Exploring the Thin Line Between Creativity and Madness
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Creative Blocks
In life, I've learned to be cautious about a few things: anchovies on pizza, the phrase "real men," and those who claim that creative blocks are a myth. Seriously, Peter? It's ironic coming from someone whose most notable artistic achievement was giving his living room a fresh coat of beige paint.
Creative blocks are undeniably real, and they can be incredibly frustrating. It’s like being trapped under a heavy weight, stuck in a limbo between the desire to create and the act of creation itself, often to the point where we can’t even identify what we want to create anymore.
We often wish we could just walk away from it all… but we can't. Be it writing, painting, or photography, these blocks occur, leading us into procrastination and a downward spiral of shame until we find ourselves wanting to quit altogether, left only with a bad vodka martini and the nagging thought that if we truly wanted to, we would just do it.
Some individuals force their way through this struggle, chaining themselves to their desks in hopes of conjuring creativity. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t. But that approach isn’t for me. The trope of the "tormented artist" doesn’t resonate with my experience. I don't want to confine my creativity; I need to acknowledge that consistency isn't my forte.
Thus, I find myself endlessly searching for ways to uplift my creative spirit. Could it be procrastination? Fear? Maybe I need therapy, more time, a refined process, or simply more confidence. I've amassed a plethora of tips along the way, yet I still can’t call myself a prolific writer.
The Artist’s Way has crossed my path multiple times over the years, often showing up as a targeted ad that demonstrates how well Google knows me. In my twenties, I even downloaded it but was deterred by the daunting 12-week commitment. Like many in my generation, accustomed to instant gratification, I wanted immediate results.
Fast forward five years, and the drought of creativity has persisted for far too long. I've inadvertently turned creativity into a mere checklist item, losing the joy that comes with it. When I yearn to be creative, I find myself avoiding the very time I set aside for it, opting to engage in anything else instead.
This past week, I finally purchased the physical book and am determined to commit to the 12-week journey.
What is The Artist’s Way?
For those curious about what I'm referring to (though I'm assuming you’re here for some research), The Artist’s Way is a 12-week program that serves as a spiritual guide to unlock higher creativity. Elizabeth Gilbert credits this book with helping her pen Eat, Pray, Love (which is a major fan moment for me), and it has garnered praise from notable figures like Russell Brand, Reece Witherspoon, and Martin Scorsese.
Each week involves reading a chapter, writing daily morning pages, embarking on an “artist's date” with yourself, completing specific action steps, and reflecting on the past week before moving forward.
The Artist’s Way is designed to help clear mental clutter and foster a fertile environment for creativity. Each exercise has a purpose, whether it's building confidence, releasing negativity, or recognizing support, and I am eager to explore these activities.
What Do You Need to Start The Artist’s Way?
- The Book: Whether in physical or digital form, I prefer having a physical copy to make the experience feel more tangible. I want to engage fully, highlighting impactful sections, scribbling notes, dog-earing pages, and breaking the spine in the process.
- A Notebook (or Several): Morning pages will become a daily ritual. Each morning, before even brewing coffee, I need to handwrite three pages. That’s 12 weeks of three pages daily, plus any additional writing exercises prescribed. I anticipate needing a considerable amount of paper.
- Time: Committing to three handwritten pages will require about 30 minutes each day, along with a weekly two-hour artist's date and time for the exercises. It is indeed time-consuming, but I’m hopeful it will yield worthwhile results.
Is The Artist’s Way Costly?
The book set me back about $25, and I found a notebook lying around. However, given that I’m in Dubai, prices may vary elsewhere. Remember, the book is older than Ariana Grande, so the chances of finding it at a thrift store are high. If budget is a concern, consider taking yourself on an artist's date to hunt for a copy; bookstores are delightful places to explore.
As for the process, its cost is as flexible as you make it. Creativity doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, creating without financial constraints often sparks greater inspiration. Initially, the thought of artist's dates filled me with dread, as participating in artistic classes can be pricey. I plan to keep expenses low, perhaps treating myself to a class halfway through and again at the end.
Ultimately, it’s your creative journey, and you get to decide how much to invest.
What I Hope to Achieve from The Artist’s Way
I aspire for people to not only see my work but also to connect with it, draw insights, and perhaps even challenge their perspectives. I want my creations to be shared in resonance journals and quote books globally.
I long to create—dance, play, write, record, photograph, and experiment with clay—yet I often find myself watching others live the dream I yearn for. I sit here, either staring at the vibrant passions of others or facing the blankness of my own unfulfilled intentions.
Throughout my years of attempts, I feel as though I've lost the joy of creation. The thrill of a new idea has faded, replaced by a feeling of obligation rather than passion. My greatest fear is that this is what adulthood has come to: disillusioned and mundane, stuck in the daily grind for decades. I sincerely hope that’s not my fate.
So, no pressure, right?
My Anticipations for the Course
As with any new venture, I feel both nervous and excited. What will this journey entail? How will it transform me? What insights will I gain?
Every review I’ve come across has been careful not to reveal the action steps, which leaves me uncertain about what to expect. They understand that this creative process will vary for everyone, and that’s something I truly appreciate. Creative individuals are indeed remarkable.
However, I do have concerns regarding the spiritual aspect of the course. The Artist’s Way is often said to contain a religious element (though the updated version is less focused on Christianity). I struggle with anything that implies a need for belief in a deity to achieve something. I’m open to concepts like a higher power, the universe, or source energy, but the notion of God is more challenging for me.
Another worry is my ability to finish the book. I know that if I reach week eight and feel disillusioned, I might simply close the book for good.
But for now, I will trust in myself and surrender to the process. I intend to complete the work and hope to emerge on the other side with a renewed creative spark and a treasure trove of stories to share.
Have You Read The Artist’s Way?
Did you find value in it, or uncover any insights? Please share your tips and experiences in the comments. If you're contemplating whether to take the plunge, I'll be posting my weekly reflections here to hold myself accountable, so feel free to follow along.