Peter Occhiogrosso

Journaling seems like fun to most people—until they sit down to write and suddenly go blank. Best-selling author and writing coach Peter Occhiogrosso will show us ways to start journaling on a regular basis by making the process more accessible, enjoyable, and even part of a spiritual practice. By using creative exercises and open discussions, he’ll help us to explore how to use daily writings to examine the past—and the present moment. He will suggest concrete techniques that will help overcome blocks and resistance to journaling, so that we can open up without fear. We’ll even embrace the shadow side of ourselves that we often avoid—and may be surprised to find good things lurking there! Athough journaling is done in private, we can gain support from others who may be encountering the same challenges, and start making journal writing a rewarding daily practice.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 28, 10am–5:30pm
12WAW46S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
[reg_button:12WAW46S]

Debbie Wels

All of us contain a wide range of inner personas in the rich symphony which is the human psyche. Some of these are what Jung called “archetypes,” universal mythic themes (the hero, the villain, the seer, the rebel, the lover, etc.) that populate the collective unconscious and are expressed culturally in figures such as super heroes. Drawing on specific archetypes to strengthen aspects of our lives we may have neglected can be deeply empowering. In this class we will use art, journaling, writing, sound and visualization to help reclaim creative parts of our spirit that we have suppressed to help us express and integrate our own innate super powers. (Capes and magic wands not included). Please bring a journal.

Note: A materials fee of $10 is payable to the instructor.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Mondays, March 19-
April 23, 1:30-3pm
12WAO00T
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
[reg_button:12WAO00T]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2.

Scott Stabile

Just Write is a four-week class created to inspire anyone with even the most remote interest in any kind of writing, to just write. For those who have never written a word before to those who have been published but are struggling with their motivation, this class promises to spark or re-spark your writing desire. The focus here is not on technique, but on inspiration, and on the strong belief that writing is a means to self-discovery and relaxation. What will it take for you to feel inspired to write down your ideas, your problems, your stories or your revelations? Through writing exercises, class discussion and voluntary sharing of one’s work, the class encourages the students to push through their fears and insecurities around writing and to… just write. Please bring a journal.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, February 29-
March 21, 2-3:30pm
12WAO02T For CEUs click here
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110
[reg_button:12WAO02T]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2.

Nancy Slonim Aronie, MA

Nancy Slonim Aronie has the rare ability to inspire us to reclaim our authentic voices, to write in our own rhythms, in our own language, without trying to sound like a “writer.” She creates a safe place where all of us who want to write or simply access our boundless inner creativity can let go of mental censors and our inner critic and let the juices flow. In this workshop, you cannot be “wrong.” You will write with renewed innocence and astounding power; you will laugh, cry and discover gold—your inner truth. At the end of this day, you will know the healing power of writing the truth, that your words cannot be written by anyone else, that your story is worth telling and that you will tell it, on the stage, on the page or in a rage.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 25, 10am–4:30pm
12WAW12S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
[reg_button:12WAW12S]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Wednesday, March 28, at 6pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Writing For Insight.

Mark Matousek

Drawing from his book Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good, Mark Matousek’s course for writers of all levels is designed to teach us how to use writing as a tool for opening the mind similarly to how yoga opens the body. Guilt, anger, greed, envy, etc., co-exist in us alongside altruism, creativity and love; writing can help us understand our inner dynamics and accentuate the positive sides of our natures. Through guided writing exercises, group interaction, and instructor-led self-inquiry, we will examine five key aspects of moral temperament with which each of us is born and learn how to explore these hard-wired wisdom “channels” in writing to help us strengthen our innate wisdom and make better choices in our lives.

Required Text:  Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, April 4-25, 6–7:30pm
12WAW21T
Members: $95 / Nonmembers: $105

Mark Matousek

Drawing from his book Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good, Mark Matousek’s course for writers of all levels is designed to teach us how to use writing as a tool for opening the mind similarly to how yoga opens the body. Guilt, anger, greed, envy, etc., co-exist in us alongside altruism, creativity and love; writing can help us understand our inner dynamics and accentuate the positive sides of our natures. Through guided writing exercises, group interaction, and instructor-led self-inquiry, we will examine five key aspects of moral temperament with which each of us is born and learn how to explore these hard-wired wisdom “channels” in writing to help us strengthen our innate wisdom and make better choices in our lives.

Required Text:  Ethical Wisdom: What Makes Us Good.

