A Rambling Curiosity

Pick up a pen, write out a prompt, don't think, don't stop, let a stream of words flow out.

Every fortnight starting on the 30th August, explore an inspiring topic, engage in free flowing conversations, and write freely. Each session, I will introduce a different topic through sharing source materials to ignite our conversations and generate prompts for writing. This will support participants to build a freewriting practice.

Topics range from migrating birds, hedgerows or Christmas puddings to community history.

During the session, every participant is considered a potential source of inspiration or information. This will help to open up new pathways of curiosity.

One of the benefits of embracing our rambling curiosity is that new ideas will be generated. Other benefits of having a freewriting or journaling practice is that it can support wellbeing, unblock access to our creative self, support us with our day to day work, or all of the above. Any level of experience is welcome.

When we write together, jumpin' thoughts, bad grammar, creative spelligns, half written sentences, and paragraphs with no end in sight....are all welcome. The focus is on trusting the process of writing freely,

Post writing, participants will be invited to share reflections on the process. There is no pressure to share any writing during the session. If anyone is really keen to share something, there will be an opportunity at the end.

Why Write Freely?

Research has shown that journaling supports change and development. It enhances self-awareness; deepens understanding of emotions; and increases the ability to reflect on actions; and identify areas for improvement. Harvard Business School showed that professionals who spend 15 minutes reflecting daily can improve performance by up to 22.8%.

Building a practice that works for you will lead to lightbulb moments when you engage your sense of curiosity. Dedicating 10 to 20min each day to write freely, pen to page, creates space to explore ideas. And these can be the ideas you are sitting on. This means that your ideas can grow and evolve, even if you don’t yet feel you have time to prioritise them.

But why offline? Handwriting helps people to learn the same material better than watching videos or typing. Researchers claim that writing by hand creates a perceptual-motor experience that reinforces learnings, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. That’s why, all that is required for this workshop is that you embrace jumpin’ thoughts, bad grammar, creative spelligns, and paragraphs with no end in sight.

Venue Information: Accessibility

The building is on the ground floor. The route to the workshop space includes two steps from reception to the hallway and two into the room. A ramp can be provided to make this step-free. Doorway/turning clearances limit the passable width to 28 inches (71 cm). Given these constraints, the premises cannot be described as wheelchair accessible, and the route is unsuitable for the majority of wheelchair users, particularly where the chair exceeds 28 inches. Toilets are also not wheelchair accessible.