WRITING WITH THE DEAD WHO WALK BESIDE US: AN AUTUMN WRITING GATHERING
WRITING WITH THE DEAD WHO WALK BESIDE US: AN AUTUMN WRITING GATHERING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th
10AM-2PM ET
VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM
As autumn moves deeper and deeper, so are we invited to go inward to cultivate stillness and listen closely to the meaning of that which arises and falls perpetually all around us in this life. The veils grow thin. And for many of us, autumn is accompanied by reflections on dying and the dead--from those beloved humans and animals we’ve lost, to the big and small losses of everyday life, to the abstract metaphors and emotions that autumn can elicit.
This gathering is for those who would like to spend a few hours writing about and honoring the dead in a space with kindred spirits. Our time will be led by a trained death doula and writing teacher who will offer writing prompts and reflections to conjure memories, reflect upon the mystery, contemplate the metaphor of autumn, and find some gentleness and peace within it all. We’ll optionally share our writing in small or large groups, with any feedback given in an encouraging spirit of solidarity and validation. Writers from every genre and experience level are welcome.
***IMPORTANT NOTE: The class will start with a brief discussion on how to hold as safe and gentle a space as possible for ourselves and each other to explore these vulnerable topics. All discussion and feedback will be in the spirit of encouragement and connection; this is not a craft study group or a forum for intense writing critique.
And though the topic of grief might naturally arise, students should know that this is not a grief support group and is not run by a clinician. If you are experiencing acute grief or trauma, or might otherwise be in need of intensive psychological support around death, you are advised to consider whether a clinical support group is more appropriate at this time.***
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, AND OTHER POLICIES
1) CANCELLATION POLICY:
-Two weeks or more before the class: Full refund minus $25 processing fee
-5 to 14 days before the class: Half refund minus $25 processing fee
-5 days or fewer before the class: No refund, as your spot might not end up being filled
-No full or partial refunds for students who miss class or part of class, or for students who have attended but are dissatisfied with the class
-In the rare case that I need to cancel, registered students will receive a full refund
2) SAFE SPACE POLICY:
I reserve the right to use my expertise and discretion to remove students from class, without refund, who display behaviors and speech which are racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, ableist, or otherwise disrespectful and non-compliant with class policies (to be discussed on the first day of class) regarding safe spaces and discrimination, and/or who repeatedly disregard common sense norms of respectful, non-combative, self-aware group behavior
3) AGREEMENT: By registering for this class, you are acknowledging that you fully understand and consent to these policies.
NOTE ABOUT SLIDING SCALE
For the sake of community, solidarity, and recognition of oppressive social and economic systems, I make every effort to create a reasonable and honor-based sliding scale. Simultaneously, I must also pay for bills, medical care, and other costs of living in these oppressive systems. Within this collective balancing act, please keep in mind that financial aid/scholarship options are limited and unpredictable, and are designed for folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend. Thank you! -Carolyn