Following the guidance of Julia Cameron’s life-changing classic, The Artist’s Way, this 12-week program takes place in an intimate, hands-on and encouraging group setting. Participants will learn how to use the three Basic Tools for creative rediscovery: morning pages (reflexive, or purposeful self-reflective, writing), artist dates (solo play dates with your inner child) and weekly walks (at a responsible social distance, of course).

Did you know reflexive writing can help reduce stress, encourage personal development and build resilience? Together we will explore how these benefits affect our own creative growth through free-writes, introspective questionnaires and inspiring discussions. We will practice some of the exercises laid out in The Artist’s Way, learn how to interpret key terms such as the Great Creator, synchronicity and U-turns, and discuss the important role of creativity and reflection in our everyday lives.

Register for the full 12 weeks or drop by as often as possible over the duration of the program. You don’t have to be a practicing writer to attend – and your work will never be judged. You also do not need to share your work unless you want to. This workshop is not about writing well; it’s about using writing for well-being.

Please note: writing can unlock deep emotion; this class is not meant to replace professional therapy.

Week One: Recovering a Sense of Safety

Key concepts: Shadow Artists, Core Negative Beliefs and Creative Affirmations

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, June 14, 2020

Week Two: Recovering a Sense of Identity

Key concepts: Poisonous Playmates, Paying Attention and the Rules of the Road

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, June 21, 2020

Week Three: Recovering a Sense of Power

Key concepts: Synchronicity, Anger as a Road Map and Dealing with Criticism

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, June 28, 2020

*Taking a break for one week (Canada Day Weekend)

Week Four: Recovering a Sense of Integrity

Key concepts: Honest Changes, Buried Dreams and Media Deprivation

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, July 12, 2020

Week Five: Recovering a Sense of Possibility

Key concepts: Limits, the Virtue Trap and Forbidden Joys

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, July 19, 2020

Week Six: Recovering a Sense of Abundance

Key concepts: The Great Creator, Luxury and Money Madness

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, July 26, 2020

*Taking a break for one week (August Long Weekend)

Week Seven: Recovering a Sense of Connection

Key concepts: Perfectionism, Risk and Jealousy

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, August 9, 2020

Week Eight: Recovering a Sense of Strength

Key concepts: Gain Disguised as Loss, Age and Time, and Filling the Form

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, August 16, 2020

Week Nine: Recovering a Sense of Compassion

Key concepts: Fear, Enthusiasm and Creative U-turns

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, August 23, 2020

Week Ten: Recovering a Sense of Self-Protection

Key concepts: Workaholism, Drought and Competition

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, August 30, 2020

*Taking a break for Labour Day Weekend

Week Eleven: Recovering a Sense of Autonomy

Key concepts: Acceptance, Success and Weekly Walks

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, September 13, 2020

Week Twelve: Recovering a Sense of Faith

Key concepts: Trusting, Mystery and Escape Velocity

Date: 2:00pm - 3:00pm, September 20th, 2020

About our Host: 

This workshop is facilitated by Carolyn Grisold, M.A., whose Creativity Unlocked reflexive writing workshops have been running since 2014. Carolyn’s graduate studies focused on using reflexive writing as a way to help prevent workplace burnout, but there are many other benefits to this expressive art – such as rejuvenating our inner artist, developing a sanctuary through regular creative practice or simply finding more joy in daily life. Carolyn is a graduate of The Humber School for Writers where she completed a poetry collection with mentor Olive Senior.

Accessibility Level: Easy. This workshop can be accessed online through our Boomerang at Home online feature. This is a video conference experience that can be accessed via Mobile, iPad, and Computer devices. Your device must have a microphone and/or camera to participate. 

Read our community Community Guidelines for Online Workshops & Discussions.