The Listening Path: The Creative Art of Attention

Cameron delivers an accessible, insightful addition to her The Artist’s Way workbooks with this take on how being a better listener can increase creativity. She begins by describing three “basic tools” that should be incorporated into daily life: writing every morning, artist’s dates (“a solo expedition to do something that enchants or interests you”), and walking. Other activities recommended include listening to the sounds in one’s home and environment, paying more attention in conversations with friends and family, and even tapping into messages from dead loved ones and personal heroes by simply addressing them in writing and asking questions. Cameron’s illustrative musings about her own process are presented alongside interviews with artists, writers, and other creatives about the role that listening plays in their lives and crafts. For instance, actress Jennifer Bassey compares attentive listening, the act of “reacting and responding,” to falling in love, and Cameron frequently laments the fact that when people talk over each other they “lose a valuable chance to learn.” Cameron’s fans will love this straightforward program. (Jan.)