BeMOCreative Weeks 2-4: The Artist's Way Check In

It's mid-Week 5 of the #BeMOCreative group journey through The Artist's Way that I'm co-hosting with my friend health coach Melissa Danielle. The last time I did a check in was Week 1. Eek! We are long overdue for a check in.

Overall things are going well. Despite the fact that I need something added to my morning ritual like I need a hole in the head, I've managed to do The Morning Pages, a three page free write upon rising, about 5 days each week and learned a little about myself in the process. I also recommitted to taking a break each weekday afternoon to do a moving meditation followed by a little one song dance party.

I'm just beginning to feel the benefits of these small changes. I'm much more at ease balancing work, study, fun, faith, and doing absolutely nothing. Life feels just a bit lighter. I'm noticing random opportunities for fun and growth popping up in many places. I'm proud to say I'm taking quite a few of them too!

I haven't done all the weekly tasks for any week so far, but I'm okay with that. Rome wasn't built in a day or even 12 weeks. I'm happy with the progress I'm making. The weekly check-in calls have been a great motivation for me to stay on track.

Keep reading for more highlights of my experience weeks 2 through 4.

Week 2: Recovering a Sense of Identity
I finally got to check out Restored by Design, designer Martha Jackson's studio where she makes and sells high fashion jewelry and clothes from nature and upcycled objects. It was a feast for the senses, but I was only there for 10 or 15 minutes so it was hardly a date. My Artist's Date ended up being squeezed in on Sunday late afternoon. I enjoyed books and coffee solo at Willy's Local Foods. I rarely do that or anything alone for that matter, so it was different. Not much fun, but at least I did it.

Melissa and I hosted a Twitter chat about creativity using #BeMOCreative. Read the highlights here.

Week 3: Recovering a Sense of Power
My Artist Date this week was tasting olive oils and balsamic vinegars at The Olive Tap on Wayland Square. Before that, I browsed the shelves of the local indie bookstore. I also popped into the nearby Whole Foods and treated myself to strawberries (which I rarely eat in winter) and some glittery mineral nail polish. It was a great date!

Three things stood out to me in the weekly reading. I think these are the most important, encouraging, and comforting things I've read so far in The Artist's Way.

1. Possibly is more frightening that impossibility. 
2. It is more difficult to avoid dreams than to follow them. 
3. Do one kind thing a day for yourself.

Week 4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity
This is the week author Julia Cameron imposes a reading deprivation. Since The Artist's Way was written 30 years ago and I barely read anything, I updated the challenge to also rule out social media and Netflix. I was no saint, but I did cut back on all three greatly.

I used my spare time to pour myself into faith activities and social dates. I went to three tosos (prayer sessions) in my district. I had a three hour mid-week lunch date with my new friend Alina at Garden Grille and Wildflour Vegan Bakery. My fiance and I also had both a coloring play date using our new Artbar set (water-soluble wax bars) and a chess coffee date during the week. I had tea with friends twice! On Sunday, I attended World Peace Gongyo in Boston, which I usually do but this time I also stayed in the city to hang out with old friends who relocated to New England from NYC.

I wish every week was like this one. The reading, web, and tv deprivation made me realize I have the power and choice to make it so.

I did not do an Artist Date this week. Oops! Wait, just remembered I went to a two person play on Sunday early in Week 5 or late in Week 4. I never know what week to count Sunday for!

Week 5 is still in progress. It's about Recovering a Sense of Possibility. Hope to share my experiences with you again soon.
 
Are you currently doing The Artist's Way or have you done it before? What were your first few weeks like?

If you'd like to join us, it's not too late. You can still participate at your own pace. Buy or borrow a copy of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Also click here to join the BeMOCreative group. It's free!

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