Collegeville Institute hosts one-day yoga and writing workshop September 28, 2023 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment On September 23, the Collegeville Institute hosted Embodied Writing: Moving and Creating in Community, a one-day yoga and writing workshop led by Ellie Roscher. 13 participants gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis to experience deeper embodiment, healing, and wholeness through writing, breath, and movement. In the days leading up to this workshop, participants were asked to think about the following questions: “What are you doing when you feel at home in your body? Which of your spiritual practices are embodied? What are the barriers to you experiencing your body as home?” With these questions in mind, Ellie led workshop participants through simple breath work, body movement, writing prompts and discussion to unlock their body stories, increase their embodied sense of freedom and agency, and create a space where all could feel safe and belong. “I didn’t know what to expect from the combo of yoga and writing,” wrote one participant after the workshop, “but they worked together quite well and I loved incorporating movement and words and letting the one impact the other.” Another said, “The organized emphasis on embodiment and faith is a RELIEF! And so beautiful.” Ellie—who teaches yoga at Up Yoga and writing at The Loft Literary Center and the Minnesota Writing Project, and who is the author of books including The Embodied Path, 12 Tiny Things, and Play Like a Girl—brought a wealth of yoga and writing experience to the day. “Ellie Roscher is a gifted teacher and leader,” wrote a workshop participant, “pulling us quickly into a safe space of sharing as well as a place to more fully explore our unique artist-selves.” Participants described the day as a meaningful and beautiful experience. “Hidden, personal truths were revealed to me during our writing time that will affect my journey going forward,” wrote one. Another commented, “[I learned] that I can…pause in my writing work to breathe, to pay attention, to notice what I’m feeling.” A third participant wrote, “I was able to deepen my listening, embrace new questions, and sink deeper into my body. The time flew and I was grateful to have spent the day with the people in that room. This was an important day for me.” Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
