11 May workshops - Air + Writing to Taste Life

It was good to be back at Goose Green and to offer the last of the elements - Air.  We connected through a poem that praised air and later co-created a new poem through interweaving lines from one another's words.  This involved mindful listening and selection.

I then dashed off to Brompton Road Library to take part in the Cityreads series of events around the book "Sofia Khan is not obliged".  As some of the group were expecting a talk on food, it was wonderful that everyone was willing to find out about words for wellbeing and to take part in the workshop.

Here is a selection of feedback from the two workshops:

What did you particularly enjoy?
"Starting with a word and building forward was inspirational for me." - Brajesh

"Having the quiet, space and relaxation to allow myself to think, focus and express myself in writing," - Jan

"Sharing ideas with others and hearing their contributions." - Noreen

"Participation, sharing experiences and hearing beautiful stories." - Tania


Something you might take away
"Writing regularly (without judging it)." - Brajesh

"The realisation that writing down feelings and thoughts helps to clear your mind and get rid of anxiety with a better understanding of yourself." - Jan

"Starting to write for me." Maria

"Write for the joy of writing." Parishma

"Learning that sharing, regardless of what I think is good or bad is important." - Tania

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Other comments
"I would like to go to other similar events about writing." Donna Costa

"Thank you - a very enjoyable two hours." Maria

"Longer session needed.  Would love more sessions" - Tania

Goose Green - Water Workshop 9 March

It was a blustery day on 9 March and it was good to be cosseted away in our writing space once again at Goose Green Clinic.

We reviewed our writing practice since the last session with one participant having kept their  playful "earth" nameplate from the previous workshop in view in their writing space to maintain the good feelings and momentum from our last session.

We then created a new nameplate and played with its sound and movement as a means of introduction.  We reviewed our "ground rules" for working together and dived into our first free write.  Then some releasing and flowing movements followed by some mindful breathing.  

We contemplated what "water" meant to us then read and discussed a poem to connect to this and wrote from a favourite line or phrase.  We then explored our relationship with water in some more writing and rounded off with some "messages" from stones.

Here's some of the feedback:-

"I enjoyed all of it.  Gentle approach is nice.  Good balance." - RP

Asked "what did you particularly enjoy? 

     "the poem, very thought provoking.  Helped me to think about my relationship to water" - Emel

 "The lovely stone at the end.  I feel cheered and energised by it." - RP

Anything you would take away from today?

     "the use of meditation and movement before writing" - Emel

Further comment:

     "I like understanding how to read my work without feeling the need to explain" - Emel

It was good to explore the theme of water with this group!  I'm looking forward to our next workshop on 6th April on the theme of fire + light.

First workshop at Goose Green Clinic - Earth - 9 February 2019

The series of workshops got off to a good start at Goose Green Clinic.  We were in Bodhi room which is a quiet space to reflect and write.

We reinvented ourselves by way of a nameplate as a means of introduction.  Then, after agreeing how we needed to act in order to feel safe to share and writing these up on my handy portable flip chart, we spent a few minutes doing some releasing and calming movements followed by some mindful breathing and a grounding practice.  This helped participants flow into their first free-writing exercise to arrive on the page.

We then contemplated what "earth" meant to us then read and discussed a poem to connect to this and wrote from a favourite line or phrase.  Following this, we each selected a tree wisdom card to polish off the session.   

Here's some of the feedback:-

"I felt safe and relaxed."

Asked "what did you particularly enjoy? 

     "its gentleness"

     "The small group.  The lovely room.  The mix of exercises.  The respect for time.  The measured approach."

Anything you would take away from today?

     "calm, peace, stillness"

And an unsolicited note about the facilitator:

     "I thought you were terrific!!  Professional, but light hearted too."

What a lovely group of participants!  I'm looking forward to our next workshop on 9th March on the theme of water.