FUNdementals

Notes from a different drummer

Learning the unforced rhythms of grace

The practical How

Soul nurturing

• Treat-time

Next up - FUN! And not just any fun, but tailor-made-for-you-and-you-alone fun. Sounds too good to be true? Read on.

Again, we draw on the wisdom of Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, and introduce you to Artist’s Dates. We prefer to use the term Treat-time for the same concept, because we have experienced that many people’s immediate reaction when confronted with Artist’s Dates are to visibly shy away. They say something like: “I’m not creative”, “I’m no artist” or “I can’t draw or paint to save my life”.

This is not about being a painter, potter, writer, dancer or actor. Nor will you need to take up any artist’s tool if it is not your inclination. This tool was created by Julia Cameron whose area of expertise lies in the unblocking of creativity, which she refers to as the inner artist or the inner child.

We will in due course get to the discussion of the all-importance of leading a creative life, no matter what your line of work, but for now, rest assured that the inner child in both unblocking of creativity and tapping into our essence, is one and the same. We could also call it the soul.

Treat-time is a planned date with yourself (no tag-alongs allowed), lasting a few hours at a time, once a week, doing the kind of things that make your toes curl with pleasure. Only you know exactly what that might be. So get to your diary first, block out the time and take yourself to a movie, lie on the grass and watch the clouds drift by or the stars light up, curl up in a cosy chair and read a magazine from cover to cover, go for a long walk, browse leisurely in a second-hand book store, sing and dance to your favourite music, cook up a storm, fiddle in the garden, build a jigsaw puzzle, go fishing, visit the zoo, an art exhibition, go for a massage, take a swim.

Be sure to plan your treats while keeping in mind that you are dealing with a child. Think fun. No lesson need be learned, nor is it necessary to go to huge expense. The time commitment you make for self nurturing is what makes this valuable, no matter whether you decide to play in the mud or to go to a ballet.  Like any child, your inner child needs loving attention. Treat-time will validate her.

Why is this so important? Self love is the key to feeling truly alive. Treat-time is saying "I love you". It speaks to our deepest yearnings to matter, to be important enough to spend time with.

Something wondrous happens. It is as if your inner child sits up in amazement and says:”You really went to all this trouble for me?” Self worth and self respect start showing in subtle ways: how you dress, what you feed your body, how you live. Your priorities start changing for the better. This feeling of worthiness also spills outwardly to others and the way we view them.  You feel more energetic and inspired. Which sets the wheels of synchronicity into motion. It’s as if some angelic watchman proclaims: “She’s waking up. Start rolling out the plans we have in stall for her.”

The benefits you’ll reap from this seemingly counter-productive activity will soon convince you that Treat-time is non-negotiable and no one can afford to live without it.

Know that you will have to fight your old foe, the Wet Cloth, your very own censor. As with the Wake up notes, you will encounter a lot of resistance, a lot of reasons not to keep the date with yourself. Or to include someone else or pretend that the cake you are baking for the school fete actually counts as Treat-time because you enjoy baking so much.

We have been programmed to think of ourselves last, if at all. In writing Wake up notes, you will start to become aware of your soul needs. Treat-time is its perfect stable mate. A way of meeting those needs.

Go have fun! It is as essential as breathing if you want to be truly alive.

Matilda

Further reading:

• For a more comprehensive explanation of Julia Camerons’s Artist's Dates, go to Julia Cameron live
• Blog posts that expand on this theme, are:

          Treats or cheats?
          Hidden in the heart of things
          Diagnosis: Serious lack of fun

• If you've just "tuned in" to our blog and want to get the background picture, have a look at the Page heading About our Approach
• Posts preceding this one in the series can be found under the Label: Notes from a different drummer