Journal Magic: Explore, Create, Socialize

**I will be on maternity leave from February through the end of March 2023. While I will not be responding to inquiries during this time, please feel free to message me if you or your writer would like to be added to the waitlist. Upon my return, I will follow up with you to see if you are still interested. 

The scheduled upcoming classes beyond February are also tentative. If you'd like to be updated through the waitlist, just message :) Happy New Year!**

A journal can become anything you need it to be: a sketchbook, a planner, a diary, a notebook. It’s a great tool to use to explore who you are and what you believe, to inspire you when you are blocked, to ground you in your own guidance, among many other things. In this on-going class, through weekly exercises we use the journal as a kind of medicine to take care of ourselves, as a place to imagine, and as a space to dream, to plan, and create.

This class is good for those who want to establish a regular journaling practice, explore writing and art without judgement, especially if you do not think you’re very “creative” or “artsy,” (I believe we all are in one way or another), or if you want to be more mindful with your time and what you do during these times.  

I’ve been keeping a journal since I learned the skill of writing when I was seven and it’s been an anchor throughout my life. I’ve used it as if it were a garden and I’ve watched myself grow. It’s my hope that learners leave this class with more tools and skills to feel confident, independent, and inspired.

Each week, we will use a prompt or exercise to further explore in your journal, using four categories: self check-ins, art, lists, and intentions. 
- Self Check-Ins focus on digesting/processing emotions through questions and reflecting back.
- The “Inspired By…” series will focus on art journaling using various artistic mediums and inspiration: poetry/writing, painting, mixed media/collages, doodling, etc. We might also use muses to inspire us: things in nature, artists, authors we admire, etc.
- Lists are a great way to both process things that are happening and brainstorm new ideas, and we’ll be doing both through prompts.
- Intentions will be sessions focused on intention-setting (creating mindful goals), planning, and organizing our days.

Class Structure
Each class session will loosely follow the agenda below:
Introductions (5 min)
Breathing and grounding (2 min)
Journal Prompt and Examples (5min)
Journaling Time (10-15min)
Sharing* (10-15min)

*Note that learners will never be pressured to share. It is up to them whether or not they would like to. Sharing is meant to build community and develop confidence, but there will always be the option to opt out. Sharing via the Outschool classroom, Chat Box, or directly to the instructor only is also recommended.