Julia Cameron’s works have been known to touch millions of peo

ple, change lives and empower people who never even toyed with the idea of art to beco

me full-fledged artists. Heart Steps: Prayers and Declarations for a Creative Life is no different from any of her other works in this regard.

Have you ever tried an affirmation—a short, specific thought or saying to repeat to yourself over a period of time in order to empower yourself? Something like “I am powerful and brave” or “I ace every interview with ease”? Many people attempting to lose weight, abandon low self-esteem and infuse their lives with positivity utilize affirmations to bring about these changes.

Imagine Heart Steps as a 123-page affirmation. Each page contains an ongoing list of positive thoughts, clustered with themes like “My Soul is a Compassionate Heart” and “I am in Rhythm with the Flow of Life.” Some thoughts focus on patience, including

 affirmations like, “I am able to await outcomes. I tolerate periods of not knowing.” Others may highlight being adventurous, through thoughts such as “I choose an expansive life. I choose adventure, freedom, self-expression.” If you are familiar with The Secret, these readings are a great companion for establishing the good thoughts called for in the Law of Attraction.

The spiritual nature of the book may make some people disregard it—I know I did at first—as the author mentions “God” quite often. However, it’s used in a non-Christian, universal context and can easily be substituted with “Goddess,” “the Universe,” “Spirit,” “Allah,” or whichever name you wish to use when identifying your faith or spiritual practices.  

The book itself is a treat, but if you get a chance you may wish to e

xperience it through the audio version, which includes readings by the author as well as Tim Wheater, who also plays the flute in the background which creates a very peaceful, meditative feel. Listening to it through traffic would probably lower your blood pressure and keep you calm; or, try listening to it at bedtime, upon waking, or whatever time you normally meditate or do any spiritual work.

Julia Cameron has shared that the very thoughts and prayers in the book are those taken from her own daily practices. She uses these declarations every day to foster more creativity and abundance in her own life, and if you decide to use it for your own, I’m sure that you will reap some positive benefits as well.