Writing: A Spiritual Practice
Workshop # 41
Anne Beaufort
Writing as a spiritual practice goes beyond journaling into undiscovered depths of wisdom and meaning. Explore ways to access writing that bypasses our day-to-day thoughts. We will write in community to prompts that will help us speak our truths, discover our inner lives, and listen deeply to the Light within.
Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 50
Open to all
Full Description
Expectations/objectives:
- First, to assist participants in learning right-brain ways of writing that by-pass the inner critic and monkey-mind so that truths unfold as the pen moves across the page.
- Second, to build community and connection by fostering a safe space for listening to the words that have emerged in the writing process.
- Third, to give participants aids for continuing writing as a spiritual practice.
Topics Covered:
- Day One: flow writing; right vs. left brain thinking; journaling vs. writing as spiritual practice; prompt: this is a time in my life when...
- Day Two: clustering, meditation & writing; prompt: steppingstones in my life
- Day Three: visual mark-making & writing; language & the ineffable; prompt: call/response writing
- Day Four: a haiku a day; written prayers; guided meditation and writing; prompt: roads not taken
- Day Five: recap; metacognition; more on “flow;” tools for a writing practice; prompt: dialogue with Wisdom Figure
Format of Workshop:
- First hour: worship/silence; setting intentions/letting go; warmup writing; first writing session
- Second hour: short break, read-around of 1st writing; discussion of writing process
- Third hour: short break, 2nd writing session, read-around, closure
Recommended reading (optional): One Continuous Mistake: Four Noble Truths for Writers, Gail Sher; The Writing Life, Annie Dillard
What to bring: unlined journal, favorite writing implements, art supplies (magic markers, oil pastels), a favorite poem or two.
