Customer Reviews

Transitions: Prayers and Declarations for a Changing Life

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Julia Cameron's books of prayers, declarations, affirmations (whatever one chooses to call them, depending on one's spiritual point of view) are very good ... but 'Transitions' is the best & I believe that's because of the format & the subject matter. The format differs from the other two books (they are 'Heart Steps,' which is focused on creativity, & 'Blessings,' focused on heartfulness) in that it has an affirmation followed by a simple suggested action (the others only have affirmations). The suggested actions aren't difficult--they require just a little mental effort or resolution. The subject matter was a great choice. It is, as the title implies, change. The book is ideal for anyone facing a major event such as a death, wedding, move, career change. ... All three of these books, even in paperback, are very nicely presented, with sturdier covers & higher quality paper & printing than is typical & this is a good thing because they're the sort of thing you'll want to keep around & savor repeatedly. ... If this is the first Cameron effort you're considering, you're in for a treat: with almost no exceptions (but avoid the over-priced, poorly conceived 'Artist's Way Creativity Kit') Cameron's stuff is outstanding & a great asset to anyone in recovery, expanding or trying to change, especially in creative directions such as writing. You'll get the most out of the affirmations if you also buy, ideally, 'The Artist's Way' & perhaps a Tim Wheater album ... & start Cameron's suggested practices of 'morning pages' & a weekly 'artist date.'

There are some books that are so good, you almost want to keep their existence a secret-somewhat like finding a hidden treasure in a field, a needle in a haystack or a pearl of great price at a rummage sale. Julia Cameron's Transitions strikes me as one of those books.

Cameron is better known for her popular and sensitive book called The Artist's Way, which is a combination of creative and devotional insights and incentives for all who have the urge to paint, sculpt, build, compose and design from a faith-center. That book has been a much-thumbed companion for many artist friends of mine.

Transitions is perhaps a more intimate version of that better known work. In it, Cameron offers prayers and what she calls "declarations" for a changing world. These are presented in a form much like a daily devotional. There is a quotation from a source familiar or obscure, followed by reflections by Cameron herself.

Throughout the book, Cameron seeks to remind both herself and the reader that accepting change is the key to thriving through it. She is a tender and thoughtful traveler through the various life events that some would call surprise, others would term crisis, yet all will experience at one time or another.

For those who are convinced that change is always "bad", there are some outstanding sections on these aspects of change: abundance, clarity, compassion, courage, curiosity, expansion, happiness, love, protection, service, satisfaction and strength. What? You say that you had never considered these things as "change"? All the more reason to explore what Cameron has to say about them.

Then, there are sections having to do with relationships. I particularly like what Cameron has to say about genuine friendship. She begins by quoting our first President George Washington on that subject: "True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." Cameron goes on to encourage us to see those relationships we call friendships in the atmosphere of values that help us determine their verity: "Friendships require honesty and honesty requires courage. In all friendships there are moments when we must choose to be courageous. ...Honesty is healing and nutritious to my heart and its friendships." (pages 63-64). Cameron invites you to respond to your yearning for those genuine friendships, which surpass the superficial, the way a solid cherry table surpasses particleboard. You sense the kinds of support Cameron offers the adventurous traveler through life.

The reader may be surprised that Cameron quotes both well-known Christians and those of other faiths; moreover, that she brings gleams of light from cultures other than our own. The timid reader may keep such insights at arm's length. But to do so would miss the wonder and beauty to be had in these pages, as well as our Lord's pithy observation, "The Spirit blows where it will."

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction

Although, as an artist and just a person who is still breathing, I could use a dose of hope and inspiration once in a while, I can no longer trust the sincerity, integrity, motives and qualifications of 99.9-percent of authors whose books line the shelves of the self-help, inspiration, or psychology sections. This stems not only from multiple, deep disappointments with this kind of book, but also from enough personal interaction with a couple of extremely high-profile and well-regarded (and rich) writers of this genre who clearly are complete frauds. Moreover, I've had scary experiences in real life with bad shrinks, one of whom was a psycho who lost his license for molesting female patients. And I'm especially skeptical of how-to books on "creativity" and "writing," which are inevitably written by people who are neither, read by people who, if they actually have to be told how, never were and never will be.

But in this sea of insincerity, there's Julia Cameron. I don't know anything at all about this author as a person, but all of her books shine with an honesty and compassion that delivers substance. The reader takes away something both useful and inspirational. The prayer books in particular are far from the same old thing. Only someone who lives and believes in what she writes could convey these thoughts to others in such a beautiful, unique way. Note that one does not have to have a particular faith to get a whole lot out of these little books. Reading Cameron is like talking things over with a compassionate, QUALIFIED therapist or who is neither preachy nor Pollyanna.

I had bought this book early in the year (2005) but had somehow put it aside and forgotten about it. Three weeks after the death of my husband in December, the book "appeared" to me again and it was such a comfort to me. I am now reading it for the third time. It has been one of my best tools for dealing with my grief. Thank you Julia for such beautiful thoughts. Thank you God, for such a talented writer.

I found this small book very powerful and helpful. There were quotes and small essays for all types of transitions.

This is an effective way to connect with the higher power and obtain the strength one needs during times of transition.

Bravo to Julia Cameron for a first-aid kit for us in transition.

I love the whole body of work that Julia Cameron has done to support and encourage Creatives. I keep this one close at hand and read from it on days when I need a quick boost or I don't have time for something more extensive and time-consuming. A single small page at a time, with a couple of notable quotes and a short, affirming prayer. Just the thing when you are on the fly and you want to stay on course as you are going...

*****
This book contains short prayers/meditations related to being an artist, writer, or really, creator of any type, done in a style reminiscent of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way". If you are a fan of Cameron, the guru of creativity for artists and writers, you will certainly enjoy this. Each page has a quotation at the top, and then the author writes a meditative paragraph that is related to the quotation. She always ends with an affirmation, "Today...."---something that you can take with you into your day. The book has a topical index in the back too. Lovely book, highly recommended.
*****

This book is an inspirational gem. I read an entry first thing in the morning, last thing at night and sometimes during the day. I can honestly say it is one of the most helpful books I have ever read. There is a nugget of wisdom in every entry. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is going through any kind of change in their life.

This was my all time Julia Cameron favorite. Something to seek out when in crisis -- like a prayer book for the spiritual personality. Very helpful.

I have been reading out of this book every morning for years.

I started doing this after my cancer treatments.

I intern have given this book to my son for inspiration and well being.

Cheryl