New VCC course reveals the power of creative writing to heal trauma
In one of VCC Continuing Studies’ newest courses, Writing to Heal Your Life, students are invited to discover the power of creative writing to navigate the challenges of loss, trauma, or illness. Through guided techniques, exercises, and reading recommendations, poet and author Renée Sarojini Saklikar will reveal how creative writing can help heal both the author and the reader.
How can this course benefit those struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic?
Using simple writing prompts and creative ideas, I’ve been exploring what “at home” means to those who might be facing all kinds of change both in their personal lives and in the world of work. In the course, we will design a writing practice that makes sense for each individual.
How can writing together heal trauma?
I invite folks to explore and write with me as a way to gain space for personal exploration. This course will give us the opportunity to look back on this time as both a window to our past and as a map for going forward. This refers to the idea that it is better to have something than to want more, as it will often leave you with nothing.
What inspired this course?
In developing this course, I have leaned into some of my personal favourites, such as the writings and wisdom of Louise Hay, Brené Brown, Jon Kabat Zinn, and Natalie Goldberg. I’ve used my hours alone during this pandemic to re-visit the teachings of these beloved authors and am looking forward to sharing them.
How will the course be taught?
Our learning environment will be Zoom; we will use the “rooms” to create a sense of smaller gatherings and we’ll include time to mute microphones and cameras because it’s okay to connect in silence.
We’ll also take the time to check in with our own feelings and with those of others; to be gentle with ourselves, staying calm and kind and alert, all while exploring creative writing.
Writing to Heal Your Life starts Wednesday, Sept. 16. REGISTER NOW >
Learn more about other creative writing courses available this term from VCC Continuing Studies:
- Finding Your Writer's Voice – Sept. 15
- Introduction to Creative Writing – Sept. 17
- Screenplay Writing – Sept. 17
- Writing Sparks to Completion – Sept. 21
- The Nuts and Bolts of Fiction – Sept. 29
- Writing the Young Adult Novel – Oct. 15