Writing as a Wisdom Project

Combining meditation in the Zen tradition with the practice of imaginative writing, this workshop invites intimate and creative study of the mind. Engaging playfully with language, we write together from prompts and read aloud, listen, and respond to one another’s words. Our writings and responses are explorations, and our conversations are based in imaginative insight rather than craft or critique. The day is appropriate for participants at any level of literary or meditation experience. Meditation guidance will be offered.

Please bring paper and pens to write with, even if you are accustomed to composing on a keyboard (and leave your computer at home). An iPad is allowable if you will be writing with a stylus.

Please arrive by 8:45 to get settled, so that we can begin promptly at 9:00. We will take a break for lunch and everyone is encouraged to bring something (vegetarian) to share with others. The day will end at 5:00.

About Catherine Gammon

Catherine Gammon is a fiction writer and Soto Zen priest. Her novel Sorrow (Braddock Avenue Books, 2013) was a finalist for the Northern California Book Award. Her novel Isabel Out of the Rain was published by Mercury House in 1991, and her shorter fiction has appeared in literary journals for many years. Before beginning residential Zen training at San Francisco Zen Center’s Tassajara and Green Gulch Farm, Catherine served for ten years on the faculty of the MFA program of the University of Pittsburgh. She leads the Neighborhood Zen practice group in Greenfield.

Registration and cost

A contribution of $40 to Olmo Ling ($35 for members) is suggested. This offering is partially in support of teaching and partially to cover use of the space in support of Olmo Ling. Any additional offering is welcome (please use the button below), but is not necessary. Please register in advance if possible.