The Artist’s Way with the Rev. Dr. Jo Forrest

Years ago when I was a die-hard corporate consultant, I was handed a copy of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way by someone I deeply respected.  She said, “Do this.”

The Artist’s Way was first published in 1992 as a practical approach to exploring one’s personal creativity and spiritual connection with God. More than a million copies are now in circulation.

At that time in my life I was fluent in PowerPoint and could make pivot tables dance in Excel. Rarely would I write more than a prose paragraph and I did not consider myself an artist.

I still do not consider myself an artist, but I can draw a direct line between completing The Artist’s Way, enrolling in one graduate program, and later committing to pursue ministry. Until I wrote three pages every day by hand and completed what seemed at the time to be silly exercises, I had no idea I felt called to ministry. Who knew? Certainly not me.

Not everyone who begins The Artist’s Way makes such a radical change or is in a creative profession. Yet I firmly believe anyone who commits to the twelve weeks will be delighted by what he or she discovers. It is a way to cull out the “I should-s,” reveal the liberating “I am” confidences, overcome some fears, and plot a path to make your dreams a reality.

During my sabbatical this summer, I returned to The Artist’s Way as a novice. The work anchored my pilgrimages and has given me clarity for what comes next in life.

Here is the invite—Begin your own discovery. Please join our circle of men and women to support each other. When you miss sessions we will have other means for you to be connected and encouraged.

I look forward to hearing from you.
RSVP to Jo Forrest

End Note

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-artists-way-in-an-age-of-self-promotion

Posted on March 19, 2019; reposted September 3, 2020