Register today for this online poetry writing series created and facilitated by Jacinta V. White.
- Takes place the weeks of Oct. 19-Nov. 16!
Be one of the first five to register and receive a FREE The Word Project journal!
Register for "Becoming Undone: Unpacking Life's Weight" and you will:
- Be gently guided by me -- a poet and facilitator with more than 13 years of experience working with all types of people -- who feels called to this work (read more about me and my story here),
- Receive weekly, personal responses to your work,
- Receive weekly emails with video and written prompts to guide your writing,
- Receive weekly readings to help inspire you and your writing,
- Receive weekly self-care tips and check-ins to help balance whatever emotions are coming up through your writings, AND
- Receive 15% off a future online workshop (within a year)!
How this 5-week series will work:
- Each Sunday, I will send to your email a link to a video writing prompt and instructions. (The first week will provide an introduction with ground rules, including privacy, and tips that will guide you through the weeks.)
- By that following Saturday morning you will email it to me as a Word attachment, if you would like feedback to your poem.
- There will also be a private blog for participants to share your writings.
- I will create and share with this group an anthology of the poems. You can share it with friends and family if you like. (Permission will need to be given, with desired name used.)
"Becoming Undone: Unpacking Life's Weight" self-paced workshop
With this course, you will receive:
- Videos, poems, and written prompts to guide and inspire your writing,
- Self-care tips to help balance whatever emotions are coming up through your writings, and
- An invitation to coaching with me.
Non-refundable
Why Poetry?
You may be asking yourself, "why does poetry work?" Well, I want to answer that and provide material for you to read should you need more explanation.
Writing poetry…
Poetry can be used as a tool for…
(Taken from The Healing Art by Rafeal Campo, M.D. & poet)
Articles that go into detail…
"The Healing Power of Poetry"
"How Can Poetry Heal Us?"
"Behind the Healing Power of Art"
There are many articles, reports and books on the healing art of poetry. These are just some of what's available.
Unless we rewrite our stories they will remain the same. Whether you are grieving or just feeling stuck, writing is a process that will help you see clearly. It moves you from the numb place into a place where you tap into your emotions. We can better unpack our confusion, stress, and weight and walk with a sense of clarity when we write and are able to see our story for what it is.
I'm excited you are here. The fact that you are still reading this suggests that you're ready to jumpstart your new journey (and with less baggage)!
You may be asking yourself, "why does poetry work?" Well, I want to answer that and provide material for you to read should you need more explanation.
Writing poetry…
- Allows time for silence and contemplation
- Assists in finding one’s own rhythm and voice
- Provides mirror to thoughts and feelings
- Provides opportunity to turn pain into art
- Allows space for sharing with others
Poetry can be used as a tool for…
(Taken from The Healing Art by Rafeal Campo, M.D. & poet)
- Assigning a name
- Creating metaphors
- Restoring the sufferer’s sense of control
- Establishing the patient’s authority
- Exploring and acceptance of death
Articles that go into detail…
"The Healing Power of Poetry"
"How Can Poetry Heal Us?"
"Behind the Healing Power of Art"
There are many articles, reports and books on the healing art of poetry. These are just some of what's available.
Unless we rewrite our stories they will remain the same. Whether you are grieving or just feeling stuck, writing is a process that will help you see clearly. It moves you from the numb place into a place where you tap into your emotions. We can better unpack our confusion, stress, and weight and walk with a sense of clarity when we write and are able to see our story for what it is.
I'm excited you are here. The fact that you are still reading this suggests that you're ready to jumpstart your new journey (and with less baggage)!
You might be thinking
Time: Yes, fully participating in this series will require a time commitment. But, as with anything else we want, taking the time that's required is worth the sacrifice. Your healing is worth it. One of the pluses for the online series is that you can do the readings and exercises at your own pace and in your own time! Each week, you will be asked to submit a writing based on a prompt I will give you, so you will need to set time aside to think about the writing prompt and your response. Let me add that you will also want to take time to rest. Some of what you will write will trigger emotions. Self-care will be a key to benefiting from the program. But don't worry. I will provide you with weekly self-care tips and weekly check-ins to see what questions and concerns you have. The time commitment will not be unrealistic. A few hours a week with the writings will be enough (though I recommend taking time each day, if possible), but, of course, if you wanted to do more and had the time, that would be great.