Free introductory class on Wednesday, March 28, at 6pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Wednesdays, April 4–April 25, 6–7:30pm
12WAW21T
Members: $95 / Nonmembers: $105
[reg_button:12WAW21T]

or call 212-219-2527 x 2

Marita Golden

In this workshop we will explore how to overcome the impulse to censor the most compelling aspects of our personal experience in memoir writing, and how to navigate the competing demands for honesty while respecting the privacy of family and friends. We will read published excerpts from memorable memoirs as well as discuss excerpts from in-progress work by some of us in the group. We will also engage in writing exercises tailored to our own work, honor the truth of our unique personal story, and master the techniques that can make it memorable. The questions raised by writing stories based on our life are often challenging and can derail the writing process. This class gets you back on track.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 17, 10am–5pm
12WAW47S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
[reg_button:12WAW47S]

Natalie Goldberg & Wendy Johnson

This unique retreat offers a rare opportunity to work with writing teacher Natalie Goldberg  in the stunning setting of Villa Lina, a five hundred year old Italian villa and organic farm in the heart of Etruria, the beautiful region in which the mysterious ancient Etruscan civilization once prospered. This inspiring locale is ideal for Natalie’s approach, which combines rigor with the creation of space to dream. In coming to a new place such as this extraordinary villa with a fresh mind, our raw potential can take root, our old memories and stories can emerge and we can let the writing of our souls flow.

We will spend our days immersed in writing practice, grounded by sitting and walking meditation and nourished by the beauty and power of this ancient land and surrounded by its majestic trees, flowers, fragrant herbs, rocks, rivers and roads. Bring a notebooks and fast writing pens.

Some mornings we will travel to amazing locations to immerse ourselves in the culture that is truly Italy. Other days we will have informal regional Italian mini cooking classes.

Natalie Goldberg is the author of Writing Down the Bones which started a revolution in the way we think about creativity and practice writing. The book has sold more than 1 million copies and has been translated into 14 languages.  She has most recently written Old Friends From Far Away: the Practice of Writing Memoir. www.nataliegoldberg.com

Wendy Johnson is a meditation teacher, author and organic gardener who co-founded the Farm and Garden program at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. She is a mentor to the Edible Schoolyard program of Chez Panisse Foundation and writes a regular column, “On Gardening” for Tricycle magazine and is the author of Gardening at the Dragon’s Gate.

Villa Lina:
Situated in the region of northern Lazio (near Tuscany and Umbria) and one hour north of Roma, this gorgeous villa's historic gardens shelter five historic residences surrounded by botanical walks, fountains and 3 swimming pools. Villa Lina is located in the historic and mediaeval town of Ronciglione which is within walking distance to the villa. (www.relaisvillalina.com)

October 1-8, 2012
Early Bird Special (Before June 30): $2,995
After June 30: $3,395 (Double Occupancy)

Trip includes:

• Room and Board
• Meals
• Transfers to and from Airport
• Excursions
• All Classes

For Information and registration, contact Maria Rodriguez at 212-219-2527 ext.135 or mrodriguez@opencenter.org

Michele Bernstein

Journal writing develops skills that can greatly enhance our personal growth, creative expression, relationships and careers, and awaken our inner writer. In this workshop we will learn a wide range of journal techniques, including: captured moments, character sketches, guided imagery, and stream of consciousness. Come discover how journaling can radically improve our lives by helping us: safely release emotions; access our unconscious and inner wisdom; create a valuable record of our lives; experiment with creative writing; outwit writer’s block; and write spontaneously and joyously.

Notes: Recommended reading: Journal to the Self by Kathleen Adams; $10 materials fee payable to the instructor. This workshop is a prerequisite for Journal to the Self Certification. Bring a notebook and pen.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Mondays, January 9–
February 13, 2012, 6–7:45pm
No class on January 16.
11FAW11T
Members: $150 / Nonmembers: $165
[reg_button:11FAW11T]

Mark Matousek

This course for writers of all levels, from complete beginners to professionals, will introduce us to the art of spiritual memoir, a genre which seeks to tell the whole truth about experience, to discern one’s soul odyssey and come to understand the mythic dimensions of one’s struggles, triumphs, confusions, longings, and “mistakes.” Through writing exercises, storytelling and group interaction, we will investigate the mysterious connection between the person we believe ourselves to be and the internal witness who sees beyond the conscious mind into the secrets of our hearts. By putting our feelings down on paper and learning to shape life’s raw materials into art, we discover that our challenges are also our greatest sources of wisdom.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Wednesdays, January 11–
February 8, 2012, 6–7:30pm
11FAW06T
Members: $130 / Nonmembers: $145
[reg_button:11FAW06T]