One of the great mysteries of creativity is that it never waits for the “perfect” time to emerge. Experiences that disrupt ordinary life sometimes actually help us let go of old habits in order to connect with deeper, wilder, and weirder parts of ourselves. We make fresh discoveries about what we are capable of as writers and makers by staying open to possibility in the midst of uncertainty. 

In this weekly online class, students will have the opportunity to experience several practices that help us shift out of customary mindsets into unknown creative territory. Using meditation, lateral thinking, chance and accident, mistakes, and other practices, we’ll allow ourselves to be guided toward our richest undiscovered material and write about it in whichever form suits it best. (We’ll focus on unbounded forms such as the journal entry, but stories, essays, and poems are welcome too.). The course is open to writers of all levels of experience, and may be of particular benefit to those who are looking to start a writing practice, overcome blocks in an existing practice, or switch up the way they’ve been working. The contemplative practices we’ll explore are also helpful for stabilizing and calming the mind in times of heightened anxiety, stress, and distraction.  

Each week optional reading intended to inspire your home writing practice and a writing assignment will be offered. In class, we’ll have the opportunity (though not obligation) to share what we’re working on and receive feedback. We’ll also discuss what is helping us connect with creativity. This is a space to find structure and support for the brave creative practice of exploring our inner wilds.