Poetry Writing Group

Poems from the Circle – Lighthouse Keeping

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 13 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

Heartbeat – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments 
"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

Sunday Writing Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 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

Let’s Write Together

~ Ali Grimshaw

“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

Poems from the Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 9 Comments

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

By Kelley Morris

You can find more of Kelly’s poems on her blog – pianogirlthoughts.com

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