Peeling the onion

Tonight was the final class of my Artist's Way group. We met for 13 consecutive Thursdays and it was really special. I so enjoyed how they became more and more comfortable with each other and seemed to really build trust over time.

What is amazing about Julia Cameron's book is its timelessness certainly, but also the way it allows you to use it as a motivator whenever you need to unblock or tap into your creativity. First-timers get a wonderful introduction to her concepts and tools; repeaters get to peel another layer of the onion.

I have been on the student side of The Artist's Way twice -- once with my friend Eyleen and once with Julia Cameron herself -- and I've now taught it about a half dozen times. Each time I see something I didn't see before. This time I was acutely aware of all the New Thought concepts in the book. Interestingly, I think The Artist's Way was my introduction to New Thought; I just didn't know it at the time.

What I do know is that I now have a much deeper understanding of what she means by surrendering in the creative process as opposed to trying to control it. It's all about letting things flow and being open. At one point, that stuff sounded like hocus pocus to me. Now it's becoming a way of being. And it feels damn good.

The group that met for its final class tonight is strongly considering assembling again for the sequel, Walking in This World. I hope it comes to pass. We all have another layer to peel.