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Becoming Your Life’s Work: Exploring The Artist’s Way

September 29, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Exploring the Artist’s Way

In-person in Innsbruck, Austria. 14 weeks, starting on 11 January 2024  from 18h00-20h00.
Workshop language: English.

14 weeks to reveal your creative self and set your creativity free

Join me for a structured programme that will help you increase your self-confidence and harness your creative talents and skills using techniques and exercises from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way*.

You don’t need to be an artist or an aspiring artist to take part in this workshop. It is designed to help you set aside the fear and conditioning that holds you back from being creative so that you can embrace life, experience it to the fullest, and meet the world on your terms.

Have you ever thought:

“I’m not creative. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body.”

“I wish I could be more creative but I don’t know how to start.”

“I used to be so creative, but now I’m blocked. I want to do something to introduce more creativity into my life.”

“I want to start something new, but I have no idea how or where to start.”

“I feel stuck and I need to make a change, but I don’t know if I have what it takes.”

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, the good news is that you are not alone.

The truth is that we’re all creative, but fear and conditioning hold us back

We’re afraid that what we create will not be good enough, or that we’ll be judged.

​And let’s face it; creativity is often frowned upon in our culture.

Add to that the daily distractions of work, family, socialising, the Internet, Netflix, and simply living…well, it’s no wonder we have a hard time being creative! Which is a shame, because creativity can make life exciting and fun and inspiring! Being more creative can also help us notice and even create opportunities in our lives.

If you want to unblock your creativity and start experiencing your life to the fullest, this workshop might be for you.

If you want to discover and recover your creative self, this programme can help you dissolve blocks and transform your life.

I guide small group through The Artist’s Way because as the author herself says, ‘success occurs in clusters.’ I’ve created a safe, comfortable, inspiring space where hundreds of people have supported and encouraged each other over the years. Accountability and structure help participants stay the course, even through the most challenging phases of the process.

“In walking your artist’s way, my deepest wish for you is the company of fellow lights and the generosity to light each other’s ways as we each pass temporarily into darkness….success occurs in clusters and is born in generosity. Let us form constellations of believing mirrors and move into our powers.” –Julia Cameron

This workshop is not about being an artist, and not specifically for artists

Artists are, of course, welcome, but this workshop is for anyone who is open to exploring their inner world and in creative ways.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

— Pablo Picasso

Why work in a group instead of alone?

The Artist’s Way can be completed in many ways: on your own, with some friends, or even online with the author herself.

If, however, you’re the kind of person who benefits from having regular, in-person accountability to help see you through the length and commitment of this three-month long program, then this workshop is for you.

More accountability

At a minimum there is the accountability factor: if you have ever signed up for an online, self-paced workshop and never completed it, or if you have always wanted to practise Yoga but you can’t motivate yourself to do it at home alone, you’ll know how important accountability can be. Having a clear idea of what is expected of you each week, and a clear timeline when you need to complete things, followed by a meeting where you can share how easy or difficult it was to achieve things is a great way to keep on track.

Less judgement

Groups also minimise judgement. We all know how difficult it can be to form a new habit, and when we are alone, we are likely to beat ourselves up. In fact, we often say things to ourselves that we would NEVER say to other people! We say things like: “You’re so stupid, how did you fail to complete this simple task?” and “You’re such a loser – everyone else can stick to a diet, why not you?”

In a group, we have much more empathy. We can admit failings, offer support, and help ourselves and others on their path to success.

Learning & inspiration multiplied!

Groups also allow us to learn from each other, gain inspiration from others, encourage and receive encouragement, and see the world in new and interesting ways, all of which feeds into our creative selves.

My workshops have a minimum of four participants and a maximum of twelve participants to ensure rich, vibrant discussions in a small group and a safe space. I offer you questions, encouragement, prompts, ideas, and challenges, but you always have the choice to participate at whatever level is right for you. No one is forced to do or say anything, which makes the experience a positive one for introverts and extraverts alike.

As we explore The Artist’s Way, you will get the tools and inspiration to help you:

  • Know which of your many ideas to start on first.
  • Dissolve the blocks that are keeping you stuck.
  • Build your self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Connect with a new sense of possibility for your “unrealistic” dreams and creative projects.
  • Clear out beliefs that have been sabotaging the flow of abundance in your life.
  • Build a stronger connection to your intuitive guidance.
  • Have the confidence to execute concrete creative plans.
  • Maintain momentum and stay on track, even after the course has finished.
  • Build trust in Life, and in yourself.

