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Artist’s Way Commune – Resources and Whatnot

The Basic Principles

  1. Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy; pure creative energy.
  2. There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life — including ourselves.
  3. When we open ourselves to our creativity we open ourselves to the creator’s creativity within us and our lives.
  4. We are, ourselves, creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.
  5. Creativity is [the universe’s] gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to [the universe].
  1. The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.
  2. When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to [the universe].
  3. As we open our creative channel to the creator, many gentle but powerful changes are to be expected.
  4. is it safe to open ourselves up to greater and greater creativity.
  5. Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity.

Accountability Partners

Beth + Betsy
Betsy Lynn + Joanie
Julie + Michelle
Sheila + Stephanie

Beth + Betsy Lynn
Betsy + Joanie
Julie + Sheila
Michelle + Stephanie

Beth + Joanie
Betsy + Betsy Lynn
Julie + Stephanie
Michelle + Sheila

Beth + Julie
Betsy + Michelle
Betsy Lynn + Sheila
Joanie + Stephanie

Beth + Michelle
Betsy + Sheila
Betsy Lynn + Stephanie
Joanie + Julie

Beth + Sheila
Betsy + Stephanie
Betsy Lynn + Julie
Joanie + Michelle

Beth + Stephanie
Betsy + Julie
Betsy Lynn + Michelle
Joanie + Sheila

Beth + Betsy
Betsy Lynn + Joanie
Julie + Michelle
Sheila + Stephanie

Beth + Betsy Lynn
Betsy + Joanie
Julie + Sheila
Michelle + Stephanie

Beth + Joanie
Betsy + Betsy Lynn
Julie + Stephanie
Michelle + Sheila

Beth + Julie
Betsy + Michelle
Betsy Lynn + Sheila
Joanie + Stephanie

Julia Cameron on Media Deprivation Today

Media Deprivation, a tool I first introduced in The Artist’s Way as Reading Deprivation, is a conscious unplugging. In the twenty years since The Artist’s Way was published, I expanded the term to “Media Deprivation” to include the many devices and distractions now available to us on a constant basis.

Media Deprivation is one of the most resisted — and most productive — tools I teach.

It is just what it sounds like: no media. I ask my students to try this for a week. This means turning all devices off: no reading, no emailing, no texting, no surfing the Internet. No talk radio, no TV. And yes, I can feel the protests as I type this.

I know you need to check your email for work. And I always say that “I teach adults.” No, I am not asking you to quit your job or behave in a way that would get you fired. But I am asking you to try limiting the constant interruption of “inflow” as much as you possibly can. For one week. And if you cannot turn your devices completely off, you can certainly contain the access people have to you without being irresponsible. I am not asking you to be irresponsible to your work. I am asking you to be responsible to yourself.

When we are constantly interrupted, we lose our train of thought. When my students experiment with turning their devices off, they find that they are often flooded with ideas, even inspiration.

Media Deprivation casts us back onto ourselves, puts us in touch with our own thoughts and ideas, and often frees up a lot of time.

Try experimenting with this, and see what happens.

– adapted from “The Prosperous Heart”

Things to Do During Media Deprivation Week

Creative Activities

  1. Paint, draw, or sketch—experiment with new styles or materials.
  2. Write in a journal—free-write, reflect, or explore new ideas.
  3. Create a collage or vision board using magazine clippings or found objects.
  4. Work on an unfinished project that you’ve been putting off.
  5. Try a new art technique—something outside your usual medium.

Physical & Sensory Activities

  1. Go for a walk or hike without listening to music or podcasts.
  2. Cook or bake something new—engage with textures, smells, and tastes.
  3. Dance or move freely—put on music and let your body lead.
  4. Do yoga or stretch mindfully to release tension and improve focus.
  5. Garden or care for plants—connect with nature in a hands-on way.

Exploration & Play

  1. Take a day trip somewhere new—a park, museum, or nearby town.
  2. Visit a thrift store or flea market and look for inspiring objects.
  3. Play an instrument or experiment with making sounds.
  4. Make up a game or play a board game with a friend.
  5. Build something with your hands—woodworking, clay, Legos, etc.

Social & Connection-Based Activities

  1. Call a friend or family member and have a long conversation.
  2. Write letters or postcards to people you care about.
  3. Join a community event—an open mic, art meetup, or volunteer activity.
  4. People-watch in a café or park and take notes on what you observe.
  5. Have a deep conversation with someone without distractions.

Mindful & Reflective Activities

  1. Meditate or practice breathwork to clear your mind.
  2. Take a long bath with candles, music, or just silence.
  3. Listen to instrumental music and let your mind wander.
  4. Daydream intentionally—allow yourself to imagine freely.
  5. Watch the sunrise or sunset without distraction.

The goal is to shift from passive consumption to active engagement with the world. You might be surprised by how much creative energy starts flowing when you remove external noise!