Writing For Guidance

When we write for guidance, we write out a question, and then write down what we “hear.” Following our guidance, we find ourselves led, gently and well. As we practice writing for guidance, we find that our guidance comes more and more easily. The novice at guidance may find themselves doubting its validity. “What if it’s just my imagination?” It is not, or—if it is—the imagination is far wiser and more benevolent than we had previously thought. The essential message of guidance is the assurance that all is well; difficulties will work out; we are safe, guided, and protected. Our guidance comes, and we come to rely upon it.

INTRODUCTION

The Artist’s Way was published in 1992. In that book, I talk about seeking—and relying—on guidance. Laying out a path for others to follow, I talk about the simple practice of asking for—and receiving—guidance. My tone, those many years ago, was matter of fact. Of course it was smart to seek guidance and to trust it.

In the years intervening, I have come to recognize the importance of confidence. We must work to have an open mind. Guidance is trustworthy, but we must do the work to trust. As we seek guidance more and more frequently, we recognize its wisdom on matters large and small. This brings us confidence. We practice having it.

In 1992, I wrote:

Anyone who faithfully writes morning pages will be led to a connection with a source of wisdom within. When I am stuck with a painful situation or problem that I don’t think I know how to handle, I will go to the pages and ask for guidance. To do this, I write “LJ” as shorthand for me, “Little Julie,” and then I ask my question.

LJ: What should I tell them about this inner wisdom? (Then I listen for the reply and write that down, too.)

ANSWER: You should tell them everyone has a direct dial to God. No one needs to go through an operator. Tell them to try this technique with a problem of their own. They will.

Thirty years later, I still seek guidance. I seek it and—despite my doubts—I trust it. I now have three decades of experience with guidance being trustworthy. And yet I have not written about it as much as the other essential tools. Perhaps I have a lingering fear of being too “woo-woo.”

And what exactly do I mean by that? I have a fear of having departed from our accepted rational path. Guidance, after all, lays out a spiritual path, an intuitive path, one taking us to believe in what we cannot, rationally, know. Is it any wonder we feel fearful, lest we be judged a little “touched,” a little “crazy”?

Over the years, I’ve collected my friends carefully. They do not think I’m “crazy,” or too woo-woo.

Instead, like me, they believe in guidance. Specifically, they believe in my guidance.

[…]

And so, bolstered in my belief by my friends’ beliefs, I write out guidance nightly. I ask to hear from the Great Creator, and I ask also to hear from Higher Forces. My requests for guidance are always answered and those answers guide my life.

When I teach the tool of written guidance, the most common question I am asked is “What if it’s just my imagination?” To that I reply, “Well then, your imagination is much more helpful and positive than you have thought.”

This book is my answer to this common question: “What if it’s just my imagination?” This book asks, “What if it’s not?”

Thirty years after The Artist’s Way was published, I am here to report that I still write for guidance daily, and on any topic I need help with. It is a practice I rely on, believe in, and use in every area of my life. Living the Artist’s Way is a window into my life—and my reliance on guidance at every juncture. As this book lays out how and when I use this tool, it will invite you, too, to apply the technique I depend on to navigate all areas of your life—from your relationships to your environment to your career. It is powerful, it is positive, and it is available to all of us.

Welcome to the creative act of writing for guidance.

Hailed by the New York Times as 'The Queen of Change', Julia Cameron is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation – in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She is the bestselling author of more than forty books, fiction and nonfiction; a poet, songwriter, filmmaker and playwright. Commonly referred to as 'The Godmother' or 'High Priestess' of creativity, her tools are based in practice, not theory, and she considers herself 'the floor sample of her own toolkit.' The Artist's Way has been translated into forty languages and sold over five million copies to date.