Perfectionism hinders creativity by emphasizing flawless execution, leading to missed opportunities and blocked enjoyment.
Non-religious prayer allows for personal expression to a higher power, fostering connection and guidance in creative endeavors.
Deep dives
Perfectionism and its Impact on Creativity
Perfectionism inhibits creativity by causing individuals to focus on doing things perfectly, which leads to self-denial of attempts and practice. The pressure for perfection often results in sorrow and blocks enjoyment. Overcoming perfectionism involves reflecting on the negative traits associated with it and actively choosing to try without the pressure of perfection.
Finding Guidance and Support Through Prayer
Non-religious prayer involves informal conversations or messages to a higher power where individuals can freely express themselves, seek clarity, and send good wishes. The use of varied terminologies like 'god,' 'universe,' or 'higher power' allows for personalization. Prayer serves as a supportive tool, fostering connectedness and a sense of guidance.
Creativity and Self-Discovery Through Morning Pages
Engaging in morning pages, writing three freehand pages every morning, encourages self-reflection, exploration of thoughts, and creative self-expression. The practice unlocks creativity by connecting individuals with a deeper sense of self and guiding them towards a positive self-perception.
Artist Dates and Release in Creativity
Artist dates, weekly solo outings to engage in playful activities, complement the focused nature of morning pages by promoting creative rejuvenation and spontaneity. Balancing concentration and relaxation supports the free flow of ideas and assists in receiving intuition and inspiration. Seeking joy and exploration encourage creative growth and self-nurturing.
What would you try if you didn’t have to do it perfectly? Best-selling author, and the ‘High Priestess of creativity’ Julia Cameron feels perfectionism is a stalling device. When we deny ourselves the right to attempt something, we in turn deny ourselves pleasure and joy.
In this chat with Fearne, Julia explains why jealousy tells you what you really want and care about, and how this can be positively harnessed to shape your future. Plus she talks through non-religious prayer, and how getting in touch with a benevolent higher power – you might call this God, the universe, or something else – can help focus your creative mind.
Julia’s new book, Seeking Wisdom: A Spiritual Path to Creative Connection, is out now. 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of her classic The Artist’s Way, which is published by Souvenir Press in the UK.