Mindful Writing Workshop

Join me for a 2-hour Mindful Writing Workshop.
Starting with a brief settling mindful exercise we will work through a series of short writing exercises and prompts which help us see that writing can be a tool to 

• write creatively
• look at things from a different perspective
• investigate our feelings and emotions safely
• mindfully work through a problem or dilemma
• be more in touch with the present moment and the joys it can offer

I work from the perspective of developing 'more curiosity than fear' in a workshop such as this.

Please bring your own notebook and pen or pencil. NB writing by hand stimulates a different part of the brain from texting so please bring your own equipment to write by hand.

I will provide

• a hot drink from Bottle and Bean

In this 2-hour group session you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of different ways of using words. I will guide you through writing prompts as tools you can revisit in your own time.

Whilst there is the option of sharing your experience of the process of each exercise you will not be expected to share your writing, which may feel very personal and private, unless you want to. You can however,

• try something new
• have space to play with words
• enjoy the process without concern for the outcome
• be in the company of like-minded others 

With a maximum of 10 places available this intimate workshop provides a safe, quiet space to be in the moment of the creative process and leave behind your cares for a while.

The Tutor - Lauri Bower

Lauri is a paper collage artist, mindfulness teacher, writer, and curator of Wetherby Gallery. She combines mindfulness and creativity in all she does. Whilst writing a PhD (on Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh) she found mindful writing and particularly poetry a great antidote to the concentrated academic work. Since attending a Day of Mindfulness led by a poet who said 'you can write a poem about anything' Lauri felt something unlock and free up the idea 'I can't write'. Now there is a symbiotic relationship between words and her creative paper collages. Through her life she has been fortunate to have been introduced to Shakespeare and many great poets and writers who continue to influence her work. 

As with her artistic work she continually returns to the idea of having 'more curiosity than fear' (Elizabeth Gilbert) in relation to writing

Lauri has spent her life being creative in many forms such as dressmaking, sewing and knitting and making books before settling into paper collage. Mindful writing, and particularly poetry has always been a support, running alongside her other creative outlets.

Check out Lauri's Instagram account and website 

FAQs

• Do I need to be 'creative'? - No! This workshop is for beginners as well as the more experienced. It's for anyone who wants to have a go and maybe try something new
• What do I need to bring? - a notebook or paper and pen or pencil
• Is the Gallery accessible? - sadly no. The Gallery is on the first floor up a quite steep flight of stairs
• Is there a toilet? - Yes, on the first floor next to the Gallery.
• Is there parking at the Gallery? - No. There is free parking (4 hours) at the Cluster of Nuts car park opposite Morrisons, but not many spaces. The Wilderness car park next to the river is pay and display. For evening workshops you can use Crossley St car park for free.
• What is the refund policy? - Tickets are fully refundable (minus TicketTailor fees) up to 14 days before the event, after that time tickets are non-refundable.
• Is this suitable for children? - Accompanied children over the age of 10 are welcome with an adult. Please purchase 2 tickets (and please bear in mind some are evening workshops finishing at 9pm)
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• Please arrive 10 mins beforehand so we are ready to start on time