Embodied Poetry - 8-Week Poetry Writing Workshop for Adults (2024)

THE WORKSHOP STRUCTURE / SCHEDULE

We begin every class with a lively discussion about the language of poetry and its connection to the body, and then we take what we’ve learned and read poetry together written by 25+ authors writing from different cultural and historical contexts around the world. Many participants have reflected that this segment instilled a love for reading poetry that was entirely new to them.

The poetry we both write and read every week will explore the themes you see in the following schedule: Voice, Community, Anxiety, Joy, and others. Through reading, we’ll notice the rich tapestry of ways individuals have written about their experience and then — through writing our own poetry — we’ll add our own voice to the conversation.

In the second-half of each class, we engage in a 45 minute guided writing practice. This practice includes: mindfulness (based on Breathexperience breath work), freewriting (four open-ended questions inspired by our theme), and 15 minutes of silence to write a poem. You are enthusiastically invited to turn off your video as you write.

We conclude every class with sharing, if inspired. Sharing is never mandatory — you’re always invited to simply listen.

OUR CLASS AGREEMENT

In order to get the full benefit of this series we will be making an agreement to create a co-operative learning environment together. This includes: clear expectations of respect for diversity, and individual and group accountability for what is learned and created.

One of my goals this year was “write more poetry”. I googled poetry classes and stumbled upon Christine. I felt compelled by her approach and the incorporation of the body and breath. Her Embodied Poetry series exceeded my expectations and rekindled my connection with my inner voice. I absolutely recommend her as a facilitator and guide because her welcoming and accepting demeanor creates such a safe space for exploration.

Kt Rogers

“My participation in the Embodied Poetry workshop affirmed a new trajectory in my life, that enriches me every day. I am someone who writes poetry! I would not be making that declaration without having had your generous support and receptiveness through these 8 weeks. I witnessed the others bloom as I felt myself blooming. What a gift to share our work with one another, and to know each other through our poems. Thank you, thank you.”

– Valerie Galvin, Stand and Deliver Coaching

“Christine’s 8-week Embodied Poetry workshop exceeded expectations! It was very organized, engaging, inspiring, and thought-provoking. The small group design allowed for the participants to be more personal and feel connected. The meditation and breathing exercises included in each class helped relax and open the mind and body before writing. Christine provided excellent insights, encouragement, and feedback on each piece of writing, and I learned quite a few new things from her lessons.

I have definitely come out of this workshop with a new love and understanding for poetry, and more confidence in my work. I would strongly recommend this class. Thank you so much, Christine!”

– Valerie Chamberlain

I highly recommend Christine’s Embodied Poetry workshops! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer – Christine offers amazing guidance and direction.

She teaches a great combination of writing technique while providing space for improvised creativity. You will come out of her classes with increased confidence and a deeper joy of writing. She does an excellent job of facilitating discussion and brainstorming by asking thought-provoking questions and prompts. This workshop was the highlight of my week, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie and encouragement among the writers too. This was the best writing workshop that I’ve been a part of, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too!

– Grace Lee

“Christine’s 8-week workshop Embodied Poetry encompassed breathing techniques, freewriting, and participating in group discussions. Each week we were given a list of poems to read and a workshop outline before the session, as well as group discussion notes afterwards. The breathing techniques were new to me and I think anyone who wishes to write should try this! Christine is a talented and compassionate teacher, encouraging candid poetic writing. She creates a respectful space to share ideas and to be curious. It was a pleasure to take part in her virtual classroom!”

– Lea Chambers

“I thoroughly enjoyed Christine’s Embodied Poetry Workshop . I learned so much from each workshop (terms, tools, examples) and it was always the highlight of my week. Christine was very supportive, insightful, and attentive. She brought out the best in all of us and I left each class inspired.”

– Maude Arat

“I participated in a wonderful online poetry writing workshop with Christine — 8 weeks of poetry classes, two hours each. She was kind, knowledgeable, creative, energetic and fun. We got lots of writing time, and also breathing exercises that were very useful to the creative process. I enjoyed learning more about poetry and developing my skills as a writer… I would recommend this course to anyone interested in poetry writing.“

– Sarah Rae Wells

LEARNING RESOURCES & WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY

Every week, you’ll receive a package of 6 poems to read and enjoy at home. We’ll read 2-3 of those poems together in class, depending on which stood out to the group. Don’t fret if you don’t have time to do the weekly readings! You’ll be able to easily catch up during the session.

More resources:

• A Breathexperience mindfulness practice to add to your life and/or writing routine.
• A summary of all the material covered in this workshop.
• A record of all the anthologies and collections that were drawn from to design this series. I’m an indebted to poets Molly Peaco*ck, Naomi Shihab Nye, James Logenbach, Mary Oliver, Jane Hirshfield; storytellers like Ursula K. Le Guin and Christopher Castellani; educatorsRudine Sims Bishop; linguists Mark Johnson and George Lakoff. Thank you for your wisdom.

For those interested in submitting their poetry to literary magazines, you’ll also receive a list of publications to get you started.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR

REGISTER FOR embodied poetry