Writing From Here

~ how it works ~

The practice is simple: we gather together online, we get inspiration from a poem or piece of writing that is read aloud, then we all put pen to paper, writing as fast as we can for a specified time, usually 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a stream of consciousness that allows us to access those parts of ourselves less governed by our inner critic and our ego. 

After our timed writing, we take turns reading our work aloud.  This gives each of us a chance to be witnessed.  There is no critiquing or commenting.  We just listen. 

We write and read three times in this way in each class. 

~ what it does ~

By keeping the pen moving, by being messy, by freeing ourselves from constraints of composing, we just let one word follow another. And if we’re lucky we’ll find ourselves in a clearing where our imagination finds fertile ground to speak to us, where it can gently nudge out of us those thoughts and feelings and memories and stories that have longed to come to the surface. 

This practice works its magic and medicine through the safe container that is created by its structure. We honor each other by being true to ourselves, by listening to one another and by respecting confidentiality given that what happens in class stays in class.

~ where ~

Classes are held once a week, online on zoom, so you can join in from anywhere

Each class lasts 90 minutes

There are up to 8 people in each class

Class sessions last 6 weeks

~ cost ~

Each session of 6 classes costs € 120 or $ 145

~ sign up ~

For more information or to sign up for classes, please email me at kath@kathinitaly.com

~ Times ~

Wednesdays February 17 to March 24, 2021 

USA  ~  9-10:30am PDT /12-1:30pm EDT  

ITALY  ~ 6-7:30pm       

OR 

Thursdays February 18 to March 25, 2021

USA  ~  9-10:30am PDT /12-1:30pm EDT   

ITALY  ~ 6-7:30pm  

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~ what people are saying ~

During lockdown and Covid times, Writing From Here was a godsend, its magic woven into the practice of just being there, listening to the day’s poems, taking a jump off line,  and diving in to wherever  your pen takes you…writing and  then listening to others who are doing the same.

At times it seemed like a window was opened into our hearts and allowed for vulnerable, honest connection….even on the days when I felt like I’d have nothing to write about, I always came away feeling renewed and replenished. Mimi Hamilton, Italy

~~~~~

I have always enjoyed writing, but felt intimidated to take classes. “Writing From Here” writing gives me a communal place to write and express myself free from judgement, while the sharing makes it more powerful than simple journaling. For me, it is a joyful 90 minutes of journaling, meditating and therapy all in one.  I always feel lighter afterwards. Stacy Hollister, Italy

~~~~~

Katharine's carefully chosen poems and jump off lines allowed me to dig deep into both my emotional turmoil and enchanted observation of the world around me. I shed tears, I laughed and I felt nervous, but I never wanted the sessions to end. It's those mornings when you think you are empty, that the poems and the group of writers show you otherwise, opening your mind up to things you'd never expect to address in such a rich way. Aida Svelto, California

~~~~~

The Writing From Here practice and Katharine’s expert guidance has a way of tricking your brain out of the driver’s seat, for more honest, intuitive writing. Katharine makes it a safe and warm place to share, a space to be heard and seen away from judgment. It’s been life changing really. Michela DeMori, Italy

~~~~~

Writing From Here gave me a place to speak my truth. Katharine has a presence that allows one to share. I always felt loved and safe even while shaking as I read the words I had just written. She allowed me to express myself and heal through one 15 min writing to the next. Waverly Cole, Florida