Joy resolves itself, it has been said, while sorrow needs a voice—which is why we so often seek out our journals when dark moments arise. But what would it be like to focus our creative attention in those harsh moments on what inspires, elevates, and strengthens us? What might it be like to fill a page with the noticing of wonder or kindness or sunshine shimmering on water? Helen Keller once wrote, “A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships,” and our work in the field of positive psychology reminds us that those of us who cultivate a positive perspective are more likely to thrive. We’ll invite in the narratives that honor the difficult while aiming our pen toward the good within and around us, and explore how that aim impacts the stories of our life.

Anyone who seeks to write or find the words to enable wisdom during this time. For writers, poets, songwriters, scribblers, journal-keepers, and lovers of language. This is a continuation of the Writing/Storytelling courses we offered in the spring, with new prompts and wisdom included. You don’t need to have taken that class or any other writing class to participate in this one! All are welcome.

Wholebeing Institute uses state-of-the-art, user-friendly Zoom technology that allows you to see the faculty via video, watch the slides during the presentation, and participate during live events through your computer or mobile device. Presentation materials and any necessary pre-work or homework will be emailed in advance. Weekly live sessions take place on Thursdays from 12:30–2:00 pm ET. Recordings will be posted following each session for students who are unable to join live or would like to review the material again.

Live webinars will meet on three Thursdays, September 10, 17, and 24. Each live session runs 90 minutes, from 12:30–2:00 pm ET. Every lesson will be recorded for viewing at your convenience if you are unable to join at that time.

Each session will offer pre-work and homework assignments supporting the weekly themes. This work is not mandatory, but suggested. In addition, each week, as part of the live lessons, we will share quotes, phrases, writing prompts, and reading recommendations to deepen our work and inspire us to put pen to paper. We expect that the weekly time commitment, should you choose to do all the pre-work/homework and attend the lesson or listen to the recording, will be two to three hours.