One of the most visible consequences of self-rejection is procrastination. For Cameron, procrastination haunts the artist because s/he prefers to leave everything for later than to face a sure failure. The blocked artist believes that in a better future, with more time, money, age, position or life experience would be easier to create and therefore failure would not be threatening anymore. Cameron clearly points out all these unfulfilled promises as excuses and raises the real reasons behind. The student is then compelled to analyze and leave aside fear and the negative ideas received on him/herself, so as to start working. Now.
But this action should not be perceived as a task. Creative work is described in “The Artist’s Way” as a part of the universal stream of energy. Some proposals of the book address this flow, looking for freeing it around the Artist. From the distribution of the desk to the concept of synchrony, the book guides the blocked author out of the routine, in order to think on terms of flow, facilitating transition towards a lifestyle more open to the natural world and less centered in artificial conventions.
This internal travel to step out of the comfort zone is not easy. Inertia and fright are still there, so Cameron proposes several exercises of visualizing. The blocked artist is invited to daydream of a better (near) future, drawing, making collages or through storytelling. The aim is to allow him/her to think autonomously, to see him/herself differently and to raise self-esteem. Seeing it provides a belief, a positive image that counteracts the negative self.
All these approaches lead Cameron to present creativity as a whole process. Cameron defines creativity as the natural order of life, as pure energy. Through the ten principles of Creativity, she invites her readers to consider themselves as artists, not only as writers, poets, filmmakers or cookers. She also makes the point of including creativity in daily life and not restraining it to special inspired moments (that may not come.)
In conclusion, from reading the Artist’s way and researching on Ms. Cameron’s life, we may understand the creative process as holistic. The artist should not only concentrate on his/her own craft, but try to experience nature, relationships and other ideas / handlings. Art should not be perceived as a specific, unnatural feature, but as a part of every human being, each one with his/her own way. Creativity should be accepted as a part of ourselves, as natural as breathing, as necessary and interconnected with the universe as well. Synchronies will be there to remind us that we are part of the energy of the Universe.
However, risks are many if we deny our craft. Resignation form oneself goes against nature. If we turn off our inner self becoming standard persons that accept daily obligations as if nothing else existed, we will not be complete. And this vacuum may well draw us.