Writing From the Body, a writing, movement & somatics workshop
New online & in person classes for 2024!
What is Writing From the Body?
Writing From the Body relies on our physical self to generate writing, heightened sensory awareness, insight, and contemplative movement that arises from metaphor, sound, subtle energy, improvisation, and mindfulness. Somatic exercises lead participants open to creative expression, spiritual connection, and healing.
The process bypasses limiting cognitive approaches that lock us into old patterns and instead taps into primordial energy, a free flow of creativity, and renewal. Participants access embodied presence and a deep, resonant expression that aligns with their unique self and well-being. They practice deep listening to tap into synergy and creating work from an alpha state. The result may be poetry, fiction, nonfiction, journaling, performance, healing, insight, and spiritual connection.
Writing, movement, and meditation are all practices of being and becoming. All benefit from a gentle focus, acceptance, and intentionality. Where attention goes, the body follows. When the body softens, the mind comes alive. This aliveness leads to a strengthened connection to the core of being and to a universal consciousness.
An extension of Writing From the Body, Writing From the Collective Body shifts focus from a solitary body to a group body, intersubjectivity, interdependance, and boundless awareness. It recognizes ourselves as ecosomatic which means being part of nature and the ecosystem. Connect with a perspective larger than yourself. Increase your imaginative reach and proprioceptive awareness.
What are the benefits?
- Be inspired
- Write and move with ease
- Tap into creative expression
- Connect to body wisdom
- Develop mindfulness
- Release blocks
- Tune into subtle energy
- Connect to earth rhythms
- Activate healing
- Relieve stress
- Cultivate authentic being
- Astonish yourself
Who should attend a Writing From the Body workshop?
Attend if you’re blocked in an area of your life, want to develop your creativity, and yearn to connect with your authentic self. Attend to jumpstart your writing, to embody your unique movements, to create and renew, to increase somatic awareness, and to heal. Attend out of curiosity or to surprise yourself.
All skill levels are welcome.
What is included in a workshop?
Workshops include writing, moving, and sharing and are tailored to the needs of various groups.
What is your background?
I’m a published poet, author, dancer, somaticist, energy healer, coach, and professor. I offer workshops throughout the United States and abroad.
What are participants saying?
“Hidden deep in our muscle and bones and in every living cell of our physical selves rest unexplored imagery, metaphor, and language. Cheryl sagely guides writers to these far-away-inside-us places. She helps us gently awaken and befriend the sleeping dragon of our physical imagination.”
“Writing From the Body is creativity at its best. Cheryl offers a process-oriented format that invites opening, flow, and deepening to ourselves and others. She has a delightful, whimsical, and lighthearted way of teaching that is nourishing.”
“I seek ways to release the creative impulse behind the moves that my body makes. Writing From the Body gave my over-active mind the permission to truly go with the flow. Now, when I need inspiration to write, I can move first and when I want to move, I can initiate that with writing. As Cheryl says, ‘Words have vibration.’”
Class Details and Registration
Writing From the Body, 5-week class, Thursdays, January 25, February 1, 15, 22, 29, 2024, 7-8:30pm EST, online via Zoom. Early registration by 1/18 $275; 1/19 & after $320. Register here.
Writing From the Collective Body, Serenity Farm Group (closed group). Register here.
Writing From the Collective Body, Friday, March 15 (7:00-9:00pm PST) & Saturday, March 16 (12:00-5:00pm PST), 2024, in person, Agoura Hills CA. Register here. Extra: contact improvisation (6:30pm-?)
Interested in attending an upcoming workshop?
Contact me with questions about and interest in attending my next Writing From the Body workshop.