Moving Pen, Quiet Mind – Writing as Meditation

Whether it’s Monkey Mind, as early Buddhists described the restless and wandering human mind, or what Anne Lamott calls KFKD (the ceaseless internal radio station of self-importance and self-criticism) nearly every writer knows what it’s like to work from a frame of mind that more closely resembles a barn fire than a quiet glade. Fortunately, there are practical things to be done. The mind is often agitated, but it is not intractable. With practice, the fire can be quenched. And one clear, simple sentence may emerge.

In this 2-day, online retreat based on a course Andrew designed and taught at Stanford, we will learn and interweave simple mindfulness practices that help quiet distraction, deepen our awareness of the present moment, and bridge our contemplative and creative selves. In turn, we will explore ways to approach writing and reading themselves as forms of meditation. We will read and discuss brief examples of contemplative poetry, drawing inspiration from a broad range of cultures.

Everyone is welcome, and no experience in writing or meditation is required. Participants with physical challenges will receive catered instruction in techniques appropriate to their interests and capabilities.