words for healing circles with dawn

Words for Healing Circles provide weekly, monthly or one-time opportunities for specific communities, such as women or those healing from cancer, the chance to gather, write and share. Weekly women's circles are held on-line, giving women outside the Portland area the opportunity to participate. The cancer circles are sponsored by various cancer centers in and outside the Portland area. They provide those at any point on the cancer journey the opportunity to creatively express themselves and build community with other cancer survivors. Words for Healing Circles are also offered to medical staff, caregivers, elders and other communities who might benefit from creative expression and coming together to foster self-care and alleviate feelings of isolation. Words for Healing circles are available on-line or in-person at request. Words for Healing circles have as their origin the writing workshops that took place for 20 years through Portland Women Writers, originally founded by Emily Trinkaus, which were inspired by the Amherst Writers and Artists Method founded by Pat Schneider. In Words for Healing circles prompts are used in a free-writing process, opening doorways to creativity and access to the authentic voice. These doorways help the writer bypass the critical mind and go where they most need to go with the writing. The writer is always welcome to disregard the prompt and write whatever she or he wants. The group writes for different time periods. Each writer has the opportunity to share what they have written. Sharing is optional. While we do not offer constructive feedback, we open space to honor the writing by our deep listening and by briefly mirroring back what we appreciated or what stays with us. When possible, participants are encouraged to write by hand in order to connect more deeply with the body, breath and heart.

Words for Healing

Circle Touchstones

WRITING• We recognize writing as a creative process that belongs to all people. Each person’s voice is unique and of value. All writing is welcome here.• We are free to write what is presenting itself rather than what may be offered as a prompt. We are always encouraged to listen to our inner guidance. • We honor our deep wisdom. We gently notice when our inner critic acts out of self-judgment. We support the creative process with acceptance and kindness.
SHARING• Sharing what we write is encouraged, but always optional.• We respect silence. After someone has spoken, take time to listen. After you have shared, take time to allow your words to be honored.• We recognize emotion in our circle as a natural part of the creative process. We hold respectful space for tears and laughter.
HONORING• We honor and support the writer by our deep listening and gentle witnessing.• We show gratitude for one another’s pieces by expressing our thanks or by briefly sharing what stayed with us. • We suspend our judgements, not offering comments, critique, interpretation, advice or asking questions about another’s writing.• We offer the gift of confidentiality, holding in reverence and respect what we hear in the circle.