Tending to Self

With The Artist's Way

I have been reminded recently that to help others, I must first be strong, clear, and healthy, myself.  Additionally, if I am exhausted, distracted, or unwell, I don’t have much to offer in my creative process. Tending to my own needs is a way to refill what I use up during the outflow of writing.

Julia Cameron identifies the need to tend to our creative wells in The Artist’s Way. I discovered Julia Cameron almost 20 years ago, when I first burnt out as a teacher, and have frequently come back to her books.  When I was ‘on’ during my career as a facilitator, I was energetic and engaging, ready to help the workshop participants. However, when I turned ‘off,’ I would collapse into exhaustion, catch the latest flu, and subsist on caffeine and carbs. The roller-coaster of ups and downs took its toll.

When I need to refuel and re-energize, The Artist’s Way provides me with both information and inspiration. The workbook has guided me many times; itself a method of filling my well.

I compare filling the creative well to be like a bowl of water overflowing. The water in the bowl is for my own mind and body health, and the water overflowing is for my creative writing.

One way I tend to my creative well, is by reading for pleasure.

Reading for fun

I read cozy mysteries to unwind and to laugh. If the story is set in a library or bookstore, with a outgoing café owner doing her best to help the local police detective, I’m in. Even better if there is a cat who helps out. Cleo Coyle, Ali Brandon, Cate Conte, and Eva Gates are my recent favorites.

I have read and re-read Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series since the early 2000s. It’s just plain fun to follow the clumsy and wacky Stephanie as she tracks down her bounty; I laugh out loud. Her indecision about the two men in her life keeps me turning the pages.

Similarly, I have read and re-read Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. Sookie’s determination to stay true to herself is woven masterfully within the antics of the supernatural world. I cheer Sookie on as she gets in over her head yet doesn’t give up. As reader, I take heart that my difficulties can be overcome as I persevere for what I value.

I return to The Artist’s Way

As I re-read The Artist’s Way, I re-discover gems like her explanation on crazymakers. Her profound statements that frame creative flow are more appealing to me now.

The heart of creativity is an experience of the mystical union; the heart of the mystical union is an experience of creativity.

As I strive for a well-lived life, Cameron’s book reminds me of what is important. Books that inspire me to have some self-reflection – through prompts in a workbook, or by reading the actions of a fictional character – provide comfort and guidance.

As I ponder about others, whether non-fiction examples or fictional characters, I see aspects of my self more clearly. I affirm my own strengths, consider new ideas. I replenish. I return again to re-read books that help me to feel more like myself.