Basic Principles of The Artist’s Way
Image by Josefin
The Basic Principles of Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way provide a philosophical foundation for awakening one’s creative potential and nurturing one’s inner artist.
The Basic Principles of The Artist’s Way acknowledge creativity as an innate capacity we all possess — not as a rare talent experienced only by a few. They invite us to embrace curiosity, nurture our artist-child within, and develop trust in the creative process. For some, this perspective provides a radical shift.
When I completed The Artist’s Way, I selected principles to embody and explore daily. Over time, I shed old limits and opened up to the natural flow of inspiration.
Which principles resonate with you the most? Are there any you’d like to explore more deeply?
Basic Principles of The Artist’s Way
Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy: pure creative energy.
There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life--including ourselves.
When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator’s creativity within us and our lives.
We are, ourselves, creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.
Creativity is God’s gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.
The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.
When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to God: good orderly direction.
As we open our creative channel to the creator, many gentle though powerful changes are to be expected.
It is safe to open ourselves up to greater and greater creativity.
Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity.
The Basic Principles of The Artist’s Way are included in the Spiritual Electricity section of the Introduction and on Julia Cameron’s website.
Awakening Your Creative Soul
By exploring these principles, you embark on a journey of personal growth. You’ll begin one of the bravest acts — claiming your identity as a creative being.
The path will have its challenges, but the Basic Principles are a reliable map to return to again and again. Allow them to be your compass, guiding you back to curiosity, play, and trust in yourself.
With patience and persistence, these simple principles will become a way of life woven into your daily life. Embrace them wholeheartedly, and prepare to be astounded by the creative awakening that unfolds.
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