Online Writing Circle

Poems from the Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 5 Comments
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“Poetry gives you permission to feel.” – James Autry

At this time of shifting circumstances the work of my heart is to lead small online groups. I have received a clear message from participants that the writing circles are meeting a need to be heard and to process their thoughts through writing. Below is one of the poems that came from a recent writing circle. Thank you Chere Weiss for granting me permission to share it here. If you are seeking connection within a safe space consider writing with me on one of the dates listed below. No matter where you are, take care of your heart, don’t give up. The world needs your light.

Click on the links below for more information and registration. 

Writing for Renewal: Poetry Reflection Circle, 6/4, 7:00 PM PDT

Writing For Renewal: Poetry and Reflection Circle 6/17, 9:30 am PDT

Motherhood Explored: Women’s Writing Circle, 6/13, 10:30 AM

PDTMotherhood Explored: Women’s Writing Circle, 6/16, 7:00 PM PDT

Quarantine in Spring By Chere Weiss, April 15, 2020

The world as we knew it has imploded,
people are dying, we are afraid.
Stuck inside our houses we are; helpless, bored, sad, restless and annoyed.
Everyone is wounded, or grieving.
What day is it? It’s the day I woke up again.
It’s the day after yesterday and the day before tomorrow.
I am helpless and then a bird comes while I sit outside,
he is small and fierce with his song. So delicate, he sings so hard his body vibrates.
The cherry tree in front is snowing pink petals,
they coat my walkway and follow me into the house.
I am helpless and still my tulips stand tall,
closed tight teasing me with anticipation.
Every day I have no power, eager as a kid on Christmas morning
waiting for them to bloom.
I planted those tulips. They will open when they are damn good and ready
and their colors will astonish me.

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

Past participants have shared this about my writing circles.

“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 it all. Meeting new people and seeing the similarities between us. This also opened me up to a broader feeling of gratitude.” – Mary
“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

Poetry Over Panic, let’s write together.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

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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

Thoughts Swirling? Let’s write together

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 24 Comments

fashion woman notebook pen
Photo by Negative Space on Pexels.com

Lately I have been writing with people from all over the U.S. and beyond. It is always a source of joy and inspiration to hear what others share when they put words down on a page. We are unique and also the same. Writing together has been a habitual part of my life for many years. During this time, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations and reflections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. It is about connecting as human beings.

Poetry Over Panic: Writing Circle for Positive Self Reflection – April 17

Writing to Restore Ourselves: Poetry & Reflection Circle – April 23

One of the delights of writing in a group is hearing what others share. This piece was written during one of our recent gatherings. I appreciate Louise letting me share it here.

This Thread is not like a river.
By Louise Gallagher

Unlike the river this thread has the power to flow backwards. I can follow its course deep into the stories
I tell of how I got here.
Unlike the river, this thread is not bound by its banks. It can overflow, threading off into territories long
forgotten in time’s passing.
This thread runs free. It is constantly unravelling time forwards and backwards. Casing through time and
place into the here and now where all I need to find myself is this thread which I can never let go of for
this thread tells the story of my life woven through the exquisite tapestry of my world shimmering in the
exquisite poetry of the love story that is my life.

You can find Louise’s blog filled with heartfelt writing and artwork here – dareboldly.com

This is the time to boldly take time to care of yourself.

May love land on you today.

Ali

 

Poetry Over Panic: Online Women’s Writing Group

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 10 Comments

“Poetry gives you permission to feel.” – James Autry

As the world shifts, I am looking for ways to give and create supportive community. With all the emotions swirling, we are faced with finding healthy ways to process them. Poetry provides powerful prompts for reflective writing and group inquiry provides a doorway into our own thinking.

My hope is that, by writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.

Tickets are available now for my new four session series. This small group will be limited to 6 participants to enable us to dive deeper into writing and sharing with each other.

Poetry Over Panic:

Women’s Writing Circle (4 week series)

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

Join me as we continue forward into the unexpected.

Love,

Ali