Checking In
All fall I have been creating writing marathon invitations intended to inspire both my first year writing students and the Just Write virtual writing group. At midterm I took a break from writing sessions deliberately structured to support our work in progress to conduct a writing check-in. The experience led to some powerful writing and a vigorous discussion around the writing we shared. Sometimes we all need a safe space to vent our feelings and what safer space than our journals?
The first prompt was our traditional opening question “I am a writer from…” but I encouraged everyone to write about what was heavy on their mind or heart that day. I then offered the “I wish you knew” prompt and suggested they write to the stakeholders in their education from instructors to administrators to parents (past, present, or future).
My final writing invitation was to share Doors opening, closing on us by Marge Piercy because hinge points in the academic year or traditional calendar or life cycles are fruitful points to consider the impact and weight of change and transition. It also seemed fitting that after beginning our writing journey together with a reflection about transitions that we consider that transformation from the other side of the door. I am continually drawn by this idea:
the image of a door is liminal,
passing from one place into another
one state to the other,
boundaries and promises and threats
Doors opening, closing on us by Marge Piercy
Whenever you are not certain what to write, I think it is well worth exploring what is heavy on your mind or heart; what message you most want a specific someone to hear; or what boundaries your life might be transcending.
Image by Susann Mielke from Pixabay
