This post is from our free workshop held in June 2024 led by founders David Morin and Elisa Ramos. Check out our linktree to stay up to date on our upcoming events!
Listening Through Writing: A Poetry Workshop
By David Morin and Elisa Ramos
Join us for a writing workshop, where poet David Morin will show us how he experiences mindfulness through poetry to help unlock whatever message Life has in store for us. You will leave the workshop feeling seen, inspired, and more in tune with your intuition. No previous writing experience necessary. Just bring a favorite pen, notebook, and some curiosity. 🙂
David is a passionate poet and dedicated death doula whose journey began in 2021 after writing his first poem. This self-discovery led him to a darkness retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he embraced his true calling as a poet. David's path has been marked by profound experiences, including caring for his dying grandfather, quitting his sales job to pursue poetry, and working in prison rehabilitation to help individuals make the most of their second chance at life.
In 2023, David embarked on a "Year to Live" experiment, preparing for a metaphorical death date of March 7, 2024, to deepen his understanding of mortality and his role as a death doula. Enriched by personal growth and unique experiences, David hopes his work now inspires and empowers others through poetry and compassionate service.
Webinar Summary: Listening Through Writing
Introduction:
David introduced the session as a creative writing exercise, emphasizing the importance of tuning into our environment and the messages it might convey. [00:00:00]
Creative Writing Exercise:
Participants were encouraged to write about their surroundings, reflecting on objects or scenes and what they might symbolize or communicate. [00:05:00]
David's Share:
David shared a reflective piece inspired by a photo with his father, exploring themes of nostalgia and the complexity of familial relationships. [00:30:00]
Aaliyah's Share:
Aaliyah presented a poem inspired by an exercise ball, describing the physical and emotional challenge of balancing under pressure. [00:43:00]
Elisa's Share:
Elisa read a poem about her home, which she described as being like a thrift shop full of treasures, reflecting on the emotional weight and potential for growth within her living space. [00:45:00]
Carrie's Share:
Carrie shared a poem about a kitten and the tension between the new and old cats in her home, highlighting themes of growth and jealousy. She also noted the impact of her kitten's presence on her creative process. [00:46:00]
Discussion:
David elaborated on the exercise's intent, discussing how paying attention to our environment can help us better understand our emotions and experiences. He shared additional prompts for creative writing, such as observing nature or using random books for inspiration. [00:49:00]
Elisa and Carrie expressed how the exercise helped them manage their feelings and gain new perspectives on their environments. [00:50:00]
David's Closing Poem:
David ended with a poignant poem about a rose, using the imagery of a falling petal to explore themes of beauty, pain, and growth. The poem emphasized the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow in the process of blooming and self-discovery. [00:55:00]
Conclusion:
David thanked all participants for their contributions and expressed appreciation for the depth of creativity and insight shared during the session. [00:58:00]
