The opening

We do remain clothed (aw, shucks!)… and we do write naked!  As you'll see, the metaphor continually shows itself throughout the work we do together.

We usually begin class with a ten-minute silent meditation. Sometimes I bring in my Indian instruments, a harmonium and tambura, and introduce you to some chanting and Indian bhajans. This is a wonderful way to use our breath and blow the chatter out of our minds.

After the opening meditation, which allows us to let go of the day and become present, we go around the circle and briefly share about our week, what's happening, how we are feeling, and any new discoveries we've made.

I feel good about the acceptance and warmth coming from all the others.  -D.P.

The magic

Then we get on with the writing! We use exercises that are fun and easy, and create magic as our blocks dissolve and our "inner critic" loses its power over us. After choosing a simple topic or prompt, I set the timer for 10, 15, or 20 minutes and on "GO," we write, starting with rule #1: keep your pen moving!

We are met with wondrous surprises. When we keep our pen moving, our inner critic can't get a word in edgewise and, with practice, eventually she takes a back seat. I don't believe the inner critic ever goes away, but we can become the one in charge. As this happens, we blossom.

After our timed writing, we go around the circle and read aloud what we wrote. THIS IS THE MAGIC. What happens next is truly profound. We have the floor. We are being heard, perhaps for the first time in our lives. We hear our own voice speaking our naked truth. It's scary-and it's exhilarating!

Juicy surprises are revealed in this type of writing. Memories are recalled from our endless data bank, some painful, yet as we do conscious recall in this environment, new perspectives can be found. Sometimes these old, worn-out memories are transformed into a humorous point of view, a lightness of being, the ability to truly and deeply let go of certain things, once and for all, and to find authentic forgiveness-for ourselves and for others.

[What I liked] was the opening of each of us, our unique stories, and the fact that I was able to keep my pen in constant forward motion. It's helpful to know there is no right or wrong way.  -C.B

The shift

After we've read, we have a special way of acknowledging the reader in silence. We don't comment, critique, or even react, other than from our own authentic wellspring of tears, laughter, or empathy. As we travel around the circle with our reading, the magic and miracles abound, and an incredible and indescribable shift takes place. We are truly never the same again.

I liked listening to everyone sharing what they've written and bonding with everyone in the group over the weeks. I really have felt a shift in my life as a result of this class.  -B.M.