MINDFUL WRITING
WORKSHOP
What is mindful writing? Why try it?
Mindfulness can help us deal with difficult thoughts and experiences with self-compassion, and these benefits are amplified when mindfulness is combined with writing.
Mindful writing helps us see the constant change happening around us so that we realize we’re not as stuck as we might think we are. Mindful writing shows us how to balance observation with detachment so that we don’t become attached to difficult thoughts and emotions, including the sorrow, stress, fear, and anger that surfaces for people whose family members struggle with addiction.
In each session, participants learn a guided meditation and an easy-to-practice writing activity, including “Already Perfect Meditation,” loving-kindness meditation, and keeping a “Mind List.” Participants decide whether they want to share any of the writing they create; their writing can stay private (unshared). These workshops offer a supportive environment where writing and mindfulness are used to take care of the self.
Workshop Details
Instructor: Alexandria Peary, NH State Poet Laureate
Participation*: Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to receive the full benefits of the workshop series. Workshop session dates and times are as follows:
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February 24, 6:30-7:30 pm
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March 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
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March 10, 6:30-7:30 pm
*This event is open to all families who have experienced the effects of substance use disorder.
About Alexandria Peary:
Alexandria Peary serves as New Hampshire State Poet Laureate. One of her initiatives is offering mindful writing workshops to survivors of the state’s opioid crisis. Alex specializes in mindful writing and has given national and international talks on the subject, including her 2019 TEDx talk, “How Mindfulness Can Transform the Way You Write,” available on YouTube, and her popular webinar series for the National Council of Teachers of English, helping United States teachers deal with pandemic classroom stress through mindful writing. Alex also gives talks around the state on mindful writing for New Hampshire Humanities. She is the author of seven books, including a book on mindful writing, and a professor at Salem State University. More about her events as state poet laureate can be found at newhampshirepoetlaureate.blogspot.com and on Twitter @NHPoetLaureate.
Jane Button Photography