Mindful Creative Writing Class Starting Up at BZC
Published April 14th, 2010
We are excited to announce that sangha member Monica Rose will be offering an eight-week series of classes on mindful creative writing at Brooklyn Zen Center starting next week. Here is a description of the series from the instructor:
This class is for anyone interested in writing and who wishes to develop their skills in a mindful way; or for those curious about mindfulness and who would like to develop that through writing. Each class will include a period of zazen, time for writing, and space to share. The focus of the creative pieces may change week-to-week, but will always be about the present moment. As Thich Nhat Hanh refers to the term ‘mindfulness’, we will be writing to keep “one’s consciousness alive to the present reality.”
How does the pen feel in your hand? What sounds or smells do you notice? Was something specific coming up for you during meditation? Why are you feeling a certain way? Can you write through a shift in emotion or awareness?
Monica has been writing since high school. What began as a habit of copying dreams and journaling as catharsis, has since led to an MFA in Creative Writing, various publications, and a book in progress. She presently teaches writing at the City University of New York. Monica’s zazen practice began in college and has, over the years, led to a committed practice of mindfulness. By combining awareness with writing, she is interested in developing both.
Please come and experiment with her on Sunday evenings at the Brooklyn Zen Center. You can be a published poet, a novice novelist, or someone who never wrote more than a shopping list. All that you need is a pen, paper, an open mind, and a willingness to share. Though this will not be a class based on critique, there will be room for group feedback.
The series will begin on Sunday, April 18th and run for 8 weeks, ending on June 6th, from 6:00-7:30pm, at the Brooklyn Zen Center. The first class will cost $10, and if a decision is made to commit, $70 can be paid at the second class.
For more information, email Monica at: monicaroses@gmail.com

