We’re delighted that Tempest has taken the time to write a beautiful review of last night’s (20th September) creative writing and mindfulness class. If you’d like to join the class, the next session will be 18th October from 6.30pm – 7.30pm.To book click here Creative Writing and Mindfulness
Inviting Mind and Heart to Come Together
A review by Tempest Phoenix Smith
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I attended the Mindfulness and Creative Writing
evening online, though I had some idea because I’d enjoyed the retreat day on this topic
during the summer.
I suppose I wasn’t sure how much could be squeezed into just an hour.
Sita welcomed us warmly and shared a compassion chant from her Buddhist background while we waited for everyone to arrive. When she provided the first meditation which was for fifteen minutes, I wasn’t sure if I could sit still for so long after such a hectic day, but the time passed much more quickly than I expected, mostly focused on breathing.
When it was time to write, I wrote in answer to a question a friend asked me recently about
my writing. The result went deeper than I would probably have gone if I had simply sat down to
write. I might not even have figured out what to say because when I’ve considered her question at various times, I haven’t come to any sort of conclusion.
Others who shared their work also explored more depth than usual, especially considering we are all new to one another. Toward the end of the session, I felt brave enough to share my writing.
During the session, I had to brush away tears a few times, but the emotional release felt beneficial. Though my day had been full of turmoil and minor challenges, my mood was much improved, calmer and more positive, my mind focused enough to do some writing afterwards.
The last thing I expected was homework, but as this only requires eight minutes a
day, I feel that I can fit this in. Here is what I wrote today for the assignment after a mindful
walk.”
Clamouring voices
swarm like strident wasps,
but the spark dives deep,
eludes their stinging,
rising later into a quiet mind
to nourish hope.
Tempest Phoenix Smith