What to expect from the Exploring The Artist’s Way workshop

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We’ll meet once a week for 14 weeks at a comfortable space in the heart of Innsbruck. You’ll receive full details on booking. The sessions run from 18:00-20:00 on Thursday evenings, starting on 11th January 2024.

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You’ll need to supply your own copy of the book, The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. I do my best to support local book stores and both are available, or can be ordered, from Tyrolia and Wagnersche in Innsbruck. Obviously, you can also purchase your copy from the big, all-present retailer that we all use at times, but cost-wise it’s only a bit cheaper and you won’t be supporting your local community quite as much.

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You’ll also need to have an A4 notebook that you will use every morning for writing, and an A4 or A5 book for our sessions – to capture any notes or inspiration!

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Each week you’ll work through one chapter of the book at home.

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At our weekly in-person sessions, I’ll guide you through discussions and activities based on that chapter. Sharing your insights and hearing from others going through the process deepens your understanding and enriches your experience of The Artist’s Way.

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The structure of each session normally includes a centering in the beginning, discussions and reflections on each the previous week, an introduction to the topic for the week to come with activities, time for reflections and integration, and a closing.

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My highest priority is to create a space in which every person present feels safe and supported and welcome. With that in mind, I ask that everyone agrees to keep any personal sharing confidential.

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My group workshops are “introvert-friendly” as well as “extravert-friendly”. That means that there is no obligation for you to say anything, share your experiences or learnings, or do anything in the sessions if you prefer not to.

Take a look at what people say and some of the results from art journaling.

What does it cost?

The facilitated workshop includes 28 hours of in-person sessions over 14 weeks, plus reminders, prompts and access to a brand new private forum to share ideas.

Standard workshop cost: €330

Early bird (pay before 11 December): €280

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Kind words

I LOVED Exploring The Artist’s Way with Suzanne. She has been a wonderful guide, giving me the push that I needed to complete the whole programme, even when I was having doubts. It’s a lot of work, but so rewarding. I would recommend this workshop 100% to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and into their creative zone.

Jennifer Davys

You provide such a supportive, encouraging space. I can’t deny that it was a touch programme, but I feel as if I have come out stronger and braver as a result. Thank you!

Yossi Mullah

Suzanne’s workshop helped me to get out of my comfort zone – big time! I really enjoyed the discussions and reflections, and appreciated the time in our time together to draw and write – because I can’t promise that I would have done this alone. I am still doing my morning writing and I feel as if I have turned a corner with my hopes to be a published writer. This was so worthwhile for me. Thank you!
Shelia Brown

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the sessions?

We meet for 14 consecutive Thursday evenings from 18h00-20h00. Our first session is on 11 January, 2024. Just think, you could be in a whole new headspace by Spring!

What if I can't make every session?

Because of the duration of this course, some people won’t be able to attend every single session. That’s not a problem. Life is busy, and things come up.

If you have to miss a class or two, we have measures in place so you can easily catch up on what we covered in any missed sessions.

Is this an art class?

No. We occasionally have art-related activities in our in-person sessions (although your “art” might be writing, or drawing, or calligraphy – it’s up to you) BUT this is just your opportunity to respond to prompts and activities during the session. It is not an instructional class.

How much time do I need to commit to this programme?

Good question. We meet each week for 2 hours, and in addition to that, you probably need to commit another 3-5 hours a week for your morning writing, creative dates, and other activities. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide how much time to invest in this programme. The only person who will benefit – or not – is you.

Do you offer a payment plan?

Unfortunately not. Full payment is due at enrolment. Your place on the workshop will only be confirmed once payment has been received.

Do you have a refund policy?

This course requires a commitment of time and energy. Facing your creative blocks is a brave thing to do. It can be a challenging class at times, and every now-and-then, someone wants to stop coming. I understand. Unfortunately, we can’t replace you with someone else mid-way through a programme, and so we have a strict no-refund policy.

When does registration close?
Registration closes 5 days before the start date or when all spaces have been filled. Please note that we need at least four people registered for the workshop in order to run it, and if we don’t have the numbers, we may have to cancel the workshop.
What happens if a workshop is cancelled for some reason?
You will receive a full refund and will be notified 5 days before the start date.
I don’t like groups. Is this for me?
I’ve had self-confessed introverts tell me that they have felt unexpectedly comfortable in this group setting. My group workshops are “introvert-friendly” as well as “extravert-friendly”. That means that there is no obligation for you to say anything, share your experiences or learnings, or do anything in the sessions if you prefer not to.

In other words: there is no pressure. Come as you are, participate as much or as little as you wish. Get what YOU want from the workshop.

Examples from journals

Details

Date:
September 29, 2023
Time:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm