This week focuses on Recovering a Sense of Autonomy.

Cameron wants us to focus on ways to nurture and accept ourselves as artists. And to explore behaviours to strengthen our spiritual base and creative power.

At the core of this, is accepting yourself as an artist. And you are an artist whether you make money or not.

Creativity is its own reward.

By the same token, you don’t need to quit your job to be creative. But you will need to make some sacrifices in time to allow your artist to flourish.

It reminded me of the epiphany that I had when I started doing community theatre. Acting in an amateur play still fed my creative needs for expression. I didn’t need to be paid to enjoy performing in front of an audience.

Cameron also warns about being wary of “success”. Because the urge may be to do more of the same thing at the expense of continuing to grow. It’s a tricky balance.

But also, be aware that it is natural to hit plateaus.

Sometimes you are trying to get “there” with your art. But when you get “there”, it feels the goal has moved.

Cameron says that artists are spiritual sharks. We have to keep moving, or we sink and die.

That is something I need to work on. I tend to take a break after completing a project. And then it takes me months or years to build up the energy to start working on another project.

I must get better at working on something else as soon as I finish one project. It doesn’t have to be something big. Just start something else.

Another important thing for an artist is to be active in some way. Even if it is going for walks. Cameron says, “Creativity requires action, and part of that action must be physical.”

Moving helps us get out of our head. Walking is a great way to raise your energy. And to connect with the world around you.

Another thing Cameron recommends is to build an Artist’s Altar. Kind of a sacred space for you to do your art. It doesn’t have to be religious. But it should be things that encourage or inspire your inner artist.

And make it fun. Because your inner artist is childlike. So, it can be gaudy or silly. Ideally it should have some sensory experience.

It should help center you when you want to do your artistic work.

One of the exercises is to write an encouraging letter to your inner artist. And mail it. It sounds silly but it should be fun to receive. Your inner artist loves praise and encouragement.

Look for other ways to nurture your inner artist.

Then they will feel freer to express themselves.