Class Info
Somatic Experience and Holistic Movement in Writing
In “(Soma)tic Poetry Exercises” CA Conrad states: “My idea for a (Soma)tic Poetics is a poetry which investigates that seemingly infinite space between body and spirit by using nearly any possible THING around or of the body to channel the body out and/or in toward spirit with deliberate and sustained concentration” (Conrad para. 3). The goal of this workshop is to create a safe and inclusive space for participants to explore the connection between their physical and subtle bodies and writing. We will move through a variety of somatic experiences and rituals including guided mindfulness (based on Yoga Nidra), breathing techniques, physical postures (based on restorative yoga), and sound healing techniques. In connection with the somatic experiences, we will have space for generative writing and reflection. This will include writing intentional narrative or poetry in relation to different energetic layers in the body, creating visual writing about the images and words/ sounds which occur during the exercises, and creating physical body analogies. The writing aspect will be open and can be applied to any style of writing- although it most easily lends itself to poetry and creative nonfiction. The class will incorporate examples of other writers using somatic experiences in their work such as CA Conrad, Resmaa Menakem, Arianne Zwartjes, and others. There is no prior experience needed and this will be accessible for every person and body. The activities will be led with a safe and trauma-informed process.
What To Bring
A comfortable place to move your body.
A blanket or pillow or something to rest on.
Paper and writing utensils (colored pencils/paint/etc. to color with would be helpful.
Schedule
THIS IS A TWO-PART CLASS that will take place on Saturday, August 7th AND Saturday, August 14th from 1-3 PM MST via Zoom. You must attend both classes as they are both connected and not separate.
Cost
The cost of this workshop is $125 with priority given to BIPOC. Scholarships available. For more information about the Scholarship Program, please click the registration link below.
About The Instructor
Ashley Howell Bunn (she/her/hers) is pursuing her MFA in poetry through Regis University and holds a MA in Literature from Northwestern University. She is on the editorial staff for the literary journal, Inverted Syntax. Her work has previously appeared in The Colorado Sun, South Broadway Ghost Society, Global Poemic, Twenty Bellows, patchwork lit mag, and others. She is a certified and experienced yoga guide trained in a variety of styles including Yoga Nidra, restorative yoga, and trauma- informed yoga. When she isn’t writing, she runs a small personal business centered around healing and enjoys the mountains and sunshine. She lives in Denver, CO with her partner and child.
Connect with her on Instagram @howellandheal or visit her writing website www.howellandheal.com
Accessibility description of photo above:
Ashley Howell Bunn is depicted in a black and white photo above. She is a white woman with long, light wavy hair, light eyes, and has a nose ring and two hoop earrings in either ear. She is wearing a black shirt with a light cardigan.
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