We are all storytellers at heart. We are always recounting the events of our day, the people who touched us or irked us; we listen to our children’s joys and tribulations, and provide advice from our collection of wisdoms. Our foundations are built from the experience of our mother’s and father’s and their stories. What have been the stepping-stones of our lives? What junctures were significant? What changed us? There are moments, places and details that set our lives upon various paths. It may be an innocent conversation, look, touch that otherwise might have gone un-noticed. Or, perhaps a complicated instance with layers upon layers of fact and innuendo that are seemingly relentless; a tragedy, a joy, an implication, an unexpected surprise, a twist of fortune, a turn of events, a time of great happiness, a period of deep sorrow. These are all pieces of our stories.
Natalie Goldberg, author and writing advocate, says in her book, Writing Down the Bones, that she believes we “all have a dream of telling our stories – of realizing what we think, feel, and see… Writing is a path to meet ourselves and become intimate.” She is talking about the idea that we can all write, we may not be interested in creating the next best seller, but it is an intrinsic form of our expression.
Over the years I have attended many writing workshops. They open me up to possibilities. It’s like a trip to the spa for my mind, soul and imagination! I am infused with ideas, and often walk away with something that is refreshingly new to me. It’s because during those hours I completely give myself over to the process, and my focus is intensified. Surrounded with like-minded people, their energy and sincerity is compelling. I discover parts of myself that I wouldn’t un-shelve on my own.
Next month I will be teaching a writing workshop, alongside two inspiring women, Vivian Saffer, an Integrative Coach and Michelle Katz, an Iyengar Yoga Therapist and Mediation teacher. We will discover how to deepen our awareness, embark upon meditation practices, and immerse in contemplative writing. Through writing we find our intimate selves and dare to dream of telling our stories. Sitting around Vivian’s reclaimed table in her beautiful and welcoming kitchen we will provide a safe space to take a chance on writing, to laugh, feel, and share in a meaningful and unique experience.
I have known Michelle for a very long time and our paths keep intersecting. Her grace, spirituality and wisdom are such that I feel grounded and peaceful in her presence. When we discussed the possibilities of this workshop we connected on the transformative power of combining meditation and writing. She says, “ My passion as a teacher for the past twenty years has allowed me to pursue my life’s work in helping others nurture their dreams, and nourish their bodies, minds and souls through the physical awareness of yoga, meditation and Jewish spiritual tradition. Meditation directs our awareness to an object of focus, and is a way to nurture the creative aspects of our life.”
Vivian is my sister-in-law, a gift for which I am very thankful to my brother! She has taught me so much over these years. Gratitude, acceptance, awareness have become the tenets of my daily life. I am deeply grateful for these lessons. They have served me well, and carried me over many hurdles. Anyone who attends our workshop will be touched by her compassion, insight and knowledge. She says, “Deepening our awareness deepens our feeling of peace. This peace is always there but is clouded by emotion and judgment. When we are present and aware, we have the ability to choose. This is where our true power resides.”
Our life journey is our greatest teacher. Self discovery does not have times and places, it is ongoing, and takes detours, maneuvers in surprising ways, hits obstacles and sails smoothly into the sunset; all at any given moment. Join us for an extraordinary evening where we will deepen our awareness, engage in inspiring conversation and write and share our unique stories.
Thursday November 6th from 7-10. RSVP before October 31 to Jacqui@recipeforlifeclub.com to secure one of our 12 spots.