The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

Not much can be accomplished creatively from a position of fear. Week 1’s journey is about acknowledging how the shadow artist identity may have emerged For example, in one anecdote, Cameron discusses how a young storyteller decided to become a therapist, who collects others’ stories, when their artistic side is not nurtured. Cameron argues that “audacity, not talent makes one person an artist and another a shadow artist” (33). The inner artist must be treated like a child with that sense of curiosity, wonder, and, most importantly, safety. Artists must not abuse their inner child by casting judgment on early efforts and must let themselves explore as beginners. Cameron lists the core negative beliefs that may be holding back those who are shadow artists and emphasizes that negative beliefs are just beliefs not facts. This kind of fear can be countered with affirmations to create a sense of safety, and Cameron urges readers to create their own affirmation and speak them aloud or write them down 10 times. As they speak them or write them, their inner censor will note these positive comments and interject contrary statements.