Self-motived: Many of us can do self work by ourselves but often it takes a group or at least one other person who is there to hold us accountable, ask questions, and provide guidance and support. If you haven't gone deeper on your journey to self-discovery and healing by yourself yet, than you probably won't. There's nothing wrong with joining with others who are interested in the same affirming authentic exchange as you. Try something different to get different results.
Doubt: It's completely natural to question if something new will help (or even something you've tried before that didn't work then). I can tell you from my personal experience and working with hundreds of others over the past 13 years that meaningful, deep writing and reflection certainly help in moving us from pain to purpose. This is a process. No spontaneous breakthrough that I can promise. But what I do know is that clarity comes when we take the time and effort to be honest with ourselves, love ourselves, and commit to taking the steps to move forward. It's scary, I know. But it's worth it!
Not a writer: Who cares? This isn't for "writers." It's for those who want and need to do something different to get different results. It's for those who are serious about their inner and outward journey. It's for those who want to have a deeper understanding of their pain and their purpose. Of course we will be writing but you don't have to consider yourself a writer to fully engage.
Not a fan: Who cares? :-) You don't even have to like poetry to benefit from this program! I'm not kidding. I can't even tell you the number of persons who come into one of my workshops saying they don't like poetry yet leave fans. I'm not going to try to convert you to becoming a poetry lover. That's not my purpose. Many don't like poetry, however, because they don't understand it. Poetry can have a way of intimidating people. We won't look at poetry from a mechanical standpoint and in some cases not even from a literary one. Instead, this series is designed to allow you to experience poetry in your own way (don't worry, I will guide you if you're new at this). No judgement here. And the poetry I use will be assessable, easy to get into.
Guilt: Believe it or not, you deserve time for self-reflection and creativity. We are each creative beings and when we disconnect from that essence we miss hearing our voice and living our truest life. Whether it's money, time or space, we have to decide that self-care is a priority. We may have to put off a luxury in order to feed ourselves that which will nourish our spirit, mind and heart. There's nothing to feel guilty about when it comes to prioritizing our inner gifts and nurturing the inner-self. You will feel better when you give yourself the gift of your own attention. Not in a neurotic way but in one that will help you show up in your life as the true you and not a programmed, drained or distracted being.
"But I'm nervous." That makes sense! Digging deep into yourself and sharing your authentic self is a challenging and vulnerable task. What about the issues you've been trying to cover up until later? What about the secret you aren't willing to confess or forgive? What if someone gets hurt by your truth? What if you're not ready?
All of these are serious questions that only you can answer. This may not be the time for you if you are overwhelmed by fear. If you are under medical care or seeing a psychologist or counselor, I recommend that you seek their opinion before taking this course. Truth can be scary but that's usually when it's stuck inside of our heads and not when it's out on paper. Speaking our truth is what often sets us free.
You won't be going through the process alone. I will provide guidance and support, but let me be clear, it's up to you to do the work. Now, take a deep breath, trust yourself, trust the process, and enjoy the journey.
- I don't have time
- I can do this without a workshop
- I'm not a writer
- Writing can wait
- I don't even like poetry
- Will it really help
- I can't afford it
Time: Yes, fully participating in this series will require a time commitment. But, as with anything else we want, taking the time that's required is worth the sacrifice. Your healing is worth it. One of the pluses for the online series is that you can do the readings and exercises at your own pace and in your own time! Each week, you will be asked to submit a writing based on a prompt I will give you, so you will need to set time aside to think about the writing prompt and your response. Let me add that you will also want to take time to rest. Some of what you will write will trigger emotions. Self-care will be a key to benefiting from the program. But don't worry. I will provide you with weekly self-care tips and weekly check-ins to see what questions and concerns you have. The time commitment will not be unrealistic. A few hours a week with the writings will be enough (though I recommend taking time each day, if possible), but, of course, if you wanted to do more and had the time, that would be great.
