I have started an Artist’s Way Challenge (open to the public, if you’d like to join click here) and, as part of that challenge, today I went on my very first Artist’s Date. If you are unfamiliar with The Artist’s Way, it is essentially a 12 week course meant to rehabilitate the creative soul. Here’s what it says on the back flap:

“The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international best seller, it has inspired millions to overcome the limiting beliefs and fears that can inhibit the creative process. Perhaps even more vital in today’s cultural climate than when it was first published nearly two decades ago, The Artist’s Way is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In it, Julia Cameron takes readers on an amazing twelve-week journey to discover the inextricable link between their spiritual and creative selves.”

The “Artist’s date” is a solo venture that you must undertake every week for the duration of the course. It involves doing something alone that allows you to connect with your inner artist. This “date” is about learning something you didn’t know before, or doing something that you wouldn’t normally do.

“Your artist needs to be taken out, pampered, and listened to…. Spending time in solitude with your artist’s child is essential to self-nurturing. A long country walk, a solitary expedition to the beach for a sunrise or sunset, a sortie out to a strange church to hear gospel music, to an ethnic neighborhood to taste foreign sights and sounds – your artist might enjoy any of these.”

My original plan was to peruse a used bookstore, and I had two in mind that I wanted to explore. Unfortunately, when I got there, they were both closed. What can I do now? I thought. I ended up at the Vancouver public library. Most times when I go the the library, I always end up in one or two sections: the self-help section (obviously) and the acting book’s section. Today I decided I would just walk around aimlessly and allow for something to grab my attention. On the fourth floor I happened upon a “Do it yourself” section, and I found a book that looked interesting and picked it up. Now, where to read it? I looked around the library and saw lots of tables to read at, but I didn’t feel like sitting at a table during my date…with myself. I took the escalator up to the 6th floor and found a cozy looking section, and (after a moments hesitation) sat on the floor. I felt resistance because no one else was sitting on the floor, but I wanted to! So I did, and I sat there looking through this craft book for a good 20 minutes before an older gentleman walked by and hinted “that there were lots of available tables around.” Don’t laugh, but I felt like a little bit of a rebel sitting on the ground. When I got up to go, I realized that I had randomly sat in a section about flutes (maybe this is a hint from the universe that I should start playing again? – it would be a great skill to add my acting resume).

My date wasn’t over yet! On my way home I picked up a few things to pamper myself with: some sushi (wild salmon & mango roll), some mint Lindor chocolates, a face mask, and some nose strips. Once I press publish on this article, I’m going to snuggle up on my coach with a good book, and then end my night with a movie! I’m thinking Pan’s Labyrinth.

So to close, I recommend that you treat yourself to a date. Do whatever you like (my next one is going to have to be less brainy or more hands on), just make sure that whatever you do, you do it alone. We are all constantly bombarded with media, people, and stress – booking a weekly artist’s date (whether you consider yourself to be an artist or not) is a great way to unwind and spend some time with you. I don’t think we do that enough, and you never know what you could learn.

I already can’t wait to go on another date next week.