The Daily Artist’s Way

1) MORNING PAGES: THE HEART OF SELF-DISCOVERY

Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, morning writing about absolutely anything. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages—simply move your hand across the page, writing whatever comes to mind. If you can’t think of anything to write, write, “I can’t think of anything to write.” Morning Pages are written by hand (not typed!), on 8.5×11 (or A4) paper. Writing by hand connects you to yourself in a much deeper way than writing by computer, where you may get speed, but not depth. Be sure to do three single sides—so, not six pages! Three pages will clear your mind, invite inspiration, and lead you into your day with purpose.

I’m often asked if it’s okay to have coffee first—and the answer is yes, of course I would never stand between someone and their coffee. But don’t take forty-five minutes brewing the perfect cup. The trick is to get to the page as close to waking as possible. You want to surprise your mind and start writing before your defenses are up.

2) ARTIST DATES: NOURISHING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT

Artist Dates are another essential part of the journey—your time alone to explore, play, and get inspired. Think of Artist Dates as “dates” with your creativity. The purpose is to take yourself on a weekly adventure, one where you step outside your usual routines and immerse yourself in something that sparks your imagination.

Artist Dates are an opportunity to experience the world from the perspective of a curious child, seeing things with fresh eyes and without the pressure of doing anything “productive.” You might go to a museum, take a walk in nature, visit a quirky shop, or even try something completely out of your comfort zone. The key is to let yourself be surprised, inspired, and replenished by the experience.

Artist Dates are vital because they provide the space for your creative well to refill. Just as a garden needs sunlight, water, and nourishment to grow, your creativity thrives when you give it room to play. So often, we forget to give ourselves permission to have fun and explore without a clear goal  \in mind. Artist Dates are your chance to do just that. Take yourself out on an adventure once a week, and notice how your creative spark ignites in new and unexpected ways.

3) WALKING: A PATH TO CLARITY

Walking is a deceptively simple but powerful tool for creativity. Two twenty-minute weekly walks are enough to alter our consciousness. These should be taken alone—without headphones, friends, or dogs. Allow these to be solo endeavors. They are a time for you to commune with the Great Creator, to hear inspiration, and to get in touch with your own thoughts. I often find that I walk out with a problem and back with a solution. I encourage you to experiment and see if you find the same. It’s not about the speed, the distance, or achieving any sort of fitness goal. It’s about the act of moving your body, getting outside, and allowing your mind to wander freely. As you walk, you’ll notice that your thoughts often begin to loosen up and flow more easily. Ideas emerge, problems are solved, and your connection to yourself—and a greater wisdom—deepens.

Walking allows you to step away from the noise of daily life and let your mind settle. It’s during these walks that your subconscious mind often has the freedom to process, make connections, and find solutions to creative blocks. Walking connects us to the earth, to our bodies, and to the rhythm of life itself. It’s a simple practice that clears the mental fog and lets creativity come rushing in.

4) WRITING FOR GUIDANCE: TUNING IN TO YOUR INNER VOICE

The final tool is Writing for Guidance. This tool invites you to tune into the quiet, intuitive voice that resides within you. Once a week, you will take time to sit quietly and ask for guidance from your higher self or your inner creative spirit. You may ask a question or simply open yourself to whatever wisdom arises. Then, you’ll write out the answers you receive, allowing your intuition to flow onto the page.

I like to write out a question and listen for an answer. I write, “What should I do about X?” I then listen for the response, and write down what I “hear.” I find that the response often contains a higher wisdom than my own conscious mind. The answers that come may be surprisingly simple. I have learned over many years of Writing for Guidance to trust the wisdom that I hear—that it is indeed far-seeing and useful.

The beauty of Writing for Guidance is that it helps you cultivate a deeper connection with your inner wisdom. Over time, you’ll come to recognize the subtle voice of your intuition, which often knows the answers long before your conscious mind catches up. This tool encourages you to trust the guidance you receive and take action on it, whether it’s a small insight or a bigger revelation.

In a world filled with noise and distractions, it’s easy to lose touch with our inner voice. Writing for Guidance is a way to slow down, listen, and record the wisdom that emerges when we stop looking outside ourselves for answers. Trust the process, and know that your inner guide is always there, ready to offer the clarity and direction you need.

Note: Writing for Guidance is not the same as Morning Pages. Morning Pages are done as early in your day as possible. They are meant to be freeform and to help empty yourself so you can be more present in your day. Guidance is a process of curiosity, asking for help or information or inspiration, and can be done at any time.

These four tools—Morning Pages, Artist Dates, Walking, and Writing for Guidance—form the foundation of your creative journey. They are designed to nurture your creativity, quiet the inner critic, and invite new insights and inspiration into your life. Use them daily and weekly, and you’ll find that creativity becomes not just a practice, but a way of life. Embrace these tools as companions on your journey, and watch as they help you unlock the full potential of your creative self.

Copyright © 2025 by Julia Cameron