Where to Write From
You might think that
to be a poet
you must have a
way with words
You can keep thinking that
more room for me
You might think you
must reach way down
in the weeds
pulling out muddy roots
from your sodden brain
or recall in detail
places of distinction
You might think you
must go heart searching
to find phenomenal
fodder for verse
or have personal connections
with the waves, the sun,
the moon and the stars
There are those
who have done that
But really you might be
content to write frilly froth
of fabled fellows
Or maybe, just maybe
you’ll surprise yourself,
crawl down deep like an
a spelunking explorer
to places in yourself
you haven’t been
or yet even noticed
By Lilli Ann Carey
I am grateful for Lilli Ann's permission to share her poem
from a recent writing circle. Writing together provides a
mirror for us to process life in a safe place. Each of us has
words that matter. Within the writing circle we nourish them.
Curious? Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
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
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
"Choosing to live and love with our whole hearts is an act of defiance. " - Brene Brown
Join me for Galentine's Day, Write Yourself: Self-Love and Poetry Gathering
Saturday, February 13. here - Eventbrite. (Tickets by donation)
One of the many joys of facilitating writing circles is contributing to the journey of others and connecting women from across the globe.
Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles
February 21, 11:00 am PST register here - Eventbrite.
"The circle is a very special part of my week. I am inspired by everyone, their thoughts, their writings, their words. I never come away without feeling something deeply or being profoundly touched. I am amazed at what comes out of the end of my pen." - Nancy
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
“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.
As I continue to lead writing circles, I am inspired by the hearts and generous listening of others. Every time I write with others I am changed and lifted by the experience. Here in this space I am calling, Poems from the Circle, I will be sharing poems written by participants of my writing circles. We are stronger when we lean on and learn from each other. This poem is from Kelley Morris. I appreciate her willingness to share it here.
Silent River
Standing on the bank
All seems quiet
Water slowly
Drifts by
The movement
Difficult to perceive
I must be still
Listen closely
Only then
Will the river
Tell its stories
Of past travels
Around winding turns
Along cool stretches
Over rough rapids
Crashing past sharp rocks
Curiously chasing
The path ahead
Until finally
A free fall
Plunging to the
Clear pool below
Briefly resting
But never stopping
And now, it carries
My reflection while
Telling its story-
We have a lot in common
This silent river
And me
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.
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.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 