Harvest: Writing from the compost heap
Last year a portal was opened to reimagine our world. Global attention was cast on the magnitude of labor and land exploitation that has marked the past several centuries. The destructive ramifications of non-stop productivity and dogmatic ideology were amplified--a re-emergence of a world marked by global viral pandemics, the fragility of the current food system, health care, and other basic systems for care, and the virulence of disinformation that has created an increasingly polarized world was exposed. The portal signaled an interruption to the ‘business as usual’ narrative and a need to remember ways of being rooted in earth connection and the interdependence of all species. Now, in the second year of a global pandemic and impending climate collapse, what are the lessons we’ve learned thus far?
This writing workshop series begins with the autumnal equinox, historically a time for the harvest that will take us through the rest of the year until we can grow food again. We begin to notice the diminishing sunlight. When we are surrounded by a world seemingly too fractured and on the way towards possible mass extinction, it is a natural response to freeze or try to run away from the fires that need our attention. Together, we will plant seeds for the stories that will offer an alternative to ‘let’s get back to normal’ and the fatalistic view of a world beyond repair.
This offering is guided by a deep reverence for the Earth, our bodies as the planet, and our more than human kin. Drawing on the work of environmental activists, ecologists, poets, writers, and more, we’ll gather inspiration to feel into these questions:
How do we practice and activate hope?
What are the stories that will create bridges?
What needs to be composted in order for us to build toward a transformative, regenerative world?
What are the stories that must be told and actions taken to ensure a tomorrow for our future ancestors?
From the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice, we’ll bring forward a harvest of words and art to sustain us in the dark time of the year. We’ll explore somatic exercises, writing prompts, meditations, rituals, and other embodied practices for remembering ourselves back to earth.
We’ll meet virtually for 13 weeks, Wednesdays, Sept. 22 - Dec. 15, 6:00pm-9:00pm ET to write, imagine, play, grieve, celebrate, and build community. Additionally, I have a few special treats to share. I will host monthly open mics for the harvest writers and anyone who would like to join to listen or share. I will also be offering a limited number of individual creative coaching sessions as an add-on for anyone who would like deeper feedback and editing for their harvest writing.
WHEN: Wednesdays, Sept. 22nd - Dec. 15th, 6:00pm-9:00pm ET + Monthly Open Mics
WHERE: Virtually Through Zoom
COST: Early Bird Special $500, Sign Up by 9/9/21; Regular Price - $600, after 9/9/21
ADD-ON: A limited number of individual creative coaching sessions for deeper feedback and editing of your writing.