In these two 2-hour workshops, led by Amherst Writers and Artists Affiliate Facilitator, Diana Damato, we’ll look at the connection between poetry and mindfulness.

“Though their authors might never have heard of ‘mindfulness’, they help us fathom it, and practice it. It’s the nature of their craft to bear witness to the here and now.” – say Phyllis Cole-Dai and Ruby Wilson, editors of Poetry of Presence; An Anthology of Mindfulness Poems.

They describe a poem’s appearance, itself, with space around it, as an island in the middle of the page, something that slows us down so we can consider it.

We’ll read poems about mindfulness or related to it, reflect on and write responses related to what they spark from our memories and imaginations, and discuss, sharing our writing if we choose (with guidelines for responding.)

This is a great opportunity to learn about and practice poetry and its relationship to mindfulness. All level of experience welcome, from beginners to those who have written previously.

The anthology’s editors say, “Whether or not we have a formal mindfulness practice, poetry can help us keep (or regain) our footing in a world of tremendous upheaval.”

When: Two separate Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., August 25th and September 22nd.

Where: Monadnock Mindfulness Practice Center, 103 Roxbury St., Suite 301, Keene, NH

Suggested donation: $10 - $15 per time. Participants may sign up for one or both sessions. It’s not necessary to have done the first to sign up for the second one. Space is limited so please register by contacting Diana Damato at dlbdamato@gmail.com or calling 603-209-4002.