The Artist’s Way

We are on our ninth week with The Artist’s Way group that I’ve been hosting in the Hut. One of the tasks this week is to reread your morning pages (the commitment to write 3 pages every morning while involved in the 12 week program of creative recovery). I have filled up the 150 pages of a large thick 8 × 11 journal so far. I began reading them yesterday and, unexpectedly, I had quite a fondness for my writing self. Her thoughts and ponderings, her channeling of spirit warmed my heart. Rereading the journal was a way to not take myself personally. It allowed me to be witness to myself.

I thought I would share some snippets here with you.

April 17th.

Good on ya, dear. This will be so good for you. Let it nourish you. Take what works leave the rest where it is. This is your life, you truly have everything you need just don’t get in your own way. Free the ego. Be a radiant light. Hold sorrows, cultivate your compassion, your kindness, your integrity, your love for yourself and others. Savor the solitude and listen to the child that hides. She is trying to get your attention. She is worthy of love and appreciation and you can assure that she is loved and safe. I am here for you. I can caress your fear and color it with curiosity. It’s okay if you are not perfect. Making mistakes teaches us. Just keep open.

Here’s another excerpt out of those rambling morning pages:

May 4th

I wish I could see the map of it all; the highs and lows, the good times and the bad. The past is always more precious when looking back. I’ll say that my 20’s were the best of times, but they were a rollercoaster too. My 30’s; lots of creativity and drive, lots of struggle and drama in that little port town called Port Townsend. Those two decades were visceral and passionate and then came the next twenty years. I have had no partner, I have hustled and created without anyone else with everyone else. Maybe I can’t organize a spreadsheet, but I made a life, unconventionally so. I can write about it, cultivate it, I can live it. I don’t need to prove it. As long as I survive without leaving problems for others behind. Thank you for it all. I know it’s not really my doing. There are only a few things I need to do; Keep my heart open and protected, honor myself, have integrity in my words and actions. Be honest and generous. It’s all the way it needs to be. keep it up.

Here is one last snippet:

May 10th

I wonder what happens when we die. I pray every day to be given hints of the afterlife inside of these living days, signs of magic, but I think the magic is in my eyes and how I see it. May my eyes see the Divine today. May I feel rooted as my heart opens, may there be magic in all my exchanges. May any frustrations roll off me like drops of water on slanted glass.

I wish this for you too. Love, sweethome