A SELF-PACED WRITING REFUGE

When my new writing circle client was under it,
unable to make our hour-long sessions,
I sensed she could use a breather …

… so, I offered to make her what I called,
‘bite-sized bits of magic to banish overwhelm’—

brief introductions to the writing practise,
and the poems we would have
written to together

In 3 parts, each around ten minutes listening time—
and, audio recordings, because fewer distractions means
more room to breathe …

so, if it is safe for you to do so,
you can rest your eyes for a brief moment
… and let yourself drift …

Once you’ve finished listening,
set the timer for 5 minutes (or 10 minutes
or 1 minute … however much you have spare)

then, start writing, keeping the pen moving

I aimed to deliver the recordings to her
on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays—
though you, of course, may listen in
whatever rhythm suits your own life best …

… the Growing Wild Trust writing refuge
is a space of rest and reconnection;
here to lighten your load, not add to it …

After her first few listen and writes, my client had this to say:

“Sending love and thanks. Missed doing this last night,
but found the time tonight, and it was truly a sacred pause.
Breathing a little easier, thanks to your care and skill.
Looking forward to my next microdoses.”

and later, this:

“Hi Angela, I really appreciate having your microdoses
and your beautiful voice and company and care to dip into.”

and, later still, this:

“In whatever time I could find, I could snatch a few minutes to play them, and have Angela in my ear, sink into the magic space she makes, and hear another surprising poem to completely distract me, and give me the space and the safe structure to write something down. To let my thoughts free and discover I was still alive – to emerge with that same feeling – of a journey taken, and a return to oneself”

Jonquil Panting

Former Audio Drama Producer / Director

If you are under it, and in need
of a breather, maybe this
ritual writing practise
is for you, too …

All you need is pen, a notebook,
a pocket of undisturbed time,
and a willingness to lay
your true life on the page …

✦ The Investment:

£48