In the photograph taken by my friend Wendy Morisseau, I’m sitting in my living room in Nanaimo where I usually lead women’s writing circles called Writing Life. After many years, I’ll be offering some writing circles again, open to everyone, at Bethlehem Centre in Nanaimo. The setting is a tranquil one on Westwood Lake where we will write together, for the love of it.
The “Writing for the Love of It” circle, is on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find a link below for more information and for registering through the Bethlehem website. It will be a New Moon that day so a special time to set an intention for writing for the love of it.
No previous writing experience is necessary, just the desire to explore your rich lived experience and embrace the fullness of the stories from your life. Lunch and snacks are included in the fee which will offer us some social time as a new community of writers. If you’re from out of town and would like to stay overnight the night before at Bethlehem Centre, contact Karley Burrows at guestservices@bethlehemcentre.com or call 250-754-3254 ext 721.
I think of the writing circle as way to gather in a modern interpretation of an ancient practice. We gather around a candle in the centre of the circle so we can share what matters to us.
Here’s a wonderful endorsement from Stephanie Binewych Clark who has been in several of my writing circles in Nanaimo and now that she lives in Ontario, via Zoom:
I’ve attended many of Mary Ann’s circles and look forward to many more. Mary Ann has a depth of knowledge of poetry, writing, and books (she has also reviewed books for the Vancouver Sun for many years). Her circles overflow with tidbits of knowledge, book suggestions, insights into writers and the writing life – wrap it all up and it’s magical. I always leave a circle feeling enriched, enlightened, and lightened, feeling lifted up!
I always feel enriched and enlightened too by sitting in a circle with others, taking time to be with what is and integrating what was.
Here’s a recap and a list of themes we’ll explore in the “Writing for the Love of It” circle open to all:
“Writing for the Love of It” with Mary Ann Moore
Monday, November 13, 2023
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at Bethlehem Centre, Nanaimo
To register visit: https://bethlehemcentre.com/program/1807/writing-for-the-love-of-it/
“Writing for the Love of It” is an invitation to experience and create writing as your own spiritual practice. We use the ancient wisdom of the circle to inform a sacred ceremony of writing, sharing and listening to yourself and others. Each participant is respected for their presence and contributions. We will make note of our observations, open ourselves to delights and surprises, and experiment with an inspiring variety of writing forms. No previous writing experience is necessary, just the desire to explore your rich lived experience and embrace the fullness of the stories from your life.
A Space of Your Own: We’ll see how the guidelines for the writing circle can be applied to your own writing practice, such as: Listen with compassion and curiosity avoiding judgement.
A Ceremony of Your Own: We will look at what makes an intentional practice, one that takes us within ourselves as the late Richard Wagamese said.
A Walk of Your Own: Possibilities include a walk around Bethlehem’s labyrinth or a wandering on the land, making note of all that our senses take in.
Daily Practices & Delights of Your Own: We will practice paying attention to what matters to us as individuals, and many surprises may arise.
Creating Boundaries of Your Own: Making room for yourself and protecting your time can be a challenge. We may see that boundaries are where the trickster shows up!
Dreams of Your Own: Making time to imagine all that is possible.