This morning I danced to a playlist I have been listening to for a few months, filled with lyrical instrumental tunes and pulsing African rhythms that put me in an especially spacious mood for movement play. Allowing my body its joy, I was filled with such glee, all I...
Dancing alone in my studio this morning to the delicious melodies of my favourite music playlist, how good it felt to move. When I dance, I not only move my physical being, I move to the inner rhythms of emotions, sensations, pieces of information gathered in recent...
When I teach Loving Inquiry, I consider myself a creative mentor. Not only am I inviting other writers to dive into the free fall of their imaginations, I am required to do my own imaginative free falling. Just as I encourage my students, I have to trust I can...
Painting by Christie Oades It was a day full of delicious creative, collaborative meetings. The first with my writing sisters, with whom I am co-authoring a book called Women Writing Alone Together. We have been meeting like this for over 5 years, writing and reading...
Loving Inquiry is a practice that invites us on a journey of creative exploration and spiritual contemplation. As we reflect on our thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, desires, challenges and creative visions, in words, we learn about who we are and what matters to...
I love supporting students to explore their writing and develop their authentic expression. As a mentor, my gift is in paying attention. Being present to my students’ stories, to their thoughts, feelings and how they interpret the world, helps me to understand...
It’s a special time of year: twinkling lights, harmonies of holiday music and the cultural delicacies we have waited for all year-long. A unique time to pause and be grateful for just this breath, this moment’s presence, the gift of this life with its...
A wondrous dream realized. This joy of being. Playful, mysterious and miraculous. A process of gestating, midwifing and birthing creativity in community. This exhibit allows women artists to devote ourselves to our creative gifts, while offering these precious...
The performance of a new story or role can transform a person’s life, but only if the story is performed for the correct audience… a person arrives at a sense of authenticity in life through the performance of his or her stories to an appreciative audience, with a...
3rd Annual Art Exhibit by students and alumni of Loving Inquiry. Showing the creative process of ten Island women: Adele Storm, Linda Underwood, Selena Barwin, Norma Hoeppner, Helen Hinchliff, Sam Barlow, Charlene Wolff, Jane Mackenzie, Premilla Pillay and Dr. Ahava...
Welcome to Strong On the Inside, a project funded by the BC Arts Council through the ArtStarts in Schools program, SD 64, and Opus Art Supplies, Victoria. Aertist-facilitators Ahava Shira and Sam Barlow meet with a group of students weekly at the high school. During...
She is young and very ancient. She lives on the border between naiveté and wonder. She craves blessings, being, becomings. She is internal, eternal. She lets her curiosity flow. Her non-judgement is a vista of peace. She listens to the knowing within her unknowing....
The Salt Spring Public Library is pleased to present an art show created by the Writers of the Square Table. This intergenerational group has been meeting weekly to express, listen and share their diverse literary and visual explorations. Through their connections,...
On Thursday, June 11 from 1-3pm, I return to UBC to give a workshop for professors and students of the Faculty of Language & Literacy on Writing Alone Together. In a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, how do we help ourselves and our students connect...
Experience writing as a catalyst for personal growth, creative self-expression and mutual support. Discover a place of connection and belonging in a circle of creative inspiration and compassionate witness. Through the four practices of Writing Alone Together, you...
Welcome to my new website. Please have a look around and learn more about my work at the Centre for Loving Inquiry. I would also love it if you could share the website with friends whom you feel would benefit from the teachings....
A creative practice is something we do over and over again. Whether inside the pages of a particular journal, with paint on canvas or with the body in space, we open and respond to whatever is calling for expression in the moment, surrendering to the sensual act of...
When the path through the forest is dark & tangled and you need some light to shine on it When the stormy wind blows and leaves you pummeled and nothing seems to fit When the deep blue ocean makes you shudder and you need some calm waves on the spit When...
Poetry has been a tool for me to slow down, reflect on my experience, recognize and honour the fears and discover new ways of being with myself and others. It has helped me to develop trust in my creative process. Space One arm twisted behind my back stopping...
One of the greatest gifts that you can bring to your journal writing is your own inward permission to write freely.~Stephanie Dowrick As I sit here and start to write these words, I feel a knot of tension in my solar plexus, and nudges of anxiety in my lower belly....
Are you a writer wanting support to free your unique expression? I'd love to hear from you. Contact me to book a one-on-one session by phone, Skype, or in person.
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