Comments on: The Artist’s Way: Resolving to Be Me http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/ express : discover : renew : create Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:23:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jana http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1572 Jana Wed, 04 Jan 2006 21:00:35 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1572 Morning pages? *gulp* What have I gotten myself into?! *sigh* Well if nothing else, I can guarantee that I'll accomplish one thing... bigger handwriting!! Haha Morning pages? *gulp* What have I gotten myself into?!

*sigh* Well if nothing else, I can guarantee that I’ll accomplish one thing… bigger handwriting!! Haha

]]> By: Christine http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1571 Christine Tue, 03 Jan 2006 03:01:59 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1571 It's funny...I usually feel rebellious and a little resistive in the face of this kind of thing, too. However, in the past, I have felt kind of liberated when writing the morning pages -no rules of grammar, no censorship, no need to relay any specific information or force any pithy remarks. By just letting it flow more loosely than I do with my journal, I have found that I am often very surprised by the things that I say to myself when no one is looking. It’s funny…I usually feel rebellious and a little resistive in the face of this kind of thing, too. However, in the past, I have felt kind of liberated when writing the morning pages -no rules of grammar, no censorship, no need to relay any specific information or force any pithy remarks. By just letting it flow more loosely than I do with my journal, I have found that I am often very surprised by the things that I say to myself when no one is looking.

]]> By: m http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1570 m Sun, 01 Jan 2006 21:16:36 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1570 Katherine I used to facilitate AW groups what helps is an unlined notebook A4 or A5 (if A5 just turn around and write across the page) lined is too much like school work. Secondly go and get a cheeepo ink cartridge pen. (Tip from Natalie Goldberg's writings) this is much much easier ont he hand than a biro as it needs much less phyiscal effort to write upon the page. Never re-read until the 8th week - give up on being 'literary' and finally if you dont' do them just dispassionately notice the difference between days when you do do them and the ones you don't. Katherine I used to facilitate AW groups what helps is an unlined notebook A4 or A5 (if A5 just turn around and write across the page) lined is too much like school work. Secondly go and get a cheeepo ink cartridge pen. (Tip from Natalie Goldberg’s writings) this is much much easier ont he hand than a biro as it needs much less phyiscal effort to write upon the page. Never re-read until the 8th week – give up on being ‘literary’ and finally if you dont’ do them just dispassionately notice the difference between days when you do do them and the ones you don’t.

]]> By: MJ http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1569 MJ Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:29:09 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1569 You've made some points that I really relate to. I have kept a journal for years but have never written in it on a daily basis. Why not? Because I don't feel like it/have nothing to say at that time/have found other outlets to express myself on that day/didn't have time etc etc. I'm going to give the morning pages a go but in the spirit of being true to myself, I'm using a notebook and have given myself permission to complete this first thing in the morning or last thing at night. In the end, I figure it's better for me to modify than not attempt it at all. Do what's best for you. You’ve made some points that I really relate to. I have kept a journal for years but have never written in it on a daily basis. Why not? Because I don’t feel like it/have nothing to say at that time/have found other outlets to express myself on that day/didn’t have time etc etc. I’m going to give the morning pages a go but in the spirit of being true to myself, I’m using a notebook and have given myself permission to complete this first thing in the morning or last thing at night. In the end, I figure it’s better for me to modify than not attempt it at all. Do what’s best for you.

