter, “Recovering a Sense of Faith.” Throughout this episode, I’ll explore key concepts like trusting, mystery, the imagination at play, and escape velocity. One thing that I really connected with was the idea of not rushing ideas prematurely. Recently, I’ve been working on a song, and instead of forcing it, I let it simmer, and it nearly wrote itself. 

BONUS: My Biggest Takeaways from Doing “The Artist’s Way”

Over the past 12 weeks, we’ve embarked on an incredible journey through Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way.” As we wrap up this chapter-by-chapter exploration, I’m excited to share my biggest takeaways from the experience. From the power of community to the joys of embracing spontaneity, each lesson has been a revelation. However, I’ll save the details for the episode. Enjoy!

Like the podcast so far? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover it.