Women Weaving Words

Today is World Poetry Day - it still has some way to go to gain the popularity and awareness of other events. I love the fact that poetry is there, quietly working its magic in so many ways. One of my favourite poets right now is Ellen Bass . I was gifted a book of her poetry - Like a Beggar - for Christmas. You can listen to her talk of the power of poetry in your life here: Podcast

This Thursday (15 February), we will be using the energy from the previous day with our writing theme being: love Join us! We will be meeting as usual in John Lewis Watford from 19.00 to 20.30 - it is free to attend but you are asked to make the purchase of refreshments from the cafe. Women Weaving Words welcomes all women who wish to put pen (or pencil) to paper. Whether experienced or beginner, our group visits a variety of prompts in each session which can help you to build your writing confidence and also add fuel and inspiration to your own writing projects. [Image: Pixabay]

Yesterday (10 January) was the first writing group of 2018 and it was such an enriching experience, gathering around several tables in John Lewis and writing. We were inspired by poetry from Louise Erdrich, Ellen Bass and @nakedwriting and the insights and discussions that followed each piece were wonderful. The focus was on reflecting on 2017 and our aspirations into 2018. Writing really does allow a deeper sense of reflection, which is why I feel it is an important approach to meditation. It simply invites you to start where you are, encapsulating that all important meditation instruction 'beginners mind'. We can only write in the present moment, which is where we find ourselves with our breath. I can't think of a more perfect way to have begun the year. [Image: Pixabay.com]

You may like to use this 'in-between' time of Christmas and the New Year to tackle one (or all) of the following prompts. Set your timer for 10 minutes and...go! What matters to you most at this time of your life? With the season in mind, what traditions are meaningful to you? Or, what seasonal / spiritual traditions do you need to let go of? Who or what has had the greatest impact on you this year? Have fun and I look forward to seeing you across the page or table in 2018. Image: pixabay.com

This week saw the six month anniversary of the women's writing group, having started our journey in June. Small steps, but it has been wonderful each and every time I meet women across the page to hear their words. Here's to the next six months!

Another successful writing circle this morning (on St Andews Day). The theme was 'objects' which took us in a variety of directions. One attendee bought a poem to share, which we used for some inspirational writing at the end of the morning. The poem can be viewed on the link below: Miracle on St David's Day - Gillian Clarke

On Saturday 18 November I spent the day at Canterbury Yoga with a group of 19 wonderful women. The workshop had been arranged back in February, following on the heels of a successful workshop in Stamford in January, so it had felt like a long wait until the day finally arrived! The day was planned to give all present, irrespective of experience in yoga, meditation or writing, an opportunity to dive deeper and also to leave feeling deeply nourished and relaxed. I am delighted to say that the feedback has been overwhelming, and all who joined me reported many benefits (which can be seen in some of the feedback below). If you would like me to bring a Women's Stories workshop to your area, please do get in touch .