by Intention InspiredWeek 2, Day 4 of The Artist's Way
Today, let's look at the inner enemy we harbor ourselves.
SKEPTICISM
Perhaps the greatest barrier for any of us as we look for an expanded life is our own deeply held skepticism.
This might be called the secret doubt. It does not seem to matter whether we are officially believers or agnostics. We have our own doubts about all of this creative/creativity stuff, and those doubts are very powerful. Unless we air them, they can sabotage us. Many times, and trying to be good sports we stuff our feelings of doubt. We need to stop doing that and explore them instead.
Boil down to their essentials, the doubts go something like this: “Okay, so I started writing the morning pages and I seem more awake and alert in my life. So what? It's just a coincidence… Okay, I have started filling the well and taking my artist on a date and I do notice I am cheering up a little. So what? It's just coincidental… Okay, so now I am beginning to notice that the more I let myself explore the possibility of there being some power for good, the more I notice lucky coincidence turning up in my life. So what? I can't believe I am really being led. That's just too weird…”
(The Artist's Way, 2016, p. 49 – 50)
As I listen to my creativity I am led to my creator.
⬇️ download printable affirmation card 🎴
Write down two favorite things that you've avoided that could be goals for this week.
Reference yesterday's list of 20 things you enjoy doing. These goals can be small: buy one roll of film and shoot it. Remember, we are trying to win you some autonomy with your time. Look for windows of time just for you, and use them in small creative acts. Get to the record store at lunch hour, even if only for 15 minutes. Stop looking for big blocks of time when you will be free. Find a small bit of time instead.
“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music – the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”
– Henry Miller
What is one small goal you have for yourself this week and how will you manage to fit it into your schedule?
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