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Thursday, March 3, 2016

A Seat at the Table



The Slice of Life writing challenge is a chance to join a community of writers as a writer and a supporter. Not only will you experience the joy of writing together with others all over the world, you will receive comments and love from other writers. Join us all of March with your contribution. Find out more here

I think it is Nancie Atwell that uses the metaphor of the dining room table for workshop. During the National Writing Project's Summer Institutes, we take a seat at the table to engage with one another around literacy. Every summer I have participated in the institute I am always amazed at how reading, talking writing (And food. Cannot forget food.) creates such strong bonds so quickly. Any TC I have ever met says so. As well, you will hear of the unexpected personal stories that unfold, the amount of tears shed and a few that find the "counseling atmosphere" a bit annoying. I never did. For me, when I write it is usually about pain. The dark underbelly of my life that I work to hide form most people. I have always known this about myself. Even as a child I wrote in journals pushed under my bed, out of my sibling's sight. Pain surfaces when I write. I would rather not share too much pain with others but it seeps out of my mind onto the paper most of the time.

This challenge is amazing for many reasons. For me personally, it is a chance to commit myself to a meaningful pursuit. Although I hope not to let pain pour from my fingertips in this public place, I will not sensor the truth because what I love most is writing that is real. I will be true in this space and dig for the happy at the same time.

6 comments:

  1. I'm with you; truth telling makes powerful writing. I love Pema Chodron's teaching on leaning into the hard stuff and observing it rather than running from it (When Things Fall Apart). Western culture is squeamish about the hard stuff in life. I love this challenge for all the wonderful posts I get to read.

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    1. Hi there. Thank you for your words. I love the challenge too and it is easier when I let myself just write without the judge. I am googling Pema Chodron now.

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  2. The hard stuff is what we need to write about. I am right with you and I'm wondering how much do I share with the world? How vulnerable can or should I be?

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    1. Thank you Christine. The hard stuff is what we need to write about. It is very hard deciding what to share b/c not everyone cares. The only reason I am able to let go when I do is that it is true stuff and others may be going through something similar. Like Dunbar said, We Wear the Mask.

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  3. I know just what you mean. The Writing Project is so dear to me and my first summer with the LIWP 14 years ago was transformational. It is the sharing of our stories that creates such a powerful community. Looking forward to reading more!

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    1. Hi Kathleen. Maybe we will see each other at a NWP gig soon! You are right, the sharing is transformational. I wish every teacher could experience it.

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