Collegeville Institute hosts “The Sacred Ordinary” yoga and writing workshop March 7, 2024 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment On February 24, the Collegeville Institute hosted The Sacred Ordinary, led by Ellie Roscher, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. At this one-day yoga and writing workshop, fifteen writers—all from Minnesota—participated in simple breath work, body movement, and writing prompts designed to help us experience deeper embodiment and draw closer to God, ourselves, and each other. The day centered around the idea that the present moment is shimmering with holiness—we just don’t always notice it. Throughout the workshop, Ellie encouraged writers to practice noticing: noticing when the Divine enters our everyday moments, noticing the shimmer of holiness in the mundane, noticing the sacredness of the present moment—and inhabiting it with intention. Throughout the day, this noticing practice took multiple forms: we did basic yoga and breath work exercises, read and analyzed short essays together, and had plenty of time for solitary, focused thinking and writing. “There was a good balance of bodywork and time/space for writing,” wrote one participant after the workshop. “The pacing felt just right,” commented another. “Lots of time to focus and write in large chunks, plus short writing bursts, and yoga. I felt both productive and relaxed: not an easy balance to strike!” Participants with all levels of writing and yoga experience described feeling supported and inspired by Ellie’s teaching. “Ellie does a wonderful job leading with intention and care, joy and seriousness,” wrote one participant. “I felt held and supported,” another said, “but also trusted, empowered, and autonomous.” “Ellie allows people to be who they are,” wrote a third, “heal from their wounds, and embrace the love and goodness within them. And to just write.” Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
