Discovering A Sense of Personal Territory: Walking In This World - Week 5
Full disclosure: I was not feeling it this week. I had a cold and was just feeling a little run-down from all the travel and having several things on my plate, but I persisted and completed week 5 anyway. I felt disconnected while completing most of the tasks overall. They began to feel a little redundant, and I found myself questioning if I was getting near as much out of this book as I had from the original Artist’s Way. Maybe there was a reason I hadn’t heard of this book before; it just isn’t hitting home for me. But I have committed to completing the entire collection of books in this trilogy. I have faith that it will lead me somewhere great. Maybe I don’t have to be fully invested in every moment of the journey to get something out of it.
Tasks
Much like previous weeks, there were several writing/journaling tasks in week 5. I again found myself struggling to answer several of the questions. However, as the week progressed and my health improved, I did find myself enjoying the final task for the week, which was to write – and receive – a letter from my artist’s best friend suggesting a few simple changes. This exercise helped me gain some perspective on several things I have been working through internally as I try to balance many plates (projects and people) in my life.
At the heart of the letter to myself was a clear message: keep going. The letter reminded me that every journey is unique and each person on this planet has their own path. No one can give us a “how to” on our own lives, and things that work for one don’t necessarily work for someone else. Of course these are all things I already know – most of us do – but the reminder was much needed and sent me into an interesting exploration of project ideas.
Sneak peek at a little something we are working on.
Artist’s Date
I did not get myself out on an Artist’s Date this week, but I did still manage to find some quiet time for myself to work through some ideas and some personal topics that have been on my mind lately. Sometimes it’s not about the destination of the date itself but what I gain from it, and I am pleased to report that even though the week seemed to fly by because I slept for almost two full days of it, the rest did allow my brain and heart some much-needed alone time. My body seemed to know what I needed to allow my mind to slow down and focus.
A few artistic releases from the week
Weekly Walk
Since I had fewer walks this week than I typically do, I made a conscious effort to focus on really being present as I made my way around my neighborhood. Most days I walked in silence and allowed the sights and sounds around me to be fully absorbed. My morning ritual is a cherished one, and I definitely notice a difference when I am unable to complete it, but listening to my body meant taking it easy, and sometimes that’s okay too.
When I started documenting my journey through “Walking in This World”, I envisioned week after week of epiphanies and otherworldly experiences. I am learning that even though that hasn’t been my experience so far, I am still getting something out of each week of this. Even when it feels like nothing is landing for me, I know that while I might not see it yet, there are lessons even in the mundane.