]]> By: Rebekah http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1568 Rebekah Sat, 31 Dec 2005 21:26:51 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1568 Morning pages were a problem to me in the past, not because it was an edict, but because I edit myself. Writing stream of consciousness is almost impossible. Which is something I don't like about myself and want to rectify. I want to learn what is behind the voices that stop me from saying what gurgles up from the depths of my depths. I think each of us is probably drawn to this process for our own reasons, our own heart tugs. So, go with yours and I'll go with mine and we'll all come out better for the experience. BTW, I never finished 30 full projects for November. But the ones I did finish stretched me. That was the point. You're right, Julia Cameron is a coach, a guide. If she was the holder of the ultimate key to artistic personhood, she would be so revered and everyone would be required to complete her prescribed path before being declared an artist. Not so. She's a helper. This is a vehicle and we're all jumping on and go, go, going. Morning pages were a problem to me in the past, not because it was an edict, but because I edit myself. Writing stream of consciousness is almost impossible. Which is something I don’t like about myself and want to rectify. I want to learn what is behind the voices that stop me from saying what gurgles up from the depths of my depths. I think each of us is probably drawn to this process for our own reasons, our own heart tugs. So, go with yours and I’ll go with mine and we’ll all come out better for the experience. BTW, I never finished 30 full projects for November. But the ones I did finish stretched me. That was the point. You’re right, Julia Cameron is a coach, a guide. If she was the holder of the ultimate key to artistic personhood, she would be so revered and everyone would be required to complete her prescribed path before being declared an artist. Not so. She’s a helper. This is a vehicle and we’re all jumping on and go, go, going.

]]> By: Marilyn http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1567 Marilyn Sat, 31 Dec 2005 19:11:28 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1567 This is a very thoughtful post, Kathryn. Although I've done morning pages at various times over the years, I heard myself saying YES! to Kat (weeks ago) before I reminded myself about the morning pages...which I've grown to dread in the past. Part of it is that I don't hand-journal anymore...my handwriting can't keep up with my thoughts. Part of it is that I lose patience with it...I'll start off a morning pages session with a bang, but then lose steam a page or so into it..."Now what do I write?" That said, I've reminded myself in recent days that Cameron considers them 'non-negotiable' to the process...and figure there must be a reason why. (Granted, it's HER reason, not mine.) So I'm going to give it my best shot to do them daily. Not because I think I 'should,' but because I know that in my life I struggle with a lack of discipline...and it's a 'skill' I want to hone. I agree with you that you should do the process however it feels right for you. I have a feeling that there will be others 'playing along at home' with us who simply don't want the commitment of being an 'official' participant. It's all good--no matter how we do it. :) This is a very thoughtful post, Kathryn. Although I’ve done morning pages at various times over the years, I heard myself saying YES! to Kat (weeks ago) before I reminded myself about the morning pages…which I’ve grown to dread in the past. Part of it is that I don’t hand-journal anymore…my handwriting can’t keep up with my thoughts. Part of it is that I lose patience with it…I’ll start off a morning pages session with a bang, but then lose steam a page or so into it…”Now what do I write?” That said, I’ve reminded myself in recent days that Cameron considers them ‘non-negotiable’ to the process…and figure there must be a reason why. (Granted, it’s HER reason, not mine.) So I’m going to give it my best shot to do them daily. Not because I think I ‘should,’ but because I know that in my life I struggle with a lack of discipline…and it’s a ‘skill’ I want to hone. I agree with you that you should do the process however it feels right for you. I have a feeling that there will be others ‘playing along at home’ with us who simply don’t want the commitment of being an ‘official’ participant. It’s all good–no matter how we do it. :)

]]> By: Teri http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1566 Teri Sat, 31 Dec 2005 18:19:41 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1566 Thank you for this. I feel the same way. There is much good that can and will come of doing the exercises you feel moved to do and the artist's dates. That said, I am going to TRY to do the morning pages. Again. ;) Thank you for this. I feel the same way. There is much good that can and will come of doing the exercises you feel moved to do and the artist’s dates. That said, I am going to TRY to do the morning pages. Again. ;)

]]> By: reallynotimportant http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1565 reallynotimportant Sat, 31 Dec 2005 17:56:25 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1565 If you are in conflict with yourself then it will impact on your art. When you are in harmony with yourself, your art will be better. If you don't want to do something (like the 3 pages) then simply don't do it. Don't fight over it or wrap it up in guilt or anything. Just don't do it. If you are in conflict with yourself then it will impact on your art. When you are in harmony with yourself, your art will be better. If you don’t want to do something (like the 3 pages) then simply don’t do it. Don’t fight over it or wrap it up in guilt or anything. Just don’t do it.

]]> By: Shirl http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1564 Shirl Sat, 31 Dec 2005 17:27:01 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1564 Happy New Year, You! And thank you for the wonderful book. I was so surprised to get an Amazon package. Hmmm, I thought. I thought all my orders had come. Didn't think about a birthday gift. Yummy! {{{hugs}}} All the best to you in the coming year! Happy New Year, You!

