Sometimes we have a lot on our minds, and sometimes there’s a lot we’d like to say, but we don’t quite know how to say it. Writing things down is a popular and proven technique for bringing order to our thoughts and channelling some of our emotions.
The challenge, though, is how to find both the time – and also, how to give ourselves permission – to write, when it feels such a daunting task.
I’d venture that we don’t necessarily need to see writing as a ‘task’. We might regard it instead as a lovely little sanctuary to which we can return, a ‘private place’, if you like, where we can commune and maybe even enjoy ourselves.
It can be our place to escape to. A refuge, even. But when we write we can also show up as ourselves, stay in the present moment, and gift ourselves the time to write a few words. It can be a place to find perspective, and to learn new things about ourselves as well.
These are just a few observations of writers who, reflecting on what writing brings to their lives, highlight how valuable writing can be in bringing comfort, a place to confide, and an opportunity to express what they are feeling.
In the coming few months we have two creative writing workshops coming up which are designed to be a safe space to try out creative writing, in all its forms.
Whether you’ve got a keen interest in storytelling, or this will be your first time “dipping your toes” into the writing world, these workshops are an accessible, inclusive place to try new writing exercises and follow prompts with tutor and writer, Andrew K Kauffmann.
On October 15th, we will have a workshop on writing the tough stuff and how we might support ourselves and write with self-compassion about things that are personally sensitive or about past events that still cause us some difficulty, reflecting on their significance. We will consider how we might write about very personal things from life experience, should we wish. We will also consider ways in which we might create some sense of well-being and safeguard ourselves as we attempt this. Whether you’d like to try your hand at poetry, or write a memoir, this is a space to have a go in a supportive community.
And then on December 17th, we return for a workshop on writing with wellbeing as our goal. How might we use writing techniques and tools to maintain or even enhance our sense of personal well-being? How might journaling, gratitude lists, or letter writing be an aid to us, even in the hardest moments? And we will look at the latest evidence that suggests getting creative is said to be good for our sense of well-being.
We will provide a space for writing, for discussion and asking questions. And there will be no expectations any participants share their writing or personal story. This will be a confidential space and your place to try your hand at writing.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Andrew Kaye Kauffmann
You can sign up to the October 15th Writing the ‘tough stuff’ workshop here.
