Falling into Winter

In the middle of what is considered by many to be the busiest time of year, you may wonder why I've included a picture of a hammock and lounge chairs!

I took this photo to remind you (and myself) to enjoy these last days of fall. Outside my window is a beautiful Japanese maple, covering the ground with a carpet of burnt orange and rust-colored leaves.

Fall is a wonderful time to settle in and get to some of those projects you've been putting off. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Don't overfill your schedule. Make sure you allow some time to just sit quietly by yourself instead of rushing off to another activity amidst the busyness.
  

• Don't use the holidays as an excuse to stop writing. Even a few minutes a day writing in your journal can be helpful.

• If you do New Year's resolutions or goal planning for next year, look at what you did accomplish this past year. We tend to focus on what we didn't do instead of what we did.

• Treat yourself or someone you care about to the support of a writing community. Check out the brand new International Association for Journal Writers for more information.

Take good care and remember to Write Now!

Susan

Writing & Wellness Connections Conference

Just back from Atlanta, Georgia where I attended the Third Annual Writing & Wellness Connections Conference.

I did a workshop called "Me, Myself and I: The Healing Power of Dialogues." Dialoging is a great technique I've used for decades.

Even before I was a psychotherapist, I was involved with gestalt therapy. You may have heard this therapy referred to "Two-Chair Work." It involves creating a dialogue between two parts of yourself that are somehow at odds or struggling with one another. By placing the two parts in conflict on the chairs (say your head and your heart or your child part and your adult part), you move back and forth dialoguing until a conclusion is reached.

In the 70's, I began to apply this method to writing. The written version looks somewhat like a screen play, with each of the parts or characters having their say. You can add as many characters or parts as you would like or need. You can also dialogue with other people, with your body, with your work, with a situation and so on.

This particular conference is unique in that it is multi-disciplinarian, which only serves to add to its richness. Medical professionals, therapists, teachers, writers and poets gather together. We share a passion for the healing connection between writing and wellness.

Check it out at http://www.wellnessandwritingconnections.com

Announcing the International Association for Journal Writers

Lots happening in the journaling world!

Most exciting is the announcement of the brand new International Association for Journal Writers (IAJW). Under the skillful leadership of Ruth Folit, founder of the popular LifeJournal software, the IAJW is taking off.

Visit the site to find out more, and be prepared for all kinds of great journaling information including articles, tips, audio recordings and upcoming classes provided by Journal Council members, including yours truly!

The Journal Council is made up of two dozen or so journaling experts from around the globe. Click here to find out more information and how you can become a member of this exciting new organization!

Also, coming up on Saturday, October 24th, is the Third Annual Writing & Wellness Connections Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll be speaking at the Conference Saturday morning on "Me, Myself & I - The Healing Power of Dialogue."

For more information, visit http://www.wellnessandwritingconnections.com If you live in the Atlanta area, you might want to check it out. On-site registration is available.

The Writing and Wellness Connections Conference was founded by John Evans and brings together writers, teachers of writing, therapists, healers and physicians --- anyone who has a passion for the healing power of writing.

Take good care and remember to Write Now!

Susan