And thank you for the wonderful book. I was so surprised to get an Amazon package. Hmmm, I thought. I thought all my orders had come. Didn’t think about a birthday gift. Yummy!

{{{hugs}}}

All the best to you in the coming year!

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1563 Jennifer Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:58:43 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1563 P.S. Good luck with the goup AW and have a good New Year. P.S.

Good luck with the goup AW and have a good New Year.

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1562 Jennifer Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:57:47 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1562 I'm like you, Kathryn, not exactly a morning person. I, too, was really bothered by the "morning pages" edict (hate to be told to do something!!) I finally compromised in two ways - using a very small notebook and I did them at night right before bed. I got the junk out of my head so I could sleep peacefully! I’m like you, Kathryn, not exactly a morning person. I, too, was really bothered by the “morning pages” edict (hate to be told to do something!!) I finally compromised in two ways – using a very small notebook and I did them at night right before bed. I got the junk out of my head so I could sleep peacefully!

]]> By: Fran http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1561 Fran Sat, 31 Dec 2005 07:54:44 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1561 I've never gotten 100% through the Artists Way myself, though I do admire Julia Cameron's work. I did do morning pages for a time--and think it is a great concept, but, like you, I don't do it regularly. Good luck with the group endeavor! I’ve never gotten 100% through the Artists Way myself, though I do admire Julia Cameron’s work. I did do morning pages for a time–and think it is a great concept, but, like you, I don’t do it regularly.

Good luck with the group endeavor!

]]> By: Kathryn http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1560 Kathryn Sat, 31 Dec 2005 05:58:24 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1560 Heh. I've considered it, but from my understanding she intends for them to be regular sized pages. Although I do have a small moleskine that might be a compromise. We shall see! Heh. I’ve considered it, but from my understanding she intends for them to be regular sized pages. Although I do have a small moleskine that might be a compromise. We shall see!

]]> By: nickie http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1559 nickie Sat, 31 Dec 2005 05:39:04 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1559 Ever consider using a rather small notebook to create the three written pages? Or would that be compromising the intent? ;-D Ever consider using a rather small notebook to create the three written pages? Or would that be compromising the intent? ;-D

]]> By: donna http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1558 donna Sat, 31 Dec 2005 04:39:49 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1558 Yup, I have the same problem with Artist's Way, or anything else that tries to dictate how things must be done. Yup, I have the same problem with Artist’s Way, or anything else that tries to dictate how things must be done.

]]> By: jack http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1557 jack Fri, 30 Dec 2005 22:57:05 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1557 What a great narrative on the dilemma none of us can take personally because it's so universal. My experience is that the less we fight with ourselves to be creative, the more the juices flow naturally. Freedom to be who we are is the beginning of any creative process because uniqueness is common to both creativity and being who we are. thanks ... What a great narrative on the dilemma none of us can take personally because it’s so universal. My experience is that the less we fight with ourselves to be creative, the more the juices flow naturally. Freedom to be who we are is the beginning of any creative process because uniqueness is common to both creativity and being who we are. thanks …

]]> By: Kathryn http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1556 Kathryn Fri, 30 Dec 2005 22:43:32 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1556 Well, nope. Her prescription is three handwritten pages in the morning. Period. I tried to do it at lunch, afternoons, evenings, and still I didn't keep at it. I tried typing them. No go. I simply don't want to write the mandatory three pages. Well, nope. Her prescription is three handwritten pages in the morning. Period. I tried to do it at lunch, afternoons, evenings, and still I didn’t keep at it. I tried typing them. No go. I simply don’t want to write the mandatory three pages.

]]> By: Lynn http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/comment-page-1/#comment-1555 Lynn Fri, 30 Dec 2005 22:25:53 +0000 http://www.kathrynpetroharper.com/mindfullife/2005/12/30/the-artists-way-resolving-to-be-me/#comment-1555 ... lunch break pages? afternoon pages? evening pages? all of the above? … lunch break pages? afternoon pages? evening pages? all of the above?

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