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writing Circles supporting well-being, connection & creativity with Dawn Thompson
Words for healing
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"Writing has its own wild integrity. Where would I be without writing - without that fresh breeze of unmistakable wonder, creativity? A voice unheard until the blank page presents - opens in front of me. I have to say, oh my god, thank you! Thank you for writing with me. For sharing your own personal wild and open voices, words and sounds that seep up from the depths, the roots of your being. Thank you for being on this discovery train, this journey into the surprising, the known, the truth, the fiction – most especially, the play of it all. Our mutual sandbox of pens and paper, laughter, tears, resolute silence and the reverence. A great honoring reverence for our words, our hearts...This circle. The holding. The container. The becoming more human. To find my territory. To speak on my behalf. To draw on the powers of the dignity of the feminine voice. My voice. But it’s been your hearing. Your deep listening that has been the greatest gift. Thank you!"
~Judith Crop, Writing from Center: A Thursday Morning Writing Devotion, Spring 2024
Why is Writing a Healing Practice?
I have been holding space for others to write for over 15 years. We sit in a circle in-person or on-line. The writers, who sometimes do not think of themselves as writers, allow those first words to fall onto the page. What rises up is almost always a surprise. A good surprise - whether that person is writing about something very hard or whether what comes out in the writing is irreverent or funny.
I have come to believe that within each of us dwells a wise Self or Narrator, who is always striving for our well-being and wholeness. The word healing comes from the old-English term haelen, meaning "wholeness." Wholeness means the bringing together of our full self. Through our writing, we connect with our inner landscape, where all aspects of ourself reside - our memories, emotional body, wisdom, imagination, inner genius, unique voice and the great intelligence of the heart.
Writing can help us make sense of moments of suffering or find meaning in the day to day we may have missed. When we write, we connect with our shadow selves and with our inner gold, with our capacity to hold grief and joy all in one day. Writing can also remind us that making up story is our super power and that we can use it to be the conscious author of our own life.
The good news is we are all writers. We all have words. We all have stories. In fact, in all of time, across all the world, only you can write what you write. The other good news is writing can be a life-long tool, a compassionate friend, a safe haven, and as many writers have told me, the best therapy they’ve had. It’s more or less free. You can do it on the bus, in the bathtub, with a circle of friends, alone in your office or first thing when you awaken. At its best, writing is truth telling. And when we write with others, we remember we are not alone, that there is a shared humanity that weaves through our tales. We find ourselves in one another's stories and are inspired, encouraged and forever changed.
I have come to believe that within each of us dwells a wise Self or Narrator, who is always striving for our well-being and wholeness. The word healing comes from the old-English term haelen, meaning "wholeness." Wholeness means the bringing together of our full self. Through our writing, we connect with our inner landscape, where all aspects of ourself reside - our memories, emotional body, wisdom, imagination, inner genius, unique voice and the great intelligence of the heart.
Writing can help us make sense of moments of suffering or find meaning in the day to day we may have missed. When we write, we connect with our shadow selves and with our inner gold, with our capacity to hold grief and joy all in one day. Writing can also remind us that making up story is our super power and that we can use it to be the conscious author of our own life.
The good news is we are all writers. We all have words. We all have stories. In fact, in all of time, across all the world, only you can write what you write. The other good news is writing can be a life-long tool, a compassionate friend, a safe haven, and as many writers have told me, the best therapy they’ve had. It’s more or less free. You can do it on the bus, in the bathtub, with a circle of friends, alone in your office or first thing when you awaken. At its best, writing is truth telling. And when we write with others, we remember we are not alone, that there is a shared humanity that weaves through our tales. We find ourselves in one another's stories and are inspired, encouraged and forever changed.
Words for healing circles & touchstone retreats
Words for Healing Circles with Dawn provide weekly, monthly or one-time writing circles for specific communities who might benefit from creative expression and connecting in soulful community. Writing and sharing from the inner landscape connects us more deeply with ourself and with one another, reducing feelings of isolation and stress and bolstering resiliency, self-worth and well-being.
Words for Healing Circles are held with Dawn on-line and in-person for:
*Individuals healing from Cancer
*Medical Staff
*Caregivers
*Women and those who identify as female (on-line)
*Elders
*Other communities
Touchstone Retreats was founded by Dawn Thompson and Lisa Kagan in 2019 and offers in-person weekly, one-time and weekend retreats. Margaret Hartsook joined Touchstone Retreats in 2022. These circles give participants the chance to share stories through writing and art and other complimentary expressive healing modalites such as visualization, relaxation techniques and time in the natural world. Touchstone Retreats are held in-person for:
*Women and those who identify as female
*Co-ed Writing Circles
*Organizations that wish to set up a writing and art experience supporting staff or group well-being.
"We become a new story"
Writing from 48 women and men who have participated in the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute workshops held since 2012.
To read a book review of "We Become a New Story" that appeared in August 2023 in Cancer Translated, a blog by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute that explores new findings, ideas and debates in cancer research and treatment, click here.
"Sometimes I think my blood comes through my pen...Sometimes there are things that need to come out of me. Writing makes that incision and frees my inner self...I don't understand how anyone can live without writing."
~Kelly Walsh, participant
"We Become a New Story" can be purchased on Amazon or Barnes & Noble for $10
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"Finding my voice again has been like returning home and setting off on a great journey all at once."
~Elena W. participant