What is therapeutic
about journal writing?
Technology has taught us to think fast, edit our thoughts and make decisions swiftly and effectively. Many thrive on this but there are also people like you and me who would love to slow things down a bit and have a moment of quiet reflection. Writing is the best therapeutic tool for like-minded souls. The blank page does not judge or condemn. It is the cheapest therapist you can find.
Click through to an article on the British Journal of Psychiatry´s Advances magazine.
2016 Workshops
Over Dinner (January 21) a writing event with food!
Starts off with an introduction to therapeutic writing. You will be taught techniques, suggestions on daily prompts and participate in a writing exercise. Starts at 5pm (17:00). Dinner and discussion follows the introduction. Those who wish to have wine with their food have to bring their own.
(7,500 ISK including DINNER, writing materials and reflective writing guidelines)
Online Courses
We are currently offering two courses online:
Internal Conversations (February 4 to March 4). Daily writing prompts that allows you to examine your life, your goals and have a better understanding of internal decision making processes. Then twice or three times a week, we will discuss your writing together through chat or email. (20,000 ISK / 4 weeks)
Unsent Letters (March 4 to 10). One week workshop with daily coaching on unsent letters. You will write letters that are not intended to be read by the recipient and receive therapeutic feedback for reflection. Writing unsent letters is a tool that allows you to articulate your feelings and process it. I will help you turn this mad, sad or bad energy into a creative one. (10,000 ISK / one week)
A struggle against silence
Mexican essayist Carlos Fuentes’ quote is a blinking, neon lighted imaginary sign that wakes up my writing mind every day. Without it, I would probably be stuck in a rut of maybe-shaped potholes. Hard to climb out of and harder still for the creative mind to wrap around of. This is my daily struggle and what led me to therapeutic journal writing.
Ever since I can remember, I have written notes and journals. It started innocently enough. My Catholic parents had a Mother Mary icon right in the middle of the room. Mama said that if we wrote out our prayers and dedicated it at the altar, Mother Mary and Jesus would more than listen to it. The prayers could be granted! So, my sister and I wrote in crabby, kindergarten handwriting our deepest wishes and daily hurts. It was only when I busted Dad reading my sister´s note that it all came crashing down! Imagine how horrified I was on discovering that Dad and Mama knew of our fumbling attempts at human interaction.
Today, in my life...
Share your writing!
We learn, hope and cherish the joys of everyday experiences.
Send your essays, poems or short stories to writingismypill@gmail.com
Let us know what is going on today in your life.
What is your dream?
Mine is of living in a cottage by the sea with shelves full of books. Once a month, I would go for weekend forays into the so-called city where I will sit and listen to friends lament about their lost loves.
This dream intrudes into my consciousness on just the kind of days we are experiencing. You know, slightly downcast with just the hint of rain felt every time the wind blows. This is because on days like these, I can barely will myself to leave my bed and get the coffeemaker going.
Suddenly, I cross my fingers and wish real hard that I had enough money allowing me to throw caution to the wind, pack bags and forget the 9 to 5 grind.
Snug. Yes, that is how I picture the cottage to be. The comfort of wood and huge throw pillows scattered around an open balcony. Airy and comforting, I won't even mind when chickens roost on its eaves.
Morning chores will be a joy. The rush and retreat of tides a welcome accompaniment to laundry and cooking. I will eat simple food, camote and corn grown by neighbors and flavored with mint and basil growing in pots around the house. Fish will be my source of protein, pork and beef eaten only during the local fiesta when it's rude to refuse a neighbor.
And I will run. Along the seashore or under trees. Never mind the thorns, holes and angry goats that join the chase. I will run because this dream frees me.
This is my promise.
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