Writing Ourselves Human

Writing can be a beautiful way to express ourselves from the inside out, delve into the depths of creativity, play, weep, heal, laugh, and celebrate. Writing offers a pathway to connect to our inner world and clarify our perceptions and experiences. We can use words to go past words. We can honor memories, create worlds, describe things just as they are or transform them into what was unknown until the words flowed onto the page. We can connect deeply with others by sharing words on the page or spoken out loud.

Writing Ourselves Human is a class is for writers at all levels of their journey. Whether you have been published or are just dipping your toe in the water you are equally welcome. We will be focusing on generative writing (letting words flow onto the page). We will not critique one another’s work, although supportive feedback is available for those who want it.

Youare welcome to write in any form – fiction, poetry, essay, journaling, even song. All you need is a notebook, a writing implement (or laptop), some curiosity, and you.

In this ongoing series, we’ll explore themes related to our common humanity:

• Belonging
• Embodiment
• Impermanence

Ruth will provide prompts (phrases, poems, images, essays) to inspire your real-time writing.  If you wish (and only if you wish – everything is by invitation and choice), you can share your writing out loud and invite group members to provide feedback about what is strong, interesting, and/or memorable in your work. Any feedback offered is about the writing, not the writer, and is offered “as if” the writing is fiction. This creates a sense of safety and mutual support around the writing that many people find therapeutic.

Writing Ourselves Human Event Details

Dates: Every Thursday

Time: 6:30 – 8:00PM

Cost: $49

Space is limited — register now to reserve your spot!

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Meet Ruth

Ruth is a writer, facilitator, psychotherapist, and Tai Chi instructor in the Portland area. She became a certified Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) facilitator in 2002 after experiencing the healing qualities of joining a writing circle.  She loves this approach because it is non-hierarchical, active, and supportive of new writing. Pat Schneider, founder of AWA says it this way:

Whether your purpose for writing is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art – the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice, study, and helpful response from other writers.

Ruth has also facilitated several Write Around Portland groups, and works one-on-one as a writing coach with veterans through a program supported by the Wounded Warrior Project.

She is a published writer (poetry, flash fiction, creative non-fiction).

If you have any questions about this class series to help you decide if you’d like to join, please feel free to contact Ruth by email at [email protected].