mindful

A Beautiful Noticing – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 25 Comments

Precious is the quiet morning when I sit to breathe, just breathe. The highway hum in the distance, accompanied by a faint unknown rumble, and the caws of a bird, are heard in this stillness. How often does the environment around me go unnoticed as I am going about my day? The box of my mind has me doing and going. The senses of my body are left behind. Every time I stop, and return to my breath throughout the day, I return to a conscious noticing. It is then that I return to my body. My arms, my legs, my heart, and my mind are one again. There is a relief in just breathing.

When I first tried meditation is was unaccessible. Stillness did not feel safe. Letting go was scary. I lived in protection mode and this surrender to motionless living was a foreign land. Bit by bit I have found peaceful connection and I am grateful for all the guides who have helped me along the way. 

constricted muscles
seek winter sunlight, birds perch 
pause to exhale pain

© Ali Grimshaw 2024

Join me at dVerse Poets' Pub for
Haibun Monday 1-29-24: Breath

Photo taken during our most recent ice storm. It is a close up of the beautiful frost on my bathroom window.

Lacework – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 43 Comments 
Your error is forgetting
that you also began
as a seed.

The starfish that loses an arm
still thrives brightly seaward.

The coyote howls, then listens through
darkness to return to his pack.

The angel oak's reach is far and long
regardless of scarred branches.

Can you see the lacework 
between the living?

Each reaching out
tied in small knots
is also a receiving.

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

Join a welcoming community of poets for OPEN LINK NIGHT at dVerse Poets Pub HERE

Not just another day – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

via Crocus blossom — Vova Zinger’s Photoblog

each day a reaching 
of outward iridescence
threaded violet choices

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

Thank you to Vova Zinger for granting permission to share this inspiring photo as an accompaniment to my poem. I have followed Voya's photography blog for quite a while. His images are fantastic. 

I love writing with people from around the world. Come share your voice within the writing circle. You may be surprised how the words can flow forth with ease. All voices welcome.

Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle
Friday, July 9, 9:30 – 11:00 am PDT. Register here

Poems from the Circle – Lighthouse Keeping

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 16 Comments

I spent some time with Ali Grimshaw’s writing circle and once again, enjoyed being with like minded souls as we explored poetry together. The inspiration for my poem came from, “Lighthouse Keeping” by Kay Ryan. – Val

Lighthouse Keeping By Val Boyko
Find Your Middle Ground

Know that we are
keepers of the light

Holding space and
reaching out to those
in darkened places.

Its not our job
to judge, advise, fix
or rescue others.

Our calling is to keep
the light shining
within ourselves and

bring it to the world,
to keep us all afloat.

Thank you Val for sharing this inspirational poem and for all the loving support written on your blog, Find Your Middle Ground. You are a bright light in the world. Keep on shining. I will be reading in appreciation.

Photo by Ave Calvar Martinez

Imagine it… Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 23 Comments
Upside down canoes on the shore — Vova Zinger’s Photoblog

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie

Imagine it...

Now laid bare 
in the upside-down of it all
she sees what wasn't visible before.

What glorious imaginations 
are held
within each of us.

Waiting possibilities 
to cross oceans, mountains 
once impassable.

Forgotten imaginations
of capable courage 
to reach across boundaries 
never thought possible.

© Ali Grimshaw 2020

dVerse Quadrille #116

Please visit Vova Zinger's Photoblog for more of his magnificent photos.

Sunday Writing Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 10 Comments
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The world needs the unique light that only you can shine. Keep your light on through the renewal of shared writing. Writing together can surprise us with new insights, guide our own journey and build resilience.

  • Explore writing as a tool for self-reflection.
  • Slow down with yourself in a space of self-care.
  • Be inspired by the words of others.

No writing experience required. Sharing of your writing is always optional.

There will be a maximum of 6 participants to provide a space of authentic connection.

Testimonials from my past writing circle participants:

“Thank you for your loving energy, leading us to a place within ourselves that we either didn’t know was there or had been untapped for sometime. Your deep listening is a gift, and I feel held in it.” – Carrie

“I loved your focus on being intentional, hearing the voices of other women and your positive energy. You are a light and an inspiration.” – Diane

Click here for registration

When Comes The Night

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 25 Comments 
after the sordid day
rain recalls the language of music

and I go, leaving frenzied voices behind
to bed beneath magnetic star spray

to see above the thousands
while I hear the lake moon moan

when can I live life
as ripe peach sky?

© Ali Grimshaw 2020
dVerse Quadrille - Poetical Magnetism

I have never liked crossword puzzles but I got a kick out of this magnetic poetry site. What a fun way to play with word use.
Check it out here. magnetic poetry

Let’s Write Together

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ Leave a comment

“Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.” W.H. Auden, New Year Letter

In this time of change, I am keeping my eyes on love and offering a safe space to gather for reflection. There is much to process each day. Without an intentional pause I notice how easy it is for my brain to experience emotional overload. Poems provide an opportunity for slowing down, to pause. Writing together is an invitation to pause in the wonder of this day and remember we are alive. Every voice is welcome.

Renewal Through Poetry: Writing Circle

Join a small, online group to

  • Explore the use of poetry to inspire us.
  • Cultivate curiosity about our thinking and writing.
  • Experience writing as a tool for positive self reflection and well-being.

You will have the opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself, through your own writing, as well as through the writing shared by others. By offering a safe environment, through reflective listening, this workshop will support participants in expressing their authentic voice.

No writing experience needed. Group maximum 6 participants.

We will meet virtually using Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite

Passageways – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 34 Comments 
Actions taken from love
can never be regrets
only open doors 
of possibility 
to step through.

Doorways for light 
to shine in 
to shine out
or meet in amplification.

Welcoming visitors 
you once viewed
as strangers
now family members.

An invitation to leave
a room that doesn't serve you
or is keeping you small.

This door is locked 
on the inside
a wish come true.
You are free to leave
anytime.

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020
Photo take in on a trip to Amsterdam, 2019. 

Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge
Word of the Day Challenge: Wish

Poetry Over Panic, let’s write together.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

IMG_5344

We are unique and also the same. As I have reached out to write with others during this pandemic I continue to experience this. We are all coping. We all have emotions. We all need ways to empty out our overflowing thoughts. In my writing circles, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations, relief of writing it down and connections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. You don’t need to be a poet or even call yourself a writer. This is about connecting as human beings. By writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.

Click on the links below for more information and registration. 

Writing to Restore Ourselves: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 14

Poetic Transitions: Writing Circle for Renewal – May 19

Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 23

Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 27

Curious about future writing circles? Email me at  coaching@aligrimshaw.com

Past participants have shared this about my writing circles.

“Thank you for your wonderful session yesterday. I came away feeling inspired and uplifted.You created such a welcoming space that I felt immediately at home.” – Karen
“I loved it all. Meeting new people and seeing the similarities between us. This also opened me up to a broader feeling of gratitude.” – Mary
“I have been writing with a group that Ali leads. I am not a creative writer and was wondering what I could bring to/get out of the group. I am surprised by where this takes my brain and my heart. Ali’s guidance and writing prompts are insightful. Writing with Ali has become one of gems of my otherwise isolated life.” – Nancy
“I loved your focus on being intentional, hearing the voices of other women and your positive energy. You are a light and an inspiration.” – Diane

We are stronger when we lean on and learn from one another.

Ali