“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.
Leave the dirt on....
Messy, scrambled words
Striving for control
How I am perceived
How I am received
Oh! You want me to show you
my skinned knee,
my bruised heart,
my bad dream?
My words, without my edits,
will show you the twisted, rambling trail
I have taken to get here.
Are you sure you can keep up?
By Nancy A. Musgrove
I am grateful for Nancy’s permission
to share her poem from the writing
circle here. I continue to meet
amazing women across different time
zones. Writing together provides a
mirror for us to process life in a
safe place where we have all agreed
to listen with compassion.
Interested in joining a writing circle?
Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
This poem is a reflection on the writing circles I have hosted. I will continue to offer a safe space of refuge for others to be seen and heard just as they are. Love is always the way forward.
Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Thank you to all of you who have written with me in the last few months. I am so very grateful to share this journey with you. I have added this new date and time to open up the invitation to others in different time zones. Let’s connect across the boarders. Stay safe my friends.
A online group journaling experience with Ali Grimshaw.
Tuesday, August 11, 4:00 – 5:30 pm PDT
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 and guide our own journey.
Explore writing as a tool for self-reflection.
Slow down with yourself in space of self-care.
Be inspired by the words of others.
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
The world needs listeners now more than ever. My writing circles are designed to practice deep listening and reflective writing in small groups. I am starting up another four week writing series on the second week of July. Curious about weekly writing circles? Email me at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
we are held one moment, one
breath, one heartbeat at a time.
even when I feel I am falling,
I am held, safely.
sometimes the fire within,
which most often warms and
lights my next step, rages.
out of control – yes – that is the rage
unseen, well hidden and buried;
wounds of the past.
wanting to be felt, seen, honored –
so the soft warm light returns.
brighter, free.
heart opened.
By Carrie Cannady
I am grateful for Carrie’s permission to share her poem from the writing circle here. You can find more of Carrie’s writing on her blog, LeadOurLives.net
I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Together we are writing, listening and learning from one another. Share your voice with us.
Writing together can:
• Provide authentic connection
• Allow expression of feelings
• Guide our own journey
Click on the links below for information and registration.
“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.
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.
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
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 