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, June 6–27,
11am–12:30pm
12SAO02T
Members: $100 / Nonmembers: $110
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or call 212-219-2527 x 2

Elizabeth Ayres

There’s a vast ocean of creativity within you.  Even if you’re doubtful, intimidated or blocked you can tap into its power by practicing Elizabeth Ayres’ unique stop ‘n’ go exercises. Make writing fun again!  Learn new techniques like “imaginative layering” and “extrospection.” Discover your voice. Create effortlessly. Cultivate techniques for new projects or to jump-start a stalled work-in-progress. If you’ve never written but would love to try, if you have great ideas but don’t know what to do with them, if your current writing practice is blocked, join us for this inspiring day-long adventure that will have you writing your wave with joy and confidence! Suitable for aspiring writers of all levels eager to explore any form of creative writing or journaling.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, August 4, 10am–5:30pm
12SAW46S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
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Devan Sipher, MFA

Everyone has a story. The trick is figuring out precisely what that story is and being able to write it down in a way that is clear and compelling. This course is designed to help you tell that story, whether you dream of being a published author or simply want to set down your memories for your family. The class will include spontaneous exercises to free your creative impulses, as well as exercises that teach techniques for approaching specific tasks, such as writing dialogue and structuring scenes. Telling a story is all about choosing what to include and what to leave out, and most importantly, where to start, we will focus on all of these, in a safe and supportive environment. By the end of the course, you will have completed the first pages (or more) of your own memoir and laid out a rough map for your larger journey.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Tuesdays, July 10–
August 7, 6–7:30pm
12SAW48T
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
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Sherry Reiter, PhD, LCSW

Writing can be a powerful tool of psychological survival that helps us negotiate intense emotions, such as grief or anger or shame, and creatively and safely channel our emotions. Transformative Writing (aka “poetry therapy,” “bibliotherapy” or “journal therapy”) is the intentional use of writing to work toward psychological change and well-being. In this class, Sherry Reiter, one of the nation’s leading poetry-therapists, will explore with us the ten principles of Transformative Writing (mastery, ritual, safety, venting, containment, the magic of the poetic, etc.), lead us in experiential and writing exercises, show us how to create “power poems” as catalysts to our writing, and share examples of people who courageously wrote their way through a crisis.

Note: Bring paper and pen. No previous writing experience necessary. Writing Away the Demons, recommended reading for this course, can be purchased from the Open Center bookstore, but copies must be ordered two weeks before the workshop).

A WEEKLY COURSE
(6 sessions) Mondays, June 4–July 9, 8–10pm
12SAW47T For CEUs click here
Members: $185 / Nonmembers: $200
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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
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