EXPRESSIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS
Art is my cure to all this madness, sadness and loss of belonging in the world & through it I’ll walk myself home. ~ Nikki Rowe
What Is Expressive Writing
Expressive writing is a form of written self-expression that encourages individuals to put their thoughts and emotions onto paper without concern for grammar, spelling, or structure. It is a therapeutic and reflective practice that can be used for personal growth, emotional healing, and self-discovery. The primary goal of expressive writing is to explore and process one’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and private space.
Overall, expressive writing can be a powerful tool for promoting emotional well-being, self-discovery, and personal growth, making it a valuable practice for individuals seeking to understand themselves better and navigate life’s challenges.
Why Join an Expressive Writing Workshop
Unlock your inner writer’s potential and join our expressive writing workshop today. Dive into the transformative power of words as you embark on a journey of self-discovery, emotional release, and creative exploration. In our safe and supportive community, you’ll find solace in sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions, fostering personal growth and mental well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to refine your craft or a newcomer seeking a creative outlet, our diverse workshops offer a space for all voices to flourish. Gain valuable feedback, forge connections with fellow writers, and let your creativity thrive.
Join us and let the art of expressive writing elevate your life and storytelling skills.
The Season of Letting Go & Receiving:
a Qigong, Expressive Writing and Alpaca Workshop
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Expressive Writing for Self-Compassion
Words in Motion:
Journaling & Gentle Stretching Workshop
Sunday October 27, 2024
Make Friends With Your Inner Writer:
Expressive Writing Workshop
The Season of Letting Go & Receiving:
A Qigong, Expressive Writing and Alpaca Retreat
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Location: Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, 874 Lynch’s Rock Road, Lakefield
Cost: $111
In this 1/2 day retreat, we will use a blend of qigong and expressive writing to embrace the act of letting go and receiving – all while in the company of friendly alpacas and surrounded by beautiful meadows and countryside.
Details
In qigong, we follow the lessons of nature and the seasons. Fall is a season for letting go and creating new space for what we want to become. The organs associated with autumn are the lungs and the large intestine which reflect the spiritual nature of the season, letting go and receiving.
In this retreat, we’ll be practicing a variety of qigong exercises to support this season. We’ll be physically releasing energies and thoughts that no longer serve us. Then we’ll turn to our notebooks and use prompts provided by Erica to journal around these themes. We’ll explore what it feels like to write on leaves, blades of grass, and branches. We’ll burn our old beliefs in a bonfire. Then we’ll turn our energy to the new space within us and imagine filling it with creativity, love, and new dreams. There will be free time available to spend with the alpacas and solo-writing on the farm.
Join Thu Nguyen-Harris, medical qigong practitioner, Erica Richmond, expressive writing facilitator and Katie Jackson, alpaca guide in this beautiful 1/2 day retreat.
Register
Buy tickets here or sign up for our newsletter to be notified for future workshops.
Workshop Hosts
Thu Nguyen-Harris
Thu is a medical qigong practitioner, trauma-informed leadership coach, and community builder. She has been praised as being an incredible listener who encompasses warmth, compassion, and wisdom. Thu actively celebrates the peace, joy and flow that she consistently finds in this world. Learn more about Thu here.
Erica Richmond
Erica is an author, writing mentor, editor, and expressive writing facilitator. Her work is focused on helping people find joy in their writing and creative journey. Erica believes in the power of community, curiosity and creativity as she moves through her beautiful and messy life. Learn more about Erica here.
Katie Jackson
Katie is the owner of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience. She allows the wonder of nature and seasonal rituals to flow through her heart. An advocate for using the arts to experience connection and kinship, Katie is thrilled to bring these passions to her farm. Learn more about Katie and Wanderlight Alpaca Experience here.
Words in Motion: Journaling & Movement Workshop
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: TRX Pilates, 370B Burnham street, Peterborough, Ontario
Cost: $80
Join us for “Words in Motion,” a unique retreat blending the art of journaling with gentle stretching. This retreat offers a harmonious balance of mind and body practices.
Details
Throughout the day, you’ll alternate between reflective journaling sessions and gentle stretching exercises, allowing you to explore your inner thoughts while revitalizing your body. The movement segments, primarily focused on stretching, are accessible to all fitness levels, ensuring a relaxing and inclusive atmosphere.
Light refreshments will be provided, keeping you nourished and energized as you flow between writing and movement. Whether you seek inspiration, relaxation, or a new way to connect with yourself, “Words in Motion” offers a nurturing environment to explore and grow.
Come and experience the synergy of words and movement in a supportive and serene setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register
Buy tickets here or Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of upcoming dates.
Workshop Hosts
Kristen Young
Movement Specialist & TRX Pilates Founder
Kristen is a former wound care nurse and personal trainer. After having a baby in 2020, Kristen embarked on a new health and weight loss journey, She found a new world of results and success through a combination of TRX suspension training and Pilates. Kristen decided to transition away from the realm of weightlifting and competitive fitness, focusing instead on teaching others how to achieve optimal form and function to live in a pain-free body. Learn more Kristen and TRX Pilates here.
Erica Richmond
Author, Writing Mentor & Open Sky Stories Founder
Erica is the author of the Pixie Series and co-host of The Mail Art Stories Project. As a writing mentor, her work is focused on helping people find joy in their writing and creative journey. Erica believes in the power of community, curiosity and creativity as she moves through her beautiful and messy life. Learn more about Erica here.
Expressive Writing for Self Compassion
New session dates to be announced
“Remember that if you really want to motivate yourself, love is more powerful than fear.”
― Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Details
In this workshop, Erica Richmond, author and expressive writing facilitator will guide you through a variety of activities designed to explore your self-compassion.
You will leave the workshop with strategies and materials for you to continue your self-compassion journey.
Previously presented as part of the International Women’s Day event in Peterborough, Ontario.
Register
Get on our list for early bird registration for future seasons or sign up for our newsletter.
Erica’s gentle guidance allows participants to comfortably ease their way in to their creative practice. Her gift of facilitating creative and expressive writing for a community of people from all walks of life (and locations!) is one that should be experienced at least once to enjoy (…but you’ll be back for more)!
Make Friends with Your Inner Writer: Expressive Writing Workshop
New session dates to be announced
Despite what you may have heard, writing does not have to be painful or hard. It can be a truly joyful experience and feel like you’re curling up to chat with your very best friend.
Details
Join author and expressive writing facilitator, Erica Richmond as she guides you through a practice designed to help you make friends with your inner writer.
What are their hopes, and fears? What do they want you to know and share?
Whether you are brand new to writing or have been piling up notebooks for years, this workshop will give you an opportunity to think about writing in a new way.
We will use a variety of modalities including guided meditation, movement, art and of course writing!
There will be opportunities to share your experience with the group and you’ll leave with a piece of writing to remind yourself that your inner writer is on your side.
Register
Get on our list for early bird registration for future seasons or sign up for our newsletter.