Self-motived: Many of us can do self work by ourselves but often it takes a group or at least one other person who is there to hold us accountable, ask questions, and provide guidance and support. If you haven't gone deeper on your journey to self-discovery and healing by yourself yet, than you probably won't. There's nothing wrong with joining with others who are interested in the same affirming authentic exchange as you. Try something different to get different results.
Doubt: It's completely natural to question if something new will help (or even something you've tried before that didn't work then). I can tell you from my personal experience and working with hundreds of others over the past 13 years that meaningful, deep writing and reflection certainly help in moving us from pain to purpose. This is a process. No spontaneous breakthrough that I can promise. But what I do know is that clarity comes when we take the time and effort to be honest with ourselves, love ourselves, and commit to taking the steps to move forward. It's scary, I know. But it's worth it!
Not a writer: Who cares? This isn't for "writers." It's for those who want and need to do something different to get different results. It's for those who are serious about their inner and outward journey. It's for those who want to have a deeper understanding of their pain and their purpose. Of course we will be writing but you don't have to consider yourself a writer to fully engage.
Not a fan: Who cares? :-) You don't even have to like poetry to benefit from this program! I'm not kidding. I can't even tell you the number of persons who come into one of my workshops saying they don't like poetry yet leave fans. I'm not going to try to convert you to becoming a poetry lover. That's not my purpose. Many don't like poetry, however, because they don't understand it. Poetry can have a way of intimidating people. We won't look at poetry from a mechanical standpoint and in some cases not even from a literary one. Instead, this series is designed to allow you to experience poetry in your own way (don't worry, I will guide you if you're new at this). No judgement here. And the poetry I use will be assessable, easy to get into.
Guilt: Believe it or not, you deserve time for self-reflection and creativity. We are each creative beings and when we disconnect from that essence we miss hearing our voice and living our truest life. Whether it's money, time or space, we have to decide that self-care is a priority. We may have to put off a luxury in order to feed ourselves that which will nourish our spirit, mind and heart. There's nothing to feel guilty about when it comes to prioritizing our inner gifts and nurturing the inner-self. You will feel better when you give yourself the gift of your own attention. Not in a neurotic way but in one that will help you show up in your life as the true you and not a programmed, drained or distracted being.
"But I'm nervous." That makes sense! Digging deep into yourself and sharing your authentic self is a challenging and vulnerable task. What about the issues you've been trying to cover up until later? What about the secret you aren't willing to confess or forgive? What if someone gets hurt by your truth? What if you're not ready?
All of these are serious questions that only you can answer. This may not be the time for you if you are overwhelmed by fear. If you are under medical care or seeing a psychologist or counselor, I recommend that you seek their opinion before taking this course. Truth can be scary but that's usually when it's stuck inside of our heads and not when it's out on paper. Speaking our truth is what often sets us free.
You won't be going through the process alone. I will provide guidance and support, but let me be clear, it's up to you to do the work. Now, take a deep breath, trust yourself, trust the process, and enjoy the journey.
There are limited slots for "Becoming Undone: Unpacking Life's Weight" to ensure everyone's writing get the best attention, so don't delay to register. And yes, when sign up and participate in "Becoming Undone" you automatically
receive a 15% discount off a future online series offering!
When we are burdened and weighed down by life's stresses, we cannot see clearer nor can we be effective in our daily life. Life becomes dull and loses its true meaning. We begin to feel empty and lost, wondering if this is all there is to life. We feel disconnected and full of dismay more than love and joy. Poetry, the language of beauty, has a way of making us write honestly. When we give ourselves the space and permission to freely write and explore our inner landscape, we can see the vistas for what they are. We become ambassadors of our own voice and our collective stories. This "becoming undone" does not break us, it makes us whole.
My goal is to assist you, through this workshop, in your self-discovery and healing that you may learn and use tools provided to see and make room for your true and beautiful self. Until we are each whole we are broken.
Here's an overview of what we will explore each week:
Week 1: Sun. Oct 19, "Naming Things"
What is it you are you carrying, exactly?
Assignment due, Sat. Oct. 25, 9 a.m. (EST)
Week 2: Sun., Oct. 26, "Balancing Act"
How are you balancing the weight of it all?
Assignment due, Sat. Nov. 1, 9 a.m. (EST)
Week 3: Sun. Nov. 2, "Letting Go"
What might you have to let go of in order to travel your world more freely?
Assignment due, Sat., Nov. 8, 9 a.m. (EST)
Week 4: Sun. Nov. 9, "Repacking"
Now that you've taken inventory and sorted through what to keep and what to let go of, what's going to challenge your new packing list?
Assignment due, Sat., Nov. 15, 9 a.m. (EST)
Week 5: Sun., Nov. 16, "New Ventures"
What's your new vision, dream, hope of where you go next, now that you can?
Assignment due, Sat., Nov. 22, 9 a.m. (EST)
Each Sunday, I will email you a link with a video that will give the prompt/assignment and brief talk on the week's theme (you will also receive this in print). You will have until Saturday morning of that week to work on your assignment and email it to me before the next assignment, if you would like me to provide feedback both from a technical and a content perspective. My goal is to have responses to your assignment within 24 hours so that you can have it prior to the next assignment, hence the due date. I highly recommend that you do the suggested exercise during the week it is given, as each week we will build on what we learn the prior week. Nevertheless, I know life happens and we cannot always write/create when we want. So please do not let the "due date" or any other part of this add stress! This series is to help you creatively sort through what you need to do to rid yourself of unhealthy stress or at least better balance it. To that end, you do not have to send me your completed assignment. It is a benefit to the program but it is also optional.
Order of assignments/themes are subject to change.
What others say about our programs:
These workshops helped me a lot with dealing with my anger. | My self-esteem has improved. | She [Jacinta] was great and made me have a different outlook on poetry. | It made me get in touch with my feelings. | It was great! Definitely stirred my emotion for poetry. | Thanks for pushing the limitations in my mind. | This workshop exceeded my expectations. Continue to have more workshops. | I came with dread of the task but it proved to be an enjoyable and enlightening time. Thank you. | This workshop was not only about creativity and written expression; it was also about dialogue, friendship and growth. Thank you for a truly beautiful experience. | A feeling of understanding and peace took place. I don’t write poetry! Today, I learned to think of images, colors—I helped write a poem! Thank you. | Today, there were moments when I felt tears wail. | This series has made more of an impact on me than others I've taken. (see more here)
These workshops helped me a lot with dealing with my anger. | My self-esteem has improved. | She [Jacinta] was great and made me have a different outlook on poetry. | It made me get in touch with my feelings. | It was great! Definitely stirred my emotion for poetry. | Thanks for pushing the limitations in my mind. | This workshop exceeded my expectations. Continue to have more workshops. | I came with dread of the task but it proved to be an enjoyable and enlightening time. Thank you. | This workshop was not only about creativity and written expression; it was also about dialogue, friendship and growth. Thank you for a truly beautiful experience. | A feeling of understanding and peace took place. I don’t write poetry! Today, I learned to think of images, colors—I helped write a poem! Thank you. | Today, there were moments when I felt tears wail. | This series has made more of an impact on me than others I've taken. (see more here)
Purchase now to receive the "early-bird special" of $200 (This is a $50 savings! Rate jumps to $250 on Oct. 6)
This will include:
For questions & to pay by check or in installments, email me! Or click here to register today for "Becoming Undone: Unpacking Life's Weight"!
(Disclaimer: This workshop series is not to replace any medical or physiological treatment but, rather, to complement it.)
This will include:
- Weekly writing prompts
- Weekly responses, by me, specifically to your writing
- Weekly self-care tips
- Weekly suggested readings to accompany you on your journey
- A hub where you can post your writings for others participating to see
- AND 15% off of a future online workshop (within a year)
For questions & to pay by check or in installments, email me! Or click here to register today for "Becoming Undone: Unpacking Life's Weight"!
(Disclaimer: This workshop series is not to replace any medical or physiological treatment but, rather, to complement it.)
Since 2001, I have been offering quality, creative workshops to assist in the individual and community healing process. Our audiences range from children to older adults. Understanding the often complex issues hindering one's healing and to allow time for discovery and growth, our workshops are designed as a process and not a one-time event.