Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’ve never been to anything like this before. What can I expect?

You can expect to come into a space that feels really comfortable, inviting and safe. We’ll sit in a traditional circle, opening with lighting of a candle, becoming fully present in the moment and prepared to leave the world behind for a while to do something that is nurturing for ourselves. One of the things that makes our time together so beautiful is the ritual feel of our circles – it feels like being seen, being heard, being accepted and encouraged and being HERE.

Q. What kind of writing will we do?

During our time together, we will be writing for the purpose of self inquiry. This is contemplative writing rather than creative writing. So it won’t be about writing poetry or fiction; it is writing solely for the purpose of self exploration. I will provide specific prompts and techniques, and we’ll write and share (and gasp at the ah-ha moments…and laugh…and connect). We won’t self censor while we write or pay attention whatsoever to writing well or writing properly. We simply write whatever comes off our pen without real conscious thought. This allows us to access parts of ourselves that we aren’t able to access through speech or thinking alone.

Q. Will we be talking about what makes a good piece of writing?

Not at all. This won’t take on a how-to flare or have a creative writing focus, although you certainly could take it in that direction if that’s what feels good to you. But we won’t be sharing for the purpose of discussing what makes an entertaining or successful piece of writing. This writing is all about self-inquiry and discovery, going deeply into learning more about who we are and what we need in order to live our best experience of life.

Though I will always appreciate a well-crafted sentence, contemplative writing is interested more in the process than the product. This is a different kind of writing than novel writing or writing for publication or for an audience. It is writing whatever comes off your pen without regard for grammar, neatness, syntax or self censoring of any kind. Sometimes, out of habit more than anything else, conscious thought is involved, but more often there’s simply a sense that you’re writing from a different part of yourself, a wiser part. This allows you to access parts of yourself that you aren’t able to access through speech or thinking alone.

Q. What if I’m not a writer?

Some people come into the circle without having ever written in this way before, and others might journal every day. Either way, and anything in between, is totally fine. There are absolutely no rules here. This is something that you are doing for one person: YOU. And whether you write every day or not at all, you will very quickly get into the swing of writing from specific prompts that help you to get into corners of yourself you haven’t seen in years or may have never seen before.

Q. Is this group therapy?

Although one participant called these circles, “the best group therapy ever,” this is not therapy, and I am not a therapist, I am a writing guide. I believe that you are your own best therapist and that your writing can assist you in your healing. It is important to know that this type of writing is powerful and can bring up a lot of stuff quickly. You will be most successful if you have been on the journey of self-discovery for a while now and are familiar enough with the ebbs and flows that you know how to keep yourself safe or how to get support if needed.

Q. Will I have to read out loud what I’ve written.

You will never feel forced to read your writing if it doesn’t feel good to you, but my guess is that when it’s time for you to share, you will be eager to do so. The sharing is one of the best parts of our time together and is a powerful part of why these writing circles are so beneficial and wonderful! We will be holding space for each other, listening deeply, and honoring and respecting ourselves and each other and creating a safe space for each of us to feel truly seen and heard.

Q. I am Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, I’m 25, I’m 85 . . . is this for me?

Absolutely. You don’t have to be anything other than who you are to be a part of this circle. This is a welcoming and supportive space for women of all ages and beliefs. It is, of course, preferable to have a comfort or openness to hearing perspectives, beliefs or practices that are not necessarily your own. We are meeting each other wherever we happen to be with love, understanding and compassion.

Q. Are these circles touchy-feely or woo-woo?

I certainly hope so! We’re going deep in these circles. For the purpose of learning to be able to really hear our own voice and know ourselves so that we can grow to honor ourselves more deeply. These circles are self-care.

Q. How can I be notified of upcoming circles?

This form allows you to indicate your interest and be added to the email lists of your choice.