Discover The Magic of An Ordinary Day during this online wandering & writing workshop with Sue Emm. The workshop will be delivered via Zoom to whichever room or space you find yourself in.

The day will begin with a short presentation and some relaxing, mindful writing exercises to encourage focus and attention through the senses. Participants will be invited to discuss and share responses in small, friendly breakout rooms on Zoom. A shared reading of Norman MacCaig’s poem, An Ordinary Day, will follow before we break for lunch.

After lunch, participants will be invited to select an indoor or outdoor guide to The Magic of An Ordinary Day. It will then be your time to wander, discover, reflect and respond to the guide in your own way in your chosen place or space – indoors or outdoors.

The final part of the day will be a sharing and reflection gathering on Zoom, and a celebration of our creative responses & interpretation of The Magic of An Ordinary Day.

This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced writers alike. Although the focus is on writing, you are free to respond in your own preferred creative medium. Sketches, photos, music and voice recordings as well as words are all warmly welcomed.

Schedule

This session will be taking place online via Zoom. Please book your place via Eventbrite here. When joining, please ensure that your mic is muted unless you are speaking. This session may be recorded for archival and promotional purposes, so please switch off your video feed if you do not wish to be included in this. Please join early to avoid delays (there may be a queue, the host will let you in to the session).

Once you have claimed a ticket you will be sent an email with a Zoom link and password. Please contact us at info@openschooleast.org if you do not receive this information.

You do not need to be an artist to attend this session and you do not need to attend the whole day.

11-11.10am: Welcome, health and safety induction, aims and objectives of the day  
11.10-11.50am: Presentation with mindful moments of writing embedded 
11.50am-12pm: Tea/coffee break 
12.12.30pm: Breakout rooms on Zoom – respond & share creative responses to the exercises
12.30-1pm: Whole-group poetry reading and responses
1-1.45pm: Lunch break 
1.45-2pm: Briefing for the afternoon and sharing of guides (indoor and outdoor versions available) with instructions
2-4pm: Use this time to wander, discover, reflect and create in response to your surroundings at a relaxed pace
4-5pm: Zoom tea and share invitation: Share & celebrate your responses & creations that have made your ordinary day magical

Practical information

Please wear suitable footwear and weather appropriate clothing for the walking segments of this workshop. You will need materials for recording your responses to the guided prompts – pen & notebook, smartphone, sketchbook etc. 

Optional Pre-Reading: 
An Ordinary Day by Norman MacCaig
Taking a poem for a walk
Does walking really improve your creativity?

About the artist

Sue Emm (MA Creative Writing, Creative Writing & Wellbeing Tutor) is a wanderer, writer & tutor with a passion for nature, storytelling, poetry & art. As a member of Lapidus International, the words for wellbeing association, her teaching practice is underpinned by a nurturing approach to the creative process.
@wanderingwithwords
@suewritinghaven 

Accessibility info

Walking & Wandering: If you are planning a walk or wander outside, particularly if you are going somewhere new or on your own, remember to let a family or friend know where you are. Prepare for the weather and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If wandering with friends or family members – adhere to current guidelines about social distancing and recommended ‘social bubble’ groups. 

Wellbeing: Words, images & connecting with your surroundings can be powerful experiences. Treat yourself with care and compassion and steer away from topics that might feel a little overwhelming or a trigger for past trauma. You will be invited to write, sketch, paint, collage, take photos or record in any way that is meaningful to you in response to the guided prompt. These are your fledgling creative responses to your experience and if you decide to share them in the workshop to follow, you will be welcomed with kindness, respect, compassion and encouragement.

The Magic of an Ordinary Day Guides: You can choose an indoor or an outdoor guide or try both. These guides can be used on long walks or short wanders to connect with your immediate surroundings.