Taking Courage, Taking Heart: Writing with Felt Sense
Sondra Perl
July 9-14, 2006

As the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against Esalen’s rocky edge, you will be invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and listen quietly to what is at the edge of your thoughts. As you allow what is not yet in words to emerge, you will discover what happens when you summon the courage to write from the center of your being.

Sondra Perl will guide you in an exploration of your inner world. As you move from bodily awareness to words, you will learn how to listen to the felt edge in your work. As you experiment with voice and form, crafting stories, essays, or poems, you will deepen your understanding of the source of your own creativity and your appreciation of this amazing wellspring in others.

Felt sense originates with Eugene Gendlin whose Focusing work has been used in medicine, education, and the arts. Perl brings Gendlin’s approach to creative writing. Using her composing technique, you will develop increasing courage to face the blank page by cultivating the wisdom of the body. Open to anyone who writes or has ever had the urge to write. Be prepared for surprises, good fellowship, and fun.

Sondra Perl, Ph.D., has been leading writing workshops in North America and Europe for over 20 years. A writer and a professor at the City University of New York, Perl recently published Writing True: The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction.

Register on the web or call 831 667 3005. For additional information, email Esalen.

[Reprinted from the Esalen flyer regarding this retreat.]

Labels: Conferences, Creative